High expectations for the Cajuns as fall camp begins

[Big Buds]

Unless we can create at least four turnovers, or get two big special teams plays (doesn't have to be a return for TD, but blocked punt/FG, big return inside UT's 10), we will need to play turnover-free football ourselves to win.

If we are +2 we win a tight one. +4 We are running away with the game.

[zephyr]

This is when Levi is going to have to step up. I defended him at length last year to some here who wanted anybody but him in the game. This is his time. UT is not gonna let us run for 200+ yards against them and we're going to have to be balanced on offense to move the ball and more importantly, score. I think the defense will keep us in the game but the offense needs to step up and be offensive.

[Scott Malkinson]

I did notice Lewis no longer has the hitch in his throw like the last 4 years. Hopefully that helps cut down on his balls floating on throws past 20 yards. We have to take the top off the defense to have a great season. I don't care how good a leader you are, you have to hit the deep ball or put some who can in.

[ULGrad@HOU]

Good points made by both zephyr and Scott Malkinson. I Agree.

[IHateLaState]

Just win baby

[Rainman66]

This is when Levi is going to have to step up. I defended him at length last year to some here who wanted anybody but him in the game. This is his time. UT is not gonna let us run for 200+ yards against them and we're going to have to be balanced on offense to move the ball and more importantly, score. I think the defense will keep us in the game but the offense needs to step up and be offensive.

I agree with being balanced, but I will side bet you that the Cajuns do rush for more than 200 yards against UT. Will they attempt to take away the run and force LL to pass, absolutely. But I make this statement based upon 3 beliefs.
1. The OL will be improved this season. More success running and more time to throw.
2. LL will be allowed more latitude to tuck the ball and run.
3. LL will be a better passer this season, opening up the run more, as well.

[Rainman66]

I don't disagree with what you say about development and intangibles, and Coach Napier and his staff have brought every bit of that into our program.

However, I agree with ULGrad@Hou that despite its recent way-underachievement, UT football is still recruiting, and has always recruited, in another stratosphere than Louisiana football. There is nothing wrong in understanding that, and an objective person understands that means a natural talent disadvantage.

I believe their RB, who was a freshman last season, is a future Top 20 draft pick, and very likely a future Heisman contender.

Unless we can create at least four turnovers, or get two big special teams plays (doesn't have to be a return for TD, but blocked punt/FG, big return inside UT's 10), we will need to play turnover-free football ourselves to win.

The talent gap is REAL and is a factor, but is also less than it has ever been in our history. So while in the past, we will really had to thread a very small needle that is no longer the case.
I agree the more mistakes we make the less chances there is for a win, BUT what is different with Napier and his teams is that mentally they can overcome a mistake and don't panic.

On paper, UT will have to run the ball to succeed against the Cajuns defense. Rookie QB for the Horns, along with a new offensive system against a veteran, successful defensive backfield is a tough ask.

Eventhough Coach Napier is an offensive-minded coach, the biggest ON THE FIELD change I have seen in the Cajuns has been on defense. Having the kind of defense we displayed last season, and anticipate having this season, keeps you in pretty much every game.

[moorecajun]

I'm with you Rainman! We have come a long way in a few years. We now have the size, strength, speed and depth to play with the "name" schools. The team that plays the best will win.

[zephyr]

I agree with being balanced, but I will side bet you that the Cajuns do rush for more than 200 yards against UT. Will they attempt to take away the run and force LL to pass, absolutely. But I make this statement based upon 3 beliefs.
1. The OL will be improved this season. More success running and more time to throw.
2. LL will be allowed more latitude to tuck the ball and run.
3. LL will be a better passer this season, opening up the run more, as well.

I'll take that bet. I do agree that the OL will be improved this year but we averaged just over 200 yards last year with a couple of big games but we also had 4 games where we were held under 150 yards and 3 games where we were held under 4 ypc. That was with 2 all americans in the backfield. I do agree that Levi will run more this year and be effective but I'm just not sure what high level of production we will get out of that unit or at least early in the year I should say against a team that will have high level P5 talent.

[CrazyCajun]

We rushed for over 200 against Alabama in Napier’s first year and lost by 42...rushed for 118 against Iowa state and won by 17. We absolutely can rush for over 200 against Texas but it doesn’t really mean anything. You can run it up and down the field but if you can’t score it doesn’t matter. Yards don’t win football games.

[zephyr]

We rushed for over 200 against Alabama in Napier’s first year and lost by 42...rushed for 118 against Iowa state and won by 17. We absolutely can rush for over 200 against Texas but it doesn’t really mean anything. You can run it up and down the field but if you can’t score it doesn’t matter. Yards don’t win football games.

That's not what we're saying but thanks

[CajunT]

I'm with you Rainman! We have come a long way in a few years. We now have the size, strength, speed and depth to play with the "name" schools. The team that plays the best will win.

The Coaches Poll has high expectations as well.

https://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaa.../coaches-poll/