Game Day: UL versus Middle Tennessee

Louisiana’s Ragin’Cajuns (6-2, 4-1) are coming off their first conference loss to Western Kentucky 42-23 last week and look to rebound against the explosive Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2-4, 1-2) in Murfreesboro, TN. at 6:37pm.

The Cajuns look to rebound this week at Middle Tennessee after suffering their first conference lost for the season to Western Kentucky last week. UL took it on the chin as the Hilltoppers rushed for over 234 yards, rolling up a total of 507 yards of offense. This week the Cajuns hope to change their fortunes against the Blue Raiders and their high octane offense, what are the keys for a Louisiana victory?

Get Crucial Stops on Defense

Middle Tennessee’s offense is ranked 20th in the nation, averaging over 470 yards per game this season. The Blue Raider’s offense has been especially in rhythm that past three games averaging over 500 yards in total offense, 172 of that coming on the ground. MT will come out running and throwing the ball, moving the chains methodically down the field. The Cajun’s defense will need to get more pressure up front at times, forcing the Blue Raiders in third and long situations. UL cannot get in a track race up and down the field with Middle Tennessee, key stops and the field position battle with be keys for a victory.

Win the Turnover Battle

The Cajuns are ranked 18th in the country in creating turnovers with 17 on the season, including six returned for touchdowns. Creating turnovers has been a huge part of the Cajuns success during the six game winning streak and will be necessary for UL to be successful in slowing down the Blue Raider offense today.

Win the Field Position Battle

UL’s punter Brett Bayer has been nursing a sore hamstring the past few weeks and his punting average has suffered. In addition to that, the Cajuns have lost kick-off specialist Hunter Stover for the season with a torn ACL injury. The Cajuns will face an up hill battle with changes at long snapper and kick-offs, because field position will be critical in this game. UL cannot afford to give the Blue Raiders high octane offense short fields to begin drives on.

Run the Ball Effectively

With Qyen Griffen out this week due to a concussion he received in the Western Kentucky game, the rotation will be one back down. The inability to run the ball in the redzone cost the Cajuns dearly in last weeks game and if they are going to have a chance to win the game today, they must be able to move the chains at times on the ground. In order for the Cajuns to set up some big play opportunities down the field, QB Blaine Gautier must do a better job of running the zone read. Gautier will have to run more this week to keep the Blue Raider’s defense from keying on the running backs all game. Middle Tennessee has allowed its opponents to rush for 192 yards per game and the Cajuns must take advantage of the Blue Raiders weakness on defense to make them respect the run.

Take Advantage of Big Play Opportunities on Offense

If the Cajuns can run the ball effectively, the potential to make big plays down the field will be their for QB Blaine Gautier and the receiving core. If the UL offense can mover the ball on the ground, MT will have to make a commitment to stop the run, creating some mismatches in the secondary against their two small cornerbacks with Green, Lawson and Surgent. Moving the chains and using the clock is a must for the UL, but if the big play is available down the field for the Cajuns, Gautier must take advantage of it. Plays of 20 yards or more have played a huge roll in Louisiana’s success this season on the field.

The Cajun’s Win If

If UL plays their type of football game, winning the field position, creating turnovers and making big plays down the field on offense they will walk away today with the win. Make no mistake about it, this game will be a high scoring event and if the Cajuns get a few more stops on the defensive side of the ball, it will be just enough to put them over the top. If Middle Tennessee jumps early on the Cajuns by several scores, it could be a very long day for UL fans.