Luke Johnson: Cajuns are close, but they won't turn the corner until they get better at QB

[fanof71]

Hopefully the young man from Eunice will upgrade the center position...and I know that there are several JC or prep school tackles on the recruiting list. While the guards are young and improving, I wonder if any of them can pull, target, and hit anyone outside of a 10 yard window...

[Just1More]

Not neccassarily. Good pass protection comes from length and agility more than strength. Run blocking requires to to create gaps and move people off of their spots. In pass protection OL catches the pass rush and just has to hold ground. It's more finess than anything else.

You know way more than I do about offensive linemen... but I kind of doubt we'll recruit "pass blockers" in lieu of "road graders". What I think is lacking is two things: 1) too much focus on the big shadow a recruit casts - without focus on his agility, and 2) the ability to coach BOTH pass blocking and road grading. I'm hoping that 1 and 2 failed somewhat this year due to the inexperience of the OL... and we'll see marked improved next year.

[Just1More]

Improving the OL should be the No. 1 priority in the off season. It was not only an issue last night but in several earlier games as well. Every time we were in a long yardage situation, I cringed for Jennings last night as I knew he was about to be pummeled. It does not matter who the QB is or how the offensive play calling goes, it will be meaningless unless play in that unit improves. Discussing anything else may have valid issues brought up but it pales in comparison to this need.

I completely agree, Mike. But Jennings has proven to be adequate against inferior opponents... just like our OL... and inadequate against better opponents... just like our OL. I thought he would have a little better escapability than he does. And despite knowing he has a good arm... he thew a lot of wounded ducks. I'll give some of the problems he had to the OL... but when UL faces better opponents... even in the SBC... we are going to have to have a playmaker at QB. We don't run a cerebral system. We're probably never going to amaze people with pass protection under Hud. We need the second coming of Brian Mitchell for Hud to "earn his million".

[31Ragin97]

what kinds of things can be done in the offseason, to improve it?

I thought it was said size isn't our particular problem.

[Boomer]

what kinds of things can be done in the offseason, to improve it?

I thought it was said size isn't our particular problem.

---Tell ya what---we need 2-3 LBs cause the guys we lost were VERY VERY GOOD players!!!

[mxt3999]

I don't think we need "the second coming of Brian Mitchell." That's a little bit much. We just need a serviceable QB. Gauthier and Broadway had success under Hud, so it's not impossible. Unfortunately we fell for the "He sucked in the SEC but he will dominate against the inferior SunBelt" trick. And we got burned

[Just1More]

I don't think we need "the second coming of Brian Mitchell." That's a little bit much. We just need a serviceable QB. Gauthier and Broadway had success under Hud, so it's not impossible. Unfortunately we fell for the "He sucked in the SEC but he will dominate against the inferior SunBelt" trick. And we got burned

Was that quote from Hud? "He sucked in the SEC but he will dominate against the inferior SBC"? And yes... Hud better shoot for a Brian Mitchell. Both Blaine and Terrance got hurt in Hud's offense. Hud needs the arm, legs, head, and power of a Brian Mitchell. Hud is not a cerebral coach. As you witnessed... he thought Anthony Jennings "sucked in SEC... but would dominate at UL". Right? Or did Hud get trumped by a Ragin Pagin fan and forced to use a different QB than he wanted?

[ULGrad@HOU]

Until this offense can establish a passing game, this team will always be mediocre, able to beat poor teams, not able to compete with top G5 or middle P5. I don't see it happening under Hud. Too many problems for him to overcome including his own philosophy.

[CajunNation]

Luke is correct.

There were a few game turning plays where Jennings had all the time he needed, the receivers were open, and he wasn't close. The TV announcers saw this , and Luke saw this.

This is why I HATE worshiping at the altar of the "dual threat" QB.

[cajun4life]

Luke is correct.

There were a few game turning plays where Jennings had all the time he needed, the receivers were open, and he wasn't close. The TV announcers saw this , and Luke saw this.

This is why I HATE worshiping at the altar of the "dual threat" QB.

I'm with you. I want a QB, if he can run then great. But I'd rather have a guy who could carve up a defense and make heady decisions than a guy who wows at a combine.