Midway through his postgame radio interview at Cajun Field following last Saturday night’s comeback win over Western Kentucky, as the UL band roared and his players danced, Ragin’ Cajuns coach Mark Hudspeth was approached by 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive tackle Jaron Odom and wrapped in a bear hug.

"Great job, Coach," Odom shouted over the noise to Hudspeth.

"I love you," Hudspeth answered back.

That’s the bond Hudspeth has developed with his Cajuns in his two years as their coach.

But for 18 seniors who’ll be recognized prior to today’s final home game of the season vs. South Alabama, the relationship is winding to a close.

So, too, are their ties to the stadium they call home, one in which UL has lost just once — last month to Sun Belt Conference-leader Arkansas State — since Hudspeth arrived.

"It’s gonna be something special," Odom said of today’s Senior Day. "Playing at Cajun Field "» is something I always cherish, and it’s gonna be real tough to not ever play a game here again after today."

Easing the pain, however, is the renaissance UL has enjoyed since Hudspeth arrived.

During his first three years as a Cajun, Odom — and all of the other fifth-year seniors like him — did not enjoy a winning season.

UL went 6-6 in 2008 and 2009, then dipped in 2010 to 3-9, resulting in the firing of the head coach who recruited them,

Rickey Bustle.

Those were tough times.

But after two years’ worth of good ones, including a visit to the New Orleans Bowl last December and a likely return trip there next month, careers are coming to a close.

"It’s gonna be awesome," senior kicker Brett Baer said of his final opportunity to play at Cajun Field.

"Some of these guys, like me and (quarterback) Blaine (Gautier) and a bunch of other guys, have been here through the bad times, and now people almost expect us to go to a bowl, and the whole attitude of the athletics department has changed. It will be emotional, but fun."

One of those who has been through it all is Odom, who arrived 2008 from Carver Ranches, Fla., and Boyd Anderson High without a lot of hype.

He’s emerged as a starter for most of three seasons, and hasn’t missed a start this season or last.

Hudspeth calls the large tackle someone who has developed and matured not only as a football player but also "as a man" over years.

"Man, I love that guy to death," Hudspeth said. "He’s a guy that’s been here through the thick and the thin. He’s not a transfer; he’s been here through the long-haul."

Like so many others, he gave Hudspeth and his new staff a chance after Bustle was let go.

And now here they all are, about to play on Cajun Field one last time.

"You really appreciate those guys buying into your system," said Hudspeth, whose 6-4 Cajuns can still finish 9-4, just like they did in 2011.

"To me, they (this year’s seniors) took the success that last year’s senior group had, and they wanted to build on it and continue that success," he added. "And here they are now "» and we’re fortunate enough that we have an opportunity to match last year’s record."