The Ragin' Cajuns were one of the surprise teams of last year posting a 9-4 record under their first year with head coach Mark Hudspeth. They finished third in the conference with a 6-2 record, and went on to defeat San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl. With 13 starters returning, this could be the best team in the conference. You can follow the odds and find expert picks on the Cajuns this year at Football Free Picks.
Offense
The Cajuns fielded one of the best offensive units in the conference last year. They averaged almost 400 yards of total offense per game, leading to 32.3 points per game. This squad returns nine starters on offense and could be even more productive in 2012.
After Blaine Gautier beat out senior Chris Masson for the starting quarterback position, no one really knew what to expect. Gautier would prove his worth and throw for 2,958 yards, setting a new single-season school record 23 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. He was also second of the team with 486 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He earned 2nd Team All-Sun Belt honors and the expectations are at an all time high for him heading into the season.
True freshman running back Alonzo Harris was another guy who stood out as he rushed for a team-high 700 yards and eight touchdowns and was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. The Ragin' Cajuns are hopeful that Harris can build off his freshman season and put up over 1,000 yards in 2012.
The Ragin' Cajuns are in a very good position moving forward as they also have one of top playmakers in the conference at wide receiver returning. Javone Lawson burst into the scene to lead the team with 63 catches for 1,092 yards and eight touchdowns. They also return fellow starting wide outs Harry Peoples and Darryl Surgent. They do lose one of the best tight ends in the conference in Ladarius Green, but junior tight end Ian Thompson is ready to step into the starting role this year.
The offensive line should also be stronger as the Ragin' Cajuns have four starters coming back up front, including two of the conference's best tackles in Leonardo Bates and Jaron Odom.
Defense
The Cajuns' defense took a huge step in the right direction with the progress they made under Hudspeth. This unit was able to hold opponents to 29.8 points per game in 2011 after giving up 37 points per game in 2010. With only four starters coming back on this side of the ball there are some growing concerns on whether the defense will be able to hold up this season.
With the additions of Georgia transfer Jalen Fields at defensive tackle and Mississippi transfer Delvin Jones at defensive end, they will feature a defensive front made up of former SEC recruits. They also expect to move senior defensive tackle Cordian Hagans to the starting lineup.
Louisiana Lafayette needs key players to step up at linebacker if they want the defense to take the next step in 2012. They lose 1st Team All-Sun Belt linebacker Lance Kelly and fellow starter Devon Lewis-Buchanan. Things may not be as bad as previously assumed as they are intrigued about the potential of sophomore middle linebacker Jake Molbert. They also have senior LeMarcus Gibson coming back.
Louisiana loses key pieces in the secondary in 1st Team All-Sun Belt corner Dwight Bentley and starting strong safety Lionel Stokes. They do add another highly touted transfer in Darius Barksdale, who will immediately start at strong safety. They also move starting free safety Jemarlous Moten to corner, giving them a dynamic duo at corner with the return of Melvin White.
Sun Belt Prediction - 1st Place
Last year wasn't a flash-in-the-pan for this program and they have the potential to turn some heads this year. Players will have a better understanding of the new systems that were installed last year. While the defense may not be as good, they do not need their defense to shut opposing teams down to win games. They arguably feature one of the most explosive offenses in the conference and they should simply look to just out-score their opponents every time they're on the field. The Cajuns also have a very favorable schedule inside the Sun Belt. Their only tough game might come against Troy on the road, but they get FIU, Arkansas State, and Western Kentucky at home and have three very winnable road games at North Texas, ULM and Florida Atlantic.
Offense
The Cajuns fielded one of the best offensive units in the conference last year. They averaged almost 400 yards of total offense per game, leading to 32.3 points per game. This squad returns nine starters on offense and could be even more productive in 2012.
After Blaine Gautier beat out senior Chris Masson for the starting quarterback position, no one really knew what to expect. Gautier would prove his worth and throw for 2,958 yards, setting a new single-season school record 23 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. He was also second of the team with 486 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He earned 2nd Team All-Sun Belt honors and the expectations are at an all time high for him heading into the season.
True freshman running back Alonzo Harris was another guy who stood out as he rushed for a team-high 700 yards and eight touchdowns and was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. The Ragin' Cajuns are hopeful that Harris can build off his freshman season and put up over 1,000 yards in 2012.
The Ragin' Cajuns are in a very good position moving forward as they also have one of top playmakers in the conference at wide receiver returning. Javone Lawson burst into the scene to lead the team with 63 catches for 1,092 yards and eight touchdowns. They also return fellow starting wide outs Harry Peoples and Darryl Surgent. They do lose one of the best tight ends in the conference in Ladarius Green, but junior tight end Ian Thompson is ready to step into the starting role this year.
The offensive line should also be stronger as the Ragin' Cajuns have four starters coming back up front, including two of the conference's best tackles in Leonardo Bates and Jaron Odom.
Defense
The Cajuns' defense took a huge step in the right direction with the progress they made under Hudspeth. This unit was able to hold opponents to 29.8 points per game in 2011 after giving up 37 points per game in 2010. With only four starters coming back on this side of the ball there are some growing concerns on whether the defense will be able to hold up this season.
With the additions of Georgia transfer Jalen Fields at defensive tackle and Mississippi transfer Delvin Jones at defensive end, they will feature a defensive front made up of former SEC recruits. They also expect to move senior defensive tackle Cordian Hagans to the starting lineup.
Louisiana Lafayette needs key players to step up at linebacker if they want the defense to take the next step in 2012. They lose 1st Team All-Sun Belt linebacker Lance Kelly and fellow starter Devon Lewis-Buchanan. Things may not be as bad as previously assumed as they are intrigued about the potential of sophomore middle linebacker Jake Molbert. They also have senior LeMarcus Gibson coming back.
Louisiana loses key pieces in the secondary in 1st Team All-Sun Belt corner Dwight Bentley and starting strong safety Lionel Stokes. They do add another highly touted transfer in Darius Barksdale, who will immediately start at strong safety. They also move starting free safety Jemarlous Moten to corner, giving them a dynamic duo at corner with the return of Melvin White.
Sun Belt Prediction - 1st Place
Last year wasn't a flash-in-the-pan for this program and they have the potential to turn some heads this year. Players will have a better understanding of the new systems that were installed last year. While the defense may not be as good, they do not need their defense to shut opposing teams down to win games. They arguably feature one of the most explosive offenses in the conference and they should simply look to just out-score their opponents every time they're on the field. The Cajuns also have a very favorable schedule inside the Sun Belt. Their only tough game might come against Troy on the road, but they get FIU, Arkansas State, and Western Kentucky at home and have three very winnable road games at North Texas, ULM and Florida Atlantic.
About the Author:
Jack Jones is a professional handicapper who writes and provides picks for Betfirms.com. You can visit there now to read more about the Ragin Cajuns' upcoming season.
No comments:
Post a Comment