HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Southern Miss has defensive issues with only four starters returning, but cornerback C.J. Bailey doesn't see many problems in the secondary.
Bailey had 10 starts last season as a redshirt freshman and was productive, making 40 tackles, breaking up 10 passes and recording two interceptions. His performance earned Conference USA All-Freshman recognition, and he has been selected as a preseason first-team all-conference choice by Athlon Sports.
"I gained a lot of experience last year, and I've got to build on it," the Moss Point, Miss., native said as the Golden Eagles continue preparations for the Aug. 30 opener against Louisiana-Lafayette. "I made some mistakes, I learned from them, and I became a better player."
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By KIM SHUGART
what section are the UL tickets?
The name of the DB in the article is CJ Bailey seems real familiar. Did we recruit this guy and maybe he orginally committed to us before signing wity USM. He was a freshman all CUSA. Seems we lost a good one.
I've been following the USM websites and they don't seem to be too worried about playing us as an opener. Most are predicting a 45-3 victory for USM. They are looking ahead to Auburn the following week. I hope the team is doing the same. However, it will be the first game for the new coach and the season opener, so the team should be ready. I think this will be a hell of a game, whoever wins it. It is definitely a winnable game for UL. I am predicting an upset win!
hope to see all of yaw in hattiesburg. we will have plenty of room, food, and infinitly more important beer. we tailgate in loyalty field right next to the east side of the stadium. hope yaw join us. bring your boudan and we will cook it up to.
southern miss
Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns followed Sunday’s day of rest with a good practice on Monday afternoon. The team worked for two hours in full pads under partly cloudy skies and cool, but humid, conditions.
Monday’s practice featured middle drill, a team period and a pair of two-minute drills.
The team had its worst practice of the fall last Monday, as some of the players hadn’t refocused following their day off. This Monday’s practice was much different, receiving high praise from the head coach.
“I thought it was a good practice,” head coach Rickey Bustle stated. “We came out focused and got better.
“Last Monday was the only day (of camp) that we didn’t get better. The coaches had to push (last Monday) and get after the players a little bit, but we didn’t have to do that (this Monday).”
The first team offense was able to covert their two-minute drill into a touchdown thanks to a deep pass by Michael Desormeaux to Jason Chery. The defense stymied the second team offense on downs before the offense could get into field goal range.
“(Monday) was the first time we’ve done the two-minute drill,” Bustle said. “We have to get better at it. We’ll work on it some Tuesday and do it live on Wednesday.”
Monday’s work in full pads was not planned by the coaches to motivate the players following their day off. The team followed its regular schedule and will do the same on Tuesday with a walk through in the morning followed by practice in shorts and shoulder pads at 3:30 p.m. The team will end camp with a scrimmage on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
When it comes to blocking kicks, the numbers don't lie at UL.
Since 2002 the Ragin' Cajuns have blocked 32 kicks - the third-most in the country during that time behind Texas (39) and Fresno State (38).
The program has never gone more than five games without blocking a kick since head coach Rickey Bustle took over in 2002.
"Our philosophy is to put your best players on special teams," said Bustle, who works closely with UL's special teams. "If a guy gets tired you rest him on offense and defense."
The Cajuns also have a potent weapon in senior kicker Drew Edmiston, who is a preseason all-Sun Belt selection this year. Edmiston has converted 21-of-27 field goals and 58-of-62 points-after attempts in the past two seasons.
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Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • August 19, 2008
There’s been little that’s gone according to Rickey Bustle’s rebuilding schedule at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Three seasons ago, the Ragin’ Cajuns took what appeared to be a significant step forward for the program, claiming a share of the Sun Belt Conference’s championship with a 6-5 record — the school’s first winning mark in 10 years.
Since then UL has gone 6-6 before stumbling to a 3-9 record after an 0-5 start a year ago — matching the same low mark Bustle endured in his first year at the school.
“We were probably a little ahead of schedule when we won the conference,” Bustle said. “There were other things that had to be changed in the program and they’re starting to change now and I’m excited about that.
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By WILLIAM WEATHERS
Advocate sportswriter
Folks on this board often get admonished for being "negative nancies," but what did people over there expect? Our job as fans is to bring unbridled optimism into the new season. It's why preseason is fun! Hope springs eternal!
For all golden eagle fans, here ya go:
"We have no chance to win this game, and if we do, it would be because of massive mistakes by your team. Why do we even play? We suck. I hate my team"
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