Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Sun Belt
Louisiana reached their first ever bowl game last season, beating San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl. This year they are headed back to New Orleans to try and make it two in a row. The Ragin’ Cajuns were a surprise team in 2011 and the expectations were much higher for Coach Mark Hudspeth in his second year at the helm. Expectations are not something the Cajuns are used to dealing with, but they handled it very well.
2012 Record: 8-4, 6-2
Coach: Mark Hudspeth
Coach Bowl Record: 1-0
Big Wins: 11/3 at Louisiana-Monroe (40-24), 11/17 Western Kentucky (31-27)
Bad Losses: 10/16 at North Texas (23-30), 10/23 Arkansas State (27-50)
Strengths:
This is a balanced team, but the depth and talent of the offense stood out in 2012. Starting quarterback Blaine Gautier got hurt early in the campaign and Terrance Broadway, a sophomore transfer from Houston, was forced into action. Broadway responded by throwing for 2,526 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also tied for a team high eight rushing touchdowns and added 661 yards on the ground. With the help of possession receiver Harry Peoples and big play receivers Darryl Surgent and Javone Lawson, the passing attack has grown into a strong unit. The ground game has been a bit disappointing, but Alonzo Harris has had to deal with a rib injury that has hindered his production. Effrem Reed is just a freshman, but he has done a fine job when Harris has been out. With the emergence of Reed and Harris healthy, the ground game could be very, very good.
Weaknesses:
The Cajun’s defensive line has been very productive. Tackle Christian Ringo and end Emeka Onyenekwu lead a unit that can be very disruptive in the backfield. However, the pass defense has been a consistent struggle. There are some playmakers in the secondary like Rodney Gillis and Jermarlo Moten, yet the unit allows about 275 yards per game through the air. That allows the opposition to easily get back into the game if the Ragin’ Cajuns find themselves ahead. Oklahoma State dropped 65 points on Louisiana. Louisiana-Monroe and their potent passing offense tallied 50 points. With a match-up against a quality passing team, the Ragin’ Cajuns will have to win in a shootout if they hope to come away with another win in New Orleans.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Alonzo Harris, RB, 761 yards
Passing: Terrance Broadway, QB, 2,526 yards
Receiving: Harry Peoples, WR, 774 yards
Tackles: Justin Anderson, LB, 82
Sacks: Christian Ringo, DT, 6.0
Interceptions: Rodney Gillis, S, 5
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 178.55 (47th in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 264.27 (43, 4)
Total Offense: 442.82 (34, 3)
Scoring Offense: 34.82 (34, 3)
Rushing Defense: 143.45 (42, 4)
Pass Defense: 275.27 (107, 9)
Total Defense: 418.73 (80, 7)
Scoring Defense: 28.18 (64, 6)
Turnover Margin: -.27 (76, 7)
Sacks: 2.18 (46, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 1.09 (18, 3)
Recent Bowl Appearances:
2011 New Orleans Bowl San Diego State (32-30)
*all team stats through 11/24
