Louisiana Christian Achieves Historic Upset Over Northwestern State
The 2026 college football season commenced with a significant upset as Louisiana Christian University triumphed over Northwestern State, winning 42-37 at Turpin Stadium in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Northwestern State initially led the game 10-0 and maintained a 27-14 advantage at halftime. However, Louisiana Christian responded with two touchdowns shortly after the break, briefly taking the lead before Northwestern State regained it with a field goal. Louisiana Christian then surged ahead with two more touchdowns, including a notable 52-yard pass from Bryce Perkins, securing a 42-30 lead that Northwestern State could not overcome.
This victory is historic, as Louisiana Christian became only the second NAIA team to defeat a Division I school, following Sioux Falls' win over North Dakota in 2009. Louisiana Christian's Perkins threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Datlan Cunningham contributed 117 yards and two scores.
