The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have added the McNeese Cowboys to their 2020 football schedule, both schools announced on Thursday.

Louisiana will host McNeese at Cajun Field in Lafayette on Sept. 5, 2020. The game will mark the 39th meeting between the two schools that are separated by only 77 miles.

In their last meeting in 2016, the Ragin’ Cajuns defeated the Cowboys 30-22 at Cajun Field. However, McNeese still leads the overall series against Louisiana 20-16-2.

The Cajuns now have three non-conference games announced for the 2020 season. Also scheduled are games at the New Mexico State Aggies on Oct. 24 and at the Missouri Tigers on Nov. 21.

McNeese is a member of the Southland Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Last season, the Cowboys finished 9-2 overall and 7-2 in conference play, but were not selected for the FCS Playoffs.

“This is exciting news,” said McNeese Director of Athletics Bruce Hemphill. “This is a historical rivalry that goes way back. A lot of our fan bases grew up knowing about the rivalry. It’ll be great for both communities to come together once again to renew this storied series.”

Future Louisiana Football Schedules