Day 9 - Scrimmage #1

Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns had their first fall scrimmage on Saturday morning at Cajun Field.

The scrimmage was scripted to keep each series to seven plays or less, preventing the offense from extending drives that would force the defense to remain on the field for a long period.

Traditionally, the defense should be ahead of offense during fall camp, but over the past few seasons that hasn't necessarily been the case for the Cajuns. If Saturday's scrimmage is any indication, the Cajuns defense is much improved and now ahead of the offense.

"Bodies were flying around everywhere, even on offense," head coach Rickey Bustle stated. "You have to have great effort and I liked seeing that.

"I thought the defense flew around today. We need to look at the film and evaluate how good or bad individuals did in order to see where we are as a team."

The offense moved the ball well in their first series until an interception by the defense.

Senior running back Undrea Sails had two carries in the first seven snaps and did not see the field for the rest of the scrimmage. Sails first run went for 20 yards, as he finished the day with 27 rushing yards.

Brad McGuire was victimized by three interceptions, the worst coming on a deflected ball deep down the left side. Dwight Bentley broke-up the pass, which popped into the air for Chris Richard, who returned the interception 75 yards for a touchdown.

McGuire had the play of the day for the offense, hitting Marlin Miller with a deep ball good for 49 yards.

"The quarterbacks made some bad decisions, but the receivers made some nice plays," Bustle added. "I was happy to see the offense make some plays. We have some playmakers out there."

Chris Mason's longest completion of the afternoon, a 37-yard strike to Pierre Hill, was called back due to a penalty on the offense.

Eleven different players attempted a rush, while 13 different player caught at least one pass.

The Cajuns offense was whistled for an uncharacteristically high eight penalties.

The defense held the offense to less than three yards per carry. They racked up five sacks, two apiece from Derreck Dean and Antwyne Zanders and one by Tory Day. Gerren Blount, Melvin White and Richard collected interceptions, while Ben Duhon and Brandon Nash had fumble recoveries.

The Cajuns will not practice on Sunday. The team returns to practice on Monday at 3:30 p.m. The second scrimmage of the fall is scheduled for next Saturday, August 22.


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