Five Keys to Beating Arkansas State – From the Bird’s Nest

Many thought this game would be for the Sun Belt championship.  And, it still might be, although it looks like the best the winner will do is a co-championship with Georgia Southern.  Louisiana and Arkansas State have a series that has been dominated by the home team, except for the last two years, where the visiting team has won and dominated in the process.

The Cajuns are a slight home underdog in this one.  Here’s what they have to do to make Vegas look bad.

RUN IT—This week more than ever.  The Cajuns dominated time of possession in last years’ game because they were able to run the football effectively.  It won’t be nearly as easy this time.  Arkansas State has played excellent run defense all season.  The Cajuns MUST change that pattern if they’re going to win.  With Jamal Robinson out, the Cajuns can’t put this all on Terrance Broadway.

BLOCK MR. LEE—Of course, that’s easier said than done.  Qushaun Lee can neutralize the Cajuns’ outside game because of his speed from his linebacker spot.  The Cajuns have to have a hat on Lee, especially when they’re trying to get to the edge.  With Robinson out, the big plays in the Cajuns’ offense will come from Elijah McGuire.  The rest of the team needs to give him a chance.

VALUE POSSESSION---I honestly think this game is going to come down to turnover margin.  Neither team has been great this year.  The Cajuns have to take advantage of the Red Wolves’ propensity to leave the football on the ground from time to time.  The Cajun defense needs to hit and hit hard, finding a way to jar the football loose.  Then they have to recover it.  Arkansas State is good at disguising defenses and Broadway needs to make sure he’s throwing the football to the right colored jersey.

MAKE KNIGHTEN ONE DIMENSIONAL---Fredi Knighten is a lot like Texas State’s Tyler Jones, except he’s a lot more athletic.  Knighten can really make teams miserable with his ability to run the football, much like Cajuns’ quarterbacks have been in the past.  Knighten has been sacked seventeen times and still has averaged 55 yards a game rushing, even with the negative stats.  He’s more dangerous as a runner than a passer, although he’s certainly capable in that regard as well.  Knighten and Michael Gordon have led a rushing attack that averages over 200 yards per game.  If they get two hundred in this game, they’ll win.

TIME FOR SOMEONE, ANYONE, TO STEP UP---Al Riles is turning into a weapon as a slot receiver, and the Cajuns’ tight ends have