I find this thread rather interesting, because every year a discussion arises about "are UL, La Tech, ULM recruiting the same players as McNeese or NWST?" That will always be open for vigorous debate ( we really wanted Kory Raymond to be a Cowboy). However, I can say this with some degree of certainty that McNeese coaches had a great deal of respect for your "recruits." We felt coming into the game that UL's front six on defense (4 down lineman & 2 corners) were as good as any mid-major program we had previously faced. For McNeese to be successful in its offensive scheme, it was believed that we had to exploit the linebackers and the safeties. It was reasonably successful; however, UL took away our "lateral" game do to the pursuit of the corners.
On defense, we felt that if we could take away the zone read running game with Fenroy/Desormeaux we would stop the passing lanes and force UL to stay "one-dimensional". It worked for us. However, if UL had used more "mis-direction" it waould have greatly comprised our scheme and our speed. UL did it once with the touchdown scored by #18 ( I think).
This excercise is not meant as an insult to the UL team or the fans, but a view from a competitor of our fears when playing you guys. We could not compete with your depth, your home field, and your lateral speed. We had to take away what you did best, protect the football, and hope we could survive. We got lucky on one night and that one game changed the fortunes of two football programs.
So, I guess my point is that I do not feel that firing Ricky Bustle will solve the current problems in the program. Any new coach will have to build with what is left in players. Sometimes that is good; sometimes that is bad. I think UL has good recruits but poor execution. There does not seem to be redundancy in the offense and defense. . . in a word depth. When you can build that depth during reps in practice and in games, you build confidence into the young talent that is already there. Losing Hundley was big because his talent (pro style passer) causes an opposing team to change defensive schemes that they had not practiced for. Depth requires good position coaches that know what their specialty can bring to a game. Versatilty and the ability to adapt to game changes are the real key to good coaching. Does Bustle and his staff have it? I don't know. But, losing 4 key coaches from the previous year has probably changed the dynamic with game preparation. Remember, coaches have to have the proverbial "chemistry" before the team can.
UL has 30% of its players from out-of-state. it takes strong coaches to get these kids from various backgrounds to play as a team. I think that is all that is lacking. The "we" is greater than the "I". Can UL build the depth for next year? Maybe. Its going to take good chemistry and for coaches to challenge the players to get to the next level. Can it by done? Yes. Appalachian St. did it to Michigan. Bustle needs to start now . . .I think he has the kids to do it; he just needs to tap in to all who are there in the program.
To all UL fans, please forgive my long-winded dissertation. McNeese fans have more respect for your program than you will ever know.