LAFAYETTE — If Louisiana´s Ragin´ Cajuns had to play this week, sophomore quarterback Jerry Babb would have trouble looking like his usual, mobile self.

Babb aggravated an old back injury in last Saturday´s 27-24 homecoming victory over Arkansas State, and has been moving gingerly this week in practice.

Fortunately, the Cajuns have an open date this weekend and have extra time to both get healthy and to prepare to host three-time Sun Belt Conference champion North Texas next Friday night at Cajun Field.

When Babb exited early in the fourth quarter of the win over ASU, junior Luke Sniewski was thrust into a tense situation protecting a slim lead. He came through with a key 42-yard pass to Bill Sampy and in general stayed calm down the stretch.

"Luke has just become more comfortable running the offense," Cajun offensive coordinator Rob Christophel said. "This is a good time to get him more experience.

"There are a couple of different ways to look at your backup quarterback situation, and when to play him. You don´t want to do it just at the end of games. It´s tough on those guys.

"That pass to Bill was big for him. He needs somebody to make a play for him, and Bill was able to go and get the ball. Jerry can make things happen on his own. Luke is a different type of quarterback, and he´s not the starter, so that was a big play."

Babb is expected back for the North Texas game, which will be shown nationally on ESPN2, but whether he or Sniewski is taking snaps the Cajuns expect an aggressive defense from the Mean Green.

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