2007 Football preview and offseason fan talk

[RaisingCajun08]

Mike can pass. I think he does (or did) lack the ability to throw an accurate deep pass. But in my opinion, Babb was horrible when trying to complete a deep pass. I think everyone on this board would agree that Babb gave us 4 GREAT years. Since Mike is more athletic, I expect more from the QB position this year. We are in good hands.

Is it time for kickoff yet?

[NewsCopy]

Middle Drill is the most physically demanding aspect of practice Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns strapped on full pads for the first time this fall, working 11 periods and then an additional conditioning session on Wednesday. Both sides of the ball performed well for the first day in full pads. “It’s a lot of fun (to be in full pads),” said Cajuns defensive line coach Shawn Quinn. “There is only so much you can do defensively as far as the physical work. “It’s always good to get live full speed work to see where the guys stand with their strength and conditioning.” The recent addition of full pads led to the first middle drill of the season. The Cajuns offense battled the defense in running situations with both sides flexing their muscle. “There’s always going to be some good plays on both sides,” stated Quinn. “Our emphasis is winning the battle up front on both sides of the ball. “Escaping blocks and stopping the run is key to a great defense.” The final practice period was a team period. Once again, both sides showed their abilities. The offense broke a long end around, while the defense was in the backfield several times to disrupt the quarterback. “We made some nice plays,” added Quinn. “I think we are farther ahead in terms of understanding the defense than we were in the spring. We are sounder fundamentally in knowing what to do. “We talk about getting better everyday and the team needs to keep fighting through the elements to improve.” The Cajuns will enjoy their first two-a-day practice on Thursday with workouts at 8am and 3:30pm. RaginCajuns.com

[NewsCopy]

Wednesday was one of Rodney Hardeway's favorite days of the year. UL's football squad worked out in full pads and had full-contact drills for the first time in fall camp, and the Ragin' Cajuns' senior and preseason all-conference pick was ready. "I was looking forward to this," Hardeway said after UL's Wednesday workout. "It's been hard to hold back the last couple of days. We're anxious to get ready and to get better as early as possible." The Cajuns worked out for just over two hours Wednesday, and held some drills for the first time because of the full-pads dress. UL conducted a middle drill with the offensive and defensive lines squaring off full-speed for the first time. The rest of the story Dan McDonald dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com

[NewsCopy]

There's a lot more to UL's program to prevent heat problems than just drinking fluids. But that's still by far the most important part of what the Cajun staff does to insure the safety of its athletes. "We have Gatorade and water everywhere," said UL assistant athletic director and director of athletic training John Porche. "You can't over-drink. Rest and food are important, but the most important thing we do is get a significant amount of liquid into them." Porche has three full-time assistants and 11 student assistants on the field with the football squad during its preseason camp, and that group is at its busiest every 30-40 minutes during practice at scheduled breaks. During that time, players get off their feet in shaded areas and drink unlimited amounts of sports drink. The rest of the story Dan McDonald dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com

[CajunKate]

This is great to read. I worry about our team in all that heat. This article made me feel a lot better. Thanks, Dr. P and student staff!

[ljr3721]

"We have Gatorade and water everywhere," said UL assistant athletic director and director of athletic training John Porche. "You can't over-drink. Rest and food are important, but the most important thing we do is get a significant amount of liquid into them."

While it is rare, I hope Mr. Porche is aware of the possibility of water intoxication...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxication

[ulforlife]

I had the chance to go out and catch some of practice yesterday at about 5:00 and it was a great atmosphere. The guys we hustling to and fro, and even when not involved with a particular drill some where off to the side by themselves doing maneuvers to practice the little things. The contact seemed to be better than I had seen last year and the attitude is a good one.

I also went inside the indoor facility and after seeing it without the turf and thinking it was huge, i now have seen it with the turf and let me tell you it is HUGE.

Also, in response to what a lot of people have complained about with there being no air conditioning inside the field section of the facility. At 5:00 pm yesterday it was still considerably hot outside with the humidity and everything, but when i walked into the indoor practice field it was surprisingly cool inside. With the doors rolled up and the fans running (which are amazingly quiet! ) it seems like it will be a great place to go in weather inclement conditions. I am very proud of the facility. When the field gets painted it is going to be classy.

Can't wait to catch another practice!

[rhineaux]

_ While it is rare, I hope Mr. Porche is aware of the possibility of water intoxication...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxication _

I think that with all the sports drinks and stuff they're taking in, that would reduce the effects of the low sodium and such, which is what I think the link is referring too.

Additionally, they are not drinking excessively in the same manner because they are excreting both water and salt through their pores. the water they are intaking is replacing what is lost. In cases of "water intoxication", there is no net fluid loss.

[ljr3721]

_ I think that with all the sports drinks and stuff they're taking in, that would reduce the effects of the low sodium and such, which is what I think the link is referring too.

Additionally, they are not drinking excessively in the same manner because they are excreting both water and salt through their pores. the water they are intaking is replacing what is lost. In cases of "water intoxication", there is no net fluid loss. _

You are correct. Water intoxication can only take place from drinking pure water, and again, it is VERY rare. But some atheletes may choose water over sports drinks, so it could still be an issue.

The fact that they are sweating, however, adds to the problem. The issue is that the sweat contains lots of salt which they are not replenishing by drinking water. This causes cells to absorb more water and swell.

[rhineaux]

_ You are correct. Water intoxication can only take place from drinking pure water, and again, it is VERY rare. But some atheletes may choose water over sports drinks, so it could still be an issue.

The fact that they are sweating, however, adds to the problem. The issue is that the sweat contains lots of salt which they are not replenishing by drinking water. This causes cells to absorb more water and swell. _

Not trying to come off like I think you're wrong or that I'm right...

you are correct that you excrete salts and such in sweat as well. but I the article read that all of their meals during this stretch are mandatory, and I am sure that part of the reason for this, in addition to creating team unity, is that they are taking in a certain balanced nutritional plan that helps to compensate for the stuff they lose daily.

Unless, however, the cafeteria (assuming they are eating in the one downstairs in the union) is serving the garbage they normally serve, in which case its a crap shoot. then again, me and my buds used to go to the dining area upstairs in the union about once a week. When they served the meat loaf, we would call it salt lick, in fact we nicknamed the place salt lick because the meat loaf tasted so salty.