The Ragin' Cajuns look to bounce back from a close loss at New Mexico State last week against an Idaho team reeling from a loss to previously winless Louisiana-Monroe.

This will be a matchup of two teams that so far have had most of their success moving the ball through the air.

Jerry Babb has eclipsed 300 yards a game three times this season. He has 1,450 yards passing so far overall.

In Idaho's only victory at Eastern Michigan two weeks ago, Michael Harrington threw for 316 yards. But Idaho may be tempted to use improving freshman running back Jayson Bird. The Cajuns have given up a combined 907 yards rushing in their three defeats. Bird is the Sun Belt's fourth-leading rusher, averaging about 79 yards.

Louisiana-Lafayette coach Ricky Bustle wants his defenders to fight their way around blocks better. He said he hoped his staff could find a quick fix to that in practice this week, given that Cajuns still hope to compete for the Sun Belt title and a bid to the New Orleans Bowl.

"One more loss and I think we'll be out of the race," he said.

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Associated Press