Its pretty easy for us as cajuns fans to comprehend, if our D is in fact much improved which I think they are, this will be a much more competitive game than anybody outside of cajun nation believes. Why do I believe this D will be much improved over losing most of our D Line and some secondary members? First, the DT who is coming back couldn't even crack the starting lineup on the depth chart for week 1. He was a little banged up all fall but the development of our other guys was substantial. Our DE's are both bigger and faster than last years starters that we lost but both played a lot last year. We start a Freshman at CB but he has earned the spot over veterans who played a lot last year. His coverage skills are probably the best of our CB's which is why he gets the nod over other guys with more experience. Our entire D rotates a lot of people at every position. We may have a lot of youth but they are experienced. The entire D has bulked up tremendously this year and they have gotten faster. Next, once we had our entire unit on the field for the last 3 games of last year, they allowed a little over 300 yards a game in total yardage. This ocurred once they all got on the field at one time. I believe this D will be faster, stronger, bigger and much more aggressive. Do I think they will turn into LSU's D? Of course not. I do expect them to be a different unit though.
Our offense is experienced all over the field but especially in the skill positions. Our line is young but they've all been playing for at least a year. Our sophomores have more experience than most juniors or seniors on a lot of teams. Our line is well coached and smart. Our skill players are going to be amongst the best in the SBC and if Des is throwing like the coaches are indicating, Smith and Chery will have great years as they are deadly after the catch.
I hope the USM team is taking us as likely as the fans. If you are foolish to go by last year's stats, that is your mistake. This team is coming ready to play. I saw this change in attitude at the last couple of scrimmages and this team is coming to prove something.