Ragin' Cajuns move focus to Panthers

[NewsCopy]

The major problem with late-season college football success is that there's no time to celebrate. Only minutes after the University of Louisiana wrapped up its most meaningful road victory in several seasons, the thoughts of head coach Rickey Bustle had already shifted to this Saturday's now hugely important home finale against Florida International. "FIU is who we're worried about now," Bustle said after the Cajuns positioned themselves prominently in the Sun Belt Conference race with a 31-28 victory at North Texas last Saturday night. "Those guys are a lot better than their record shows." FIU (2-5, 1-3 Sun Belt) was directly responsible for boosting UL back into the league race, having taken a 31-29 upset win at previously-unbeaten UL Monroe on Saturday. That win by the Golden Panthers allows the Cajuns (4-5, 3-2 Sun Belt) to control their own destiny as far as a share of the Sun Belt title. UL faces FIU at 6 p.m. Saturday and gets a week off before a Nov. 26 contest at ULM. If the Cajuns win both games, they will be no worse than co-league champions. And the host spot in the New Orleans Bowl is still up for grabs, with that spot determined by a vote of the bowl committee if two or more teams are tied for the regular-season title. But Bustle warned about thinking too far ahead, something he also stressed to his team in the UNT visitors' locker room Saturday. "We've made it this far taking things one step at a time," said Bustle of the current three-game winning streak - a first for the program in 10 seasons. "Now is not the time for us to start looking too far ahead. The only thing we're concerned about right now is getting ready to play FIU." The rest of the story Dan McDonald dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com

[USLJim]

First, let me say, that the Cajuns performance was truly a great win. I would like to say one thing, if their freshman quarterback was not a passer, our defensive backs sure made him look good. We need to work on pass defense this week, cause you know FIU will be passing. Hope the coaches read this .\

Great Victory and let's get People out to honor the Seniors and Team.

Jim

[RaginFan2]

First, let me say, that the Cajuns performance was truly a great win. I would like to say one thing, if their freshman quarterback was not a passer, our defensive backs sure made him look good. We need to work on pass defense this week, cause you know FIU will be passing. Hope the coaches read this .\

Great Victory and let's get People out to honor the Seniors and Team.

Jim

I think that was the biggest win for the program since the Texas A&M victory in 1996. And, given where our program is at this moment, one of the biggest wins ever. To beat a program that had only lost 2 conference games since the SBC was formed and at their place was huge. But the victory will only keep its prominence if we win against FIU, and then against ULM. Then this victory over UNT will always be remembered as a big turning point.

[shof]

First, let me say, that the Cajuns performance was truly a great win. I would like to say one thing, if their freshman quarterback was not a passer, our defensive backs sure made him look good. We need to work on pass defense this week, cause you know FIU will be passing. Hope the coaches read this .\

Great Victory and let's get People out to honor the Seniors and Team.

Jim

Good point; but I also think we were soooooo focused on the run (lets face it, PC was taking it to us) that it really opened up the passing game. If we can put pressure up the field on the FIU QB; then I think our DBs will have a better chance.

[ATXCajun]

Good point; but I also think we were soooooo focused on the run (lets face it, PC was taking it to us) that it really opened up the passing game. If we can put pressure up the field on the FIU QB; then I think our DBs will have a better chance.

I'm with you, Shof. The last good passing team we played was MT. We got after the QB and sacked him 8 times. Held them to 218 passing 46 rushing and 10 points. If we can get after Padrick the DBs will have more success. Need to get Adams back. I saw him heading to the locker room early in the NT game and he did not return. Not sure what his status is. FIU can move the ball but had been turning it over a lot. I guess they got that solved against ULM.