UL's defense seeks quick solutions

[NewsCopy]

Play of the UL defense seems to have declined since peaking midseason, and statistics do not disagree.

Since yielding a season-low 168 yards in an Oct. 22 win at Arkansas State, two outings after it allowed only 196 in an Oct. 5 win over Texas State, the Ragin’ Cajuns defense has yielded no fewer than the 363 yards in did in last Saturday night’s 30-8 loss at South Alabama and as many as a 481 in a 35-21 win Nov. 16 at winless Georgia State.

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[zephyr]

Wait, I thought there was nothing to worry about? I thought there should be no criticism of the defense while we're winning (you know because when you're winning its all good) and the aberration that was the last two games was strictly due to turnovers?

[RaginScotsman]

I didn't realize the statistics were that bad from the stAte game onward, although it's not surprising. The turnover margin hasn't helped, but this defense needs the same spark it got in early late September-October.

[CajunProud]

I didn't realize the statistics were that bad from the stAte game onward, although it's not surprising. The turnover margin hasn't helped, but this defense needs the same spark it got in early late September-October.

If by "spark", you mean better coaching/scheme, then yes, I would agree.

[CajunNation]

If by "spark", you mean better coaching/scheme, then yes, I would agree.

Apparently, we have the worst secondary in the country.

Cause they sure are doing everything they can to not play man to man.

[CrazyCajun]

Apparently, we have the worst secondary in the country.

Cause they sure are doing everything they can to not play man to man.

Hopefully that will change, went man in 2nd half against south al and shut them out

[CajunProud]

Apparently, we have the worst secondary in the country.

Cause they sure are doing everything they can to not play man to man.

It would appear that way, but it is hard to say since we have rarely, if ever, seen them play anything other than the soft 15 yard cushion/zone. Either the coaches seriously missed on the recruits and their abilities, or the coaches don't know what they are doing with regard to x's and o's, or we have the athletes, but they do not understand what the coaches are trying to do. I guess we'll find out shortly.

[ULGrad@HOU]

Yeah, the statistics reflect what we all (most) have been seeing. A defense that played well for 4 games this year, Nicholls, WKU, Ark St, and Tx St and struggled in the others. You can't get turnovers by allowing the receivers to catch the ball first, then decide, hey, let's close in on this guy and make a tackle, but first let him run another 10 yards. We are not getting a big push up the middle to disrupt those short pass plays, and when we do, the QB gets outside and either completes a pass or gains enough yards for a first. Our defense lacks aggressiveness and surprise, and they react to the offense, letting them dictate the tempo.

Having said all that, I honestly believe this defense can have a great game against Tu-lame. Why? Because, they match up well against their offense. They can be stout against the run, and Tu-lame isn't a great passing team. By shutting down the run early, they can get Tu-lame out of their comfort zone and pass more, hopefully causing more mistakes, possibly some turnovers. This is key, we must win the turnover battle...must. The Tu-lame QB is not near as good as what we've seen the past 2 games and with a little pressure, he can be rattled. I think our coaches will have a good game plan to cause some havoc, like they have done for the past 2 bowls. I am somewhat excited that we will see a good defensive outing, if the offense can hold it's own, UL will be victorious!

[BayouRichard]

We have been playing way to safe on defense. Time to change parties from conservative to being a radical. Let the defense loose and kick some buttocks. Geaux Cajuns!!!

[CrazyCajun]

I would rather get beat going all out and trying something new than getting beat doing the same thing.

[Just1More]

This article is strange. The title is "UL's defense seeks quick solutions"... but Hud doesn't aknowledge anything wrong with the defense. He compliments it. If the HC likes his defense, exactly who's on the hunt for a solution?

Prepare to see "8 Men Lost In Space"... coming to you live on December 21st... in the New Orleans Superdome!

[anhil8tor]

We need pressure up front. Our front four played their best game against stAte and it showed. No pressure since.