The concerns appear to be valid for UL's football team considering the results.

Following subpar offensive numbers in losses at Southern Miss and Illinois to open the season, the Cajuns won three of their next four games while producing plenty of offensive fireworks. During that span, they averaged 46 points and 623.5 yards per game and had 11 touchdowns covering at least 50 yards - still the most in the nation this season.

Then quarterback Mike Desormeaux suffered a torn meniscus in the fourth quarter of a 59-30 win over North Texas on Oct. 11. Since setting the program's modern-day scoring record that night, UL's playbook was cut back and the offensive production has dipped as opponents have keyed on running back Tyrell Fenroy. Desormeaux even missed one game before returning to wear a specialty brace on his injured knee, which will require surgery after the season.

The rest of the story

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • December 1, 2008