G12 Final: Louisiana 31, ULM 28

[RaginDave]

They only had 14 total seniors on the team

[Cajunsmike]

From game 1 to game 12 this Defense did a tremendous amount of improvement. After the CC game I wondered if this defense would go down as one of the all time worst in Cajuns history. To the credit of coaches and players they made small improvements each week. They are by no means a great unit, but they far exceeded expectations. I think the pass rush was the most pleasant surprise. We all know our limitations on the back end, so the front sevens push made the DB's jobs much easier.

Big key yesterday was having the defense relatively healthy. Garror, Gardner, and McDowell being available allowed the defense to use the little depth they have more effectively. Chauncey Manac being at 100 percent has been a key factor in the improvement as well. I agree the coaches and players should be proud of the improvement they made. No one can question preparation prior to the game and the in game effort.

[Cajunsmike]

They only had 14 total seniors on the team

Thanks for the update. Like I said earlier, I have lots of respect for what ULM accomplishes. If they are a fairly young team, they will continue to win some games in the next couple of years.

[CajunDreDog]

They only had 14 total seniors on the team

They introduced 15 yesterday during the senior day ceremonies.

[billbeck451]

I know some of their fans want a new coach

[cajun4life]

I know some of their fans want a new coach

They won’t ever get better than Viator.

[Cajun90]

Based on the lack of post can we assume MAT didn't make bail? It's Monroe....he's a UL fan. Might be hard to get out on the weekend! ;-)

[CajunT]

Based on the lack of post can we assume MAT didn't make bail? It's Monroe....he's a UL fan. Might be hard to get out on the weekend! ;-)

He's good, made it home last night.

[RaginDave]

They introduced 15 yesterday during the senior day ceremonies.

The announcers on TV said 14, but either way, 14 or 15 that is still a very young team.

[alum81]

How many times did the announcer get confusd about which team he was talking about?

I would say at least 4-5 times

[CajunStros]

For those of you who suggest this defense sucks (and several of you did during this thread), let's do a statistical comparison.

Caleb Evans is the most dynamic player in the Sun Belt Conference.

LAST YEAR VS. ULM
Evans 23-34, 345 yards, one touchdown
Evans 16 carries, 129 yards FIVE touchdowns

THIS YEAR VS. ULM
Evans 15-24, 201 yards, two touchdowns one interception
Evans 13 carries 24 yards

LAST YEAR VS. ULM
Evans 474 yards total offense, six touchdowns responsible

THIS YEAR VS. ULM
Evans 225 yards, one touchdowns responsible

LAST YEAR VS. ULM
Cajun defense gave up 526 yards

THIS YEAR VS. ULM
Cajun defense gave up 344 yards

LAST YEAR VS. ULM
Cajun defense no sacks

THIS YEAR VS. ULM
Cajun defense 3 sacks for -20

LAST YEAR VS. ULM
Cajun defense forced no turnovers

THIS YEAR VS. ULM
Cajun defense forced two turnovers

LAST YEAR: Cajuns' defense gave up 43 points in regulation (56 total)
THIS YEAR: Cajuns' defense gave up 21 points

We did this starting two walkons (Malbrue and Wallace were awarded scholarships after the spring game) and a converted WR on defense.

For those of you who wonder about the timing on using Levi Lewis...Lewis ALWAYS plays on the fourth series of each half. He generated ten points on his two drives Saturday. His touchdown pass to Mitchell was his sixth of the year. He has thrown one interception.

Nunez knows when Lewis is coming in. Him sitting out a series does not mess with anything because he's more mentally tough than that.

ULM was among the league leaders in TFL. We saw that in the second half. Their run defense is ridiculously improved since last year.

But our defense has come light years since the beginning of the season. And, I would say the game ball yesterday goes to the Louisiana defense for their ability to make Evans ordinary.

-
About the cigars:

The Cajuns brought 156 cigars to Monroe. They lit em up after the game.

In the locker room celebration, Napier said "Smoke em if you got em!"

I'm sure ULM will have something in their craw about that, just as they did with Hud throwing a touchdown pass on the last play of the game in 2012.

But who cares?

Re 2012:

They brought the house on what was supposed to be the final play of the game, we were already up by TD I think...Broadway threw it up and our guy ran under it. _____ those guys, they deserved it.

[barisaxman]

He's good, made it home last night.

Pretty sure I heard him call in to The Rage on his way home--said the first order of business was to
get the stench from Monroe off of him!!