The 2008 Ragin’ Cajuns had what was dubbed the “Playstation Offense”, putting up staggering offensive numbers around a trio of superstars. An injury to starting quarterback Michael Desormeaux slowed the team some, but behind running back Tyrell Fenroy and wide receiver Jason Chery, the team continued to roll.

The 2008 Cajuns crushed the school record for total offensive yards (5,390 vs. 4,780 in 1995), completion percentage (63.5% vs. 57.7% in 2004) and touchdowns (54 vs. 46 in 1995).

Increases from the previous season were seen across the board, as UL upped its yards per play from 5.5 yards to 6.6 yards per play. The 2008 offense averaged 449.2 yards per game, compared to 386.6 yards the year before, and increased its scoring from nearly 24 points per game to over 33 points per game last season.

Over the past four seasons, the Cajuns have totaled 11,244 yards rushing and 109 rushing touchdowns in 47 games – an average of 239 yards and over two rushing scores per game on the ground.

Chery, Desormeaux and Fenroy all moved on, signing NFL contracts and leaving the Cajuns looking to fill the void.

The good news is that the Cajuns have stability from the coaching side, as offensive coor./OL coach Ron Hudson and passing game coor./QB coach Jorge Munoz both return. The team endured three consecutive seasons with a different offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2006-08.

Hudson and Munoz worked well together in their first season, producing the nation’s No. 7 rushing offense, No. 13 total offense and No. 24 scoring offense. The pair should benefit from a second season together tutoring the Cajuns young talent.

Quarterback

• The team needs to fill the void left by Michael Desormeaux, a two-year starter and 2008 Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year

• The Cajuns saw a fierce spring battle ensue between five quarterbacks.

• Sophomore Brad McGuire has the inside edge to win the job, starting vs. Arkansas State in 2008 and leading the team to victory when Desormeaux was sidelined with an injury. He continued to be the leading candidate for the job with excellent play during the spring until an injury forced him to the sidelines for the final week of spring ball.

• McGuire showed veteran composure in his only start last season. His second interception of the game was returned 29 yards for a touchdown with only 7:39 remaining, putting the Cajuns in a 23-14 hole. His second rushing TD of the game just 3:23 later closed the gap to 23-21. After a defensive stand, McGuire led the game-wining drive, completing a pass of 14 yards on third-and-eight and a 30-yard strike on third-and-14.

• Sophomore Chris Masson and redshirt freshman Blaine Gautier played very well in the spring to cloud the picture even further. Masson appeared in several games last season and shined as the No. 1 quarterback late into spring practice when McGuire was sidelined with an injury.

• A fall battle will decide the starter, with redshirt freshmen Keldric White and Brady Thomas still in the mix.

• The Cajuns will experience growing pains at the quarterback position. The young and talented group owns just one career start, 39 career passing attempts and three passing touchdowns.

UL SI