Everything you wanted to know about the Ragin Cajuns, but were...

[Guest Crawfish]

The Cardinals first opponent, Louisiana's Ragin Cajuns have published it's online media guide. If you have any questions about the Cajuns, many of them are answered here:

 

http://ragincajuns.com/custompages/MediaGuidepdfs/Football/2012/FB%20Guide%20Entire%20(1-108).pdf

[Guest smith]

This guy was their QB when we played them in 1989:

 

 

 

[puddin tane]

OO-La la?..i miss "go to hell,usl,go to hell"

[LU1991]

OO-La la?..i miss "go to hell,usl,go to hell"

That was our theme song for usl....I remember it well.

[Guest Crawfish]

Oh sorry, wrong forum. I thought someone may wannt to discuss sports, like key matchups, personnel, etc. I was unaware that the Football folder was only for smack and fluff.

[LUSportsFan]

I appreciated the post linking the media guide. Looking through the roster, I found out the Cajun's have two freshmen from a high school in my area, (West Houston/Katy). Both of the players were from Katy High School. If they are half as good as the school has been in football for the last 15 - 20 years, they will be good pick ups.

[Mike]

Oh sorry, wrong forum. I thought someone may wannt to discuss sports, like key matchups, personnel, etc. I was unaware that the Football folder was only for smack and fluff.

 

 

They're just having fun Crawfish, don't let it get to ya. Of course we all appreciate the info.

[Guest Crawfish]

No Problem, I am just anxious for some football talk, it has been a long offseason.

 

To me the most interesting matchups will involve Lamar's revamped offense VS the Cajuns talented but unproven defense. Last year the Cajuns graduated 8 starters on defense. There are several very talented new defensive players, especially at linebacker, but the question is how quickly can the defense come together. The offense is a veteran unit that lost only three key players; a super tight end who was drafted in the 3rd round by San Diego, a wide receiver, and a lineman. That said, it is the first game of the season so the offense sometimes sputters in early games.

 

Key offensive players for the Cajuns

 

Blaine Fournier is the lefty starting QB. Last season he set new school passing record despite not winning the starting job until like the 4th game. He is a dual purpose QB. Last season the coaching staff tried to discourage him from rushing on design plays, but this season he has a very talented backup in Sophomore Terrance Broadway (transfer from Houston, 3 star recruit) who is a similar style QB so I expect to see Blaine running a bit more.

 

The offensive line is a veteran unit that only lost one player from last season. There are several capable backups that got significant playing time last year to replace him. Another key offensive weapon is the sophomore running back Harris. He is a big (6' 2" 220) north-south type power runner who was offensive freshman of the year in the Conference. There are also some highly regarded new RBs coming in who are "scat back" types, but they are unproven so far.

 

I expect the Cajun offense to feature the run more this season than last because of talent available now that was not available last season. That said, the Cajuns have several speedy receivers, and they can strike quickly (an example was the 29 second game winning drive against SDSU in the NO Bowl) Make no mistake, with a receiver corp like they have and 2 QBs who can rifle the ball down the field, they will try to pass.. a lot.

 

I was able to watch 10 of the Cajuns games on ESPN3 last season and also 3 or so Cardinal games. I was able to see the Cajuns in person playing in the NO Bowl also. Basically, I know more about the Cajuns than the Cardinals, even though I am a fan of both schools and attended Lamar. I live in California so I have not been able to attend a game in Cardinal Stadium since the program has been revived, but I would love to.

 

 

[Guest Crawfish]

On Special Teams, the Cajuns feature the most accurate active FG kicker (Brett Baer) in the country. Unfortunately, he does not kick deep, so kickoffs were an issue for the Cajuns last season after their freshman kickoff specialist (Hunter Stover) suffered a season-ending injury. The Cajuns will benefit from the new kickoff rules unless Hunter Stover comes back strong. Last season the punting chores were handles by Bret Baer and although his overall average was so-so, his placement was deadly. He pinned teams inside the 20 on several occasions, and this allowed the Cajuns to win the Field position battle. He also had a few onside kicks that worked fabulously.

 

Overall ST Weakness; kickoff coverage

 

Biggest ST Strength: tie, FG and punting

 

[panchovilla]

i wouldnt call out offense revamped and our defense is just as unproven as yalls so it should make for a pretty good game.

