Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns took to Cajun Field on Saturday afternoon for their second scrimmage of the fall. The Cajuns saw 104 snaps, while being placed in specific situations.
The offense was clicking right from the start, scoring three times in the first half.
"The offense moved the ball well in the first half," said head coach Rickey Bustle.
"Our backs did a good job again. The three guys that didn't get in on Wednesday were able to make some plays. They needed the work and it's good to see them in there."
The Cajuns first score came from the first team offense. Staring at midfield, quarterback Jerry Babb found tight end Lawrence Johnson on consecutive 14-yard completions. Three straight runs by Abdule Levier gave the offense a second-and-goal from the eight yard-line. Babb called his own number and dove into the endzone.
There was an emphasis on short field situations and goal line work during the scrimmage. The team worked on those situations in practice earlier in the week.
The offense was given the ball at the 30 yard-line and at the six yard-line in the first half. The defense had to react to the sudden change in field position as if their offense had just turned the ball over.
The first team offense was moving in for another score until a turnover stopped the drive. Chester Johnson gained four yards on fourth-and-two, but fumbled the ball at the two yard-line.
Both the first and second team offenses scored on their goal line chance. Dwight Lindon picked up five yards down to the one, then finished the drive with a short plunge into the endzone for the first team's second score.
The second team used a play-action pass from Luke Sniewski to fullback Chad Wisler for a three-yard strike.
After a short halftime, the teams came out for the second half. The Cajuns defense dominated following the break.
"In the second half the defense looked more focused and the offense got sloppy," Bustle stated. "The QB's made some bad decisions and the running backs put the ball on the ground a few times."
David Lewis intercepted John Cutrera to end the only drive for the third team offense. Antwain Spann recovered a fumble to stop the first team offense on the following possession.
As the offense continued to struggle, the defense turned-up the intensity. The final two series of the game were goal line stands by the defense.
"I saw a good effort on both sides," added Bustle. "The defense made some good stops at the end of the game and I'm happy to see them tighten up in a big situation. They are a little ahead of the offense in some things, but that's the way it's supposed to be.
"We had an improvement from Wednesday's scrimmage. We're working hard and having fun."
Quote
