some of my thoughts on the UCF game

[st932253]

I am actually pulling for Sunbelt schools as a whole whenever they aren't playing C-USA schools (the conference UCF is in).

I'm surprised at the downyears FAU and Troy are having but I believe that you guys have much more upside than the MAC and should steal their spot in the GMAC bowl sooner than later.

You mentioned that this program is on the rise. Can you give any specifics or indicators?

[Black n Gold]

I was checkin out the game notes or whatever they call that stuff you can get from ragincajuns.com. I got a couple comments to make:

We virtually equal them on passing offense rank (UL - 205.3 yds/gm - 75th in the nation, UCF - 242 yds/gm - 46th in the nation), so I think we can cancel each other out in this category.

We are way more dominant in the rushing offense rank (UL - 192 yds/gm - 27th in nation, UCF - 68 yds/gm - 111th in the nation). After seeing what our rushers can do when we open up holes for them, and after seein this stat, I think we got 'em beat here for sure.

We also rank ahead of them in total offense (397.3 yds/gm - 48th----them, 310 yds/gm - 9th) and scoring offense.

Although we rank behind them in rush defense, we rank AHEAD of them in pass defense. recall from my stats above that they are meager in rushing yards per game, so our relative lack of rush defense (which won't matter if we shore up our Defense) won't matter as much. On top of that, their strength is their passing game, and our pass defense ranks way ahead of theirs, so this is lookin good to me.

Basically what I'm sayin here, is that, if we don't give them the W by turning over the ball, I think this game is very winnable. What do you think?

God Bless.

GO UL RAGIN CAJUNS!
GO SBC!

link to game notes: http://www.ragincajuns.com/Football/Notes/Notes.pdf

Why are you comparing offenses to offenses and defenses to defenses? They don't go up against each other.

A good stats analysis, this early in the year, would examine your offense ranking versus our defensive ranking (and visa versa) and then take a look at how each unit played against opposing units (from earlier games) and their offensive and defensive ranking. But, hey!...that's just me.

[Turbine]

You mentioned that this program is on the rise. Can you give any specifics or indicators?

Although it did not turn into more wins (2004)

Cajuns 1st in total offense yds/game in the Belt
Cajuns 2nd in total defense
Cajuns 1st in 3rd down conversions, a much overlooked stat, keeps drives going.

Info below originally posted by gorcajun and represented by Turbine link

2002: 71 more points = 8 wins
2003: 32 more points = 8 wins
2004: 17 more points = 8 wins

Seems to me this team is improving.

[shof]

I am actually pulling for Sunbelt schools as a whole whenever they aren't playing C-USA schools (the conference UCF is in).

I'm surprised at the downyears FAU and Troy are having but I believe that you guys have much more upside than the MAC and should steal their spot in the GMAC bowl sooner than later.

You mentioned that this program is on the rise. Can you give any specifics or indicators?

Some quantitative, some qualitative. Things you can measure. Attendance rising over past 3 years since the Coach Bustle hire. By the time Coach Baldwin had left (1999-2001), attendance was getting below 10,000. It seemed nobody really wanted him (support in Lafayette) and his record proved them right. It also led to a decline in scholarship players on the roster (too many props, etc). Bottom line: he lost games, lost support, lost attendance, etc.
In comes Bustle (2002 season). Vibrant guy from winning program (VaTech). Started recruiting better "student athletes". It all starts with attitude as well. He sold people that this program COULD win. We've had a couple of solid recruiting classes now, we have been competitive within our conference (which is where we have to start), and this enthusiasm has transended into fundraising and support for athletics. As soon as this season ends, we break ground on our indoor practice facility, which if I'm not mistaken is the only one in the state other than LSU (not counting the Saints practice facility). Our attendance has improved each year so far; and could have been even better if not for some really horrible weather on game days. What encourages me the most is that even though we haven't crossed the threshold to a winning season yet, he still has the support of the people and apparently the administration also. The real litmus test to how serious our administration is just might be in the next Athletic Director hire which hopefully will be completed this fall.
Lastly, and I'm not trying to write a thesis here, is that you have to look at the entire athletic program; not just football. Yes, we all know that football drives the bus, but when you look at our other sports (spring in particular) our basketball, baseball & women's softball compete very well with the "big boys". And I think that does say a lot and will be a factor if we are able to "move up" to a more respectable conference. In the meantime, its all about trying to help the SBC become more respected, and in football that is an uphill battle.
Cheers, and enjoy the game.

[CajunGuru]

Turbine,this will be a tough game, but it is winnable. Can the team rise to the occassion? We shall see! These guys are a bit over confident after beating the worst team Marshall has put on the field in years. These guys are not years away from us in talent, although they may think so.

[shof]

Info below originally posted by gorcajun and represented by Turbine link

Thanks. I knew some of you guys had the stats. Numbers make it a little easier to show improvement; and we have. I look at this game much like the EMU game. Its one we should compete in, and definitely have a chance to win. Would be great to start conference play with a 2-game winning streak!