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The last time Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Rickey Bustle looked up at the scoreboard in Tiger Stadium it read LSU-48, ULL-0.
This Saturday, Bustle returns for the first time since 2002, this time with what he said he thinks is a much better team in which he has much more confidence.
“The number one thing that stands out for me is that I’ve got 83 players on scholarship,” said Bustle. “Last time, I only had 65 or 70. I didn’t even remember some of my players names. We’ve been together for four seasons now and our character is strong.”
One of two players left on the team who played in the fledgling season under Bustle’s tutelage is fifth-year senior Chester Johnson. Johnson said the route was a learning experience for him and the rest of the Cajun’s team.
“I can’t really put it in words,” he stated. “We were just going against a better team.”
<center><p><a href="http://vermilion.louisiana.edu/issues/20060830/News001.shtml" target="_blank">The rest of the story</a>
Author: Grant Alexander
The Vermilion
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Are they going against a better team this time?
“No,” Johnson said. “I really do believe we can play with anybody in the country right now. We have to have no mistakes and we need to force some turnovers.
“It’s one of the toughest stadiums to play in. But, from what I remember, once you get on that field, everything just zones out and it’s all about playing football.”
Making his first trip to Tiger Stadium will be junior cornerback Kyle Ward. Ward walked on and earned a scholarship last season. He said he knows the Cajuns’ defense will have its hands full with the Tiger’s explosive offense.
“They just do so much,” said Ward. “Looking at their game film from last season, it seems like they have a different game plan for almost every game.
“You have to be disciplined. You see things and you think they are going to do one thing, but they might not. You just really have to be disciplined and play your position.”
Bustle said he is glad to be playing at a school as close as LSU, because the Cajuns’ fans can travel to watch the game.
“We’re excited about playing LSU,” admitted Bustle. “It’s a place where we can bring our fans. Obviously we’ll be a little outnumbered, but I know we’ve sold all the tickets they gave us and I think it is just good that our fans can come watch us play.”
One Cajun fan, Brent Hulin, a senior public relations major, said he is exzzcited to see the Cajuns play an in-state school.
“I am always down on the 50 yard line rooting on the Cajuns to victory,” he said. “I make sure to make all the games the ultimate experience. I bleed red... enough said.
“We believe the Cajuns are going to prove that they have what it takes to hang with a national powerhouse. Whether we win or lose.... the Cajuns will put up some points this week. I am really excited about this year’s team. I am getting ready for another trip and that’s to the New Orleans Bowl baby!”
But, regardless of the opponent, Bustle said he and his players are just ready to get the season underway.
“We’ve been working hard through camp and we still have several days of hard work,” said Bustle. “Now, I’m ready to get this season underway.
“We’re excited to be playing LSU, but we have play with our emotions under control.”
Any predictions from Bustle?
“You can’t predict what’s going to happen in a game like this,” he said. “We’ve just got to go out and not make mistakes and make some plays on special teams.”
No matter what the outcome, Bustle said the bottom line is clear.
“We’re a much better football team than we were last time.”
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