[Guest Crawfish]

When i said revamped, I was referring to the new QB and RBs the Cardinals have. I have been reading the forum for a while and I have read about the hopeful improvement in the running game. Maybe the entire offense will not be changed, but I from what I have read, I am under the impression that the Cards will run the ball better this season. Have I misread the posts about the offense?

 

I will readily admit that I do not know enough about Lamar's team, but I have been reading the forum for a couple of years now. Hopefully this year I will be able to see more Lamar games on ESPN3. The last Lamar football games I attended, Larry Kennon was the head coach. Jimmy Simmons was the Band director when I was in the Cardinal Band, so it has been a while.

 

I expect it will be a good game. I wish I could be there, because barring severe weather, this should be a really fun game to watch and a great atmosphere.

[puddin tane]

settle down, sparky

 

what we know right now ...I THINK we are gonna still be passing...so, somebody (not sure who) will be passing to somebodies (not sure who), or dumping it off to rb (not sure who) ..hopefully the line (not sure who) gives him time. Our Tight ends are very good.

 

defensively..our line and LBs should be good...i'm still skeptical about our secondary...I'm excited about our LBs..I think Beard and Washington are pretty darn good...and i think we have a transfer thats supposed to pretty good.

 

Crawfish...you went to LU, but are a USL fan?

[Guest Crawfish]

Thanks for the reply, regarding Lamar football.

 

I attended Lamar and I am a Lamar fan. I lived in Lafayette for 25 years and became a fan of the Cajuns, especially after Lamar dropped football. I tried to send a donation to Lamar to help save the program way back then, but the AD did not even acknowledge my letter asking how to do so. My daughter graduated from UL and many of my friends did as well. Whenever the Cajuns played Lamar in Baseball or basketball I always wore my Lamar stuff and cheered for the Cardinals. I have also attended many basketball and baseball games at Lamar when I was in town. I guess it is OK to be a fan of more than one school?

 

Disclosure: I also Like Texas A&M as many of my friends and relatives are Aggies.

 

I really was just wanting to talk about football, not my personal sports views, but since you asked, that is it. I have posted my story on here before so people who regularly read this forum should already know who I am. I also posted on here long before the Cajuns vs Cardinal game was even announced. Still in all, I guess with guardian fans such as yourself, the Cardinals do not have to worry out no "outsiders" becoming fans of the program; One thing lamar does not need is more fans right?

 

 

[coachacola]

Here's a quick look at Lamar's defense heading into practice:

 

Lamar's secondary should be better. They lost starter Tim Hayter and backups Allen and Clark. Steven Murray-Sesay is back after missing all of 2011. He had 35 tackles in 2010. He's #2 on the depth chart behind Branden Thomas at left cornerback, who was injured a lot last year (he had 44 tackles in 2010 as a freshman). The other starting DBs are back along with 3 new JUCO players on the 2-deep roster. This is an experienced group of DBs.

 

The linebackers should as good, if not better, even after losing starters Jacody Coleman and Asim Hicks. Beard and White played a lot of games last years as RS freshmen, they should only get better. Washington is back after missing the last 4 games last year. Longino was on the first team 2011 NJCAA All-America Team, he's projected to start this year for Lamar. Chavis and Malbrough are projected to be backup LBs.

 

Look at the defensive line. John Prescott started all 11 games last year, now he's #2 behind Dorsey at nose guard. Marcus Malbrough started 5 games last year at DE, now he's a backup LB. Blake Chavis started 5 games on the DL last year, now he's a backup LB. Dickson and Murrill are the projected starting DEs but I wouldn't be surprised to see Okafor take Murrill's spot in the lineup.

 

With Bill Bradley taking over as defensive coordinator I can't see how they cannot be a lot better than last year. They were one of the worst defensive teams in the country last year so I don't think we can expect a great defense, but just putting a decent defense on the field should make a big difference from last year.

[Guest CardAmbassador]

The most interesting matchup to me will be our defense against the Cajun offense. It sounds like you guys can run and throw it if this QB is setting school records.

 

Our defense was non-existant in some games last year. You guys being FBS I want to see how well we can do. Can our corners cover you guys? Can we get off of blocks in the run game? Getting off of run blocking was a huge problem for us. Our secondary was so small last year that they would just get pushed down the line by other teams receivers and anything on the outside of the tackles was just too hard to defend. I'd also like to see if our tackles can get any push on your larger O-Line.

 

I'm not going to put too much into our offenses performance, because our offense is definitely behind the defense in my mind.

[puddin tane]

I'm not going to put too much into our offenses performance, because our offense is definitely behind the defense in my mind.

 

Card Ambassodor, i see it just opposite..I think we can score points on just about anybody... keeping them off the scoreboard has me concerned...but as you may know, puddin ball doesnt include running...chunk that tater!! I think passing the ball is the great equalizer...you dont have to be the biggest/fastest to chunk it (kinda how Tech was under the freak leach...they never really 'outmanned' anybody physically)...the drawback to the is...too many 3 and outs , it gets ugly..Hopefully our new OC will work the middle of the field...whitten didnt seem to do squat with the middle of the field. we arent gonna replace JJ hayes ..but , that doesnt worry me...send a bunch of 'wes welker' clones running all over like ants everywhere...plus, we gotta get McVey involved...too good not to be catching passes....

 

Everytime the opposing teams dropped backed to pass, last year,...I cringed...I think pass defense is the hardest thing in college football...especially with a newer team....now..if we can get a few sacks and help out the dbs......

 

crawfish....you are taking life entirely too serious....................

[coachacola]

It should be interesting to see how much playing time 6'8 255 lb TE Cory Soto gets. With his size he should be a tremendous help in blocking, plus he should be an easy target to throw to.

 

Even though Moss and Berry are not as mobile as Bevil and Johnson were, they should be able to throw more accurately. With Kevin Johnson, Ford, freshmen Michael Handy,Glee Gladney and Jayce Nelson, plus a few other new faces, I think the passing game will be fine.

 

If Garrett can stay healthy and Sims actually plays and keeps his head on straight, the running game should improve which can only help the passing game. The big question is how long will it take for them to jell as a team.

[Mike]

It should be interesting to see how much playing time 6'8 255 lb TE Cory Soto gets. With his size he should be a tremendous help in blocking, plus he should be an easy target to throw to.

 

With Kevin Johnson, Ford, freshmen Michael Handy,Glee Gladney and Jayce Nelson, plus a few other new faces.........

 

Oyefeso

[Guest Crawfish]

I love the idea of a big receiving TE (Soto), especially if he can block. That type of players does not need excessive speed because he can just block his way into the secondary and suddenly he is open. Being 6"8" means that even if he is covered, he will tower over the coverage. This works great in short yardage situations.

 

"The most interesting match-up to me will be our defense against the Cajun offense. It sounds like you guys can run and throw it if this QB is setting school records."

 

One thing about the Cajun offense this season as opposed to next season is that last season is was mostly pass-oriented, hence the passing records. This season I believe the offense is going to transition to more of a run first offense, so in the first game or two they may actually experience some growing pains.

 

"chunk that tater!! I think passing the ball is the great equalizer..."

 

This Might work. About 1/2 of the Cajun secondary is new, so this may be an opportunity for opposing offenses. Last season the Cajuns D allowed the other teams to score a lot of points but did had several "pick 6s." Mainly the Cajuns just scored a ton of points so as to make the defense not matter so much. Several games were shootouts. Personnel wise, this years version of the Cajun D is much more talented than last year, but it may take time for the pieces to be in place for them to be an effective unit. The linebacking corp should be much improved over last season, but again it may take a little time for the unit to gel.

[AceHigh]

The Ragin Cajuns are a pretty decent D-I football team. I know they lost a stud to the NFL, but most everyone's returning, so they are gonna be tough as hell for us. If we hang with them, then this will be a nice indicator for sure (and I will be a bit surprised). I agree, crawfish, Soto should be a bigtime asset to the offense, at the very least, a good safety valve for the QBs. Another point for the offense this year is that the running game should be effective enough to make the passing game better. At least teams will have to figure in a defensive game plan against our running game when they play us.

[puddin tane]

i like the idea of big ole soto running routes...but McVey has great hands..he's gotta get thrown to, somehow....and i dont figure us for too many double TE sets....Sparks also showed some good stuff late last year @ wr...one thing i cant figure out...with Soto, mcVey and hanna at TE, why is Ploch there? i just dont get that...

 

Cajuns gotta be loving life right now...league doormat for a long time...