CBS Ragin Cajuns report: Inside slant
UL is expected to make the biggest move in the Sun Belt Conference in 2004.
While they tied for second last year (three games back), many expect the Ragin' Cajuns to seriously challenge three-time defending champion North Texas for the league championship.
Key moves in the spring included switching to a 4-3 defensive scheme. Time will tell, but it appears to be the right decision for coach Rickey Bustle.
"I've been really happy with our defense," Bustle told the Daily Advertiser. "We obviously don't have the whole defense in yet, but I think they've made a good transition.
The secondary, led by all-conference safety C.C. Brown, should be particularly strong. Antwain Spann, Jarrett Jones and Jerrell Carter weren't at full strength because of nagging injuries, but Mike Adams, Terrell Fenton and true freshman Jemarcus Smith had good springs.
Offensively, the Ragin' Cajuns return sophomore quarterback Jerry Babb, who ended the season by throwing for more than 400 yards against Middle Tennessee. His further progress will be a key in the fall, as well as the running game.
UL struggled running the football last year, but Bustle was pleased with the improvement of Dwight Lindon, Josh Harrison and Abdule Levier.
"I think our running game has gotten better," Bustle told the Daily Advertiser. "I think we'll be able to throw the ball but we wanted to be able to take some of the pressure off the passing game."
If the Ragin' Cajuns can run the ball more effectively, they just might be in the championship mix in 2004.
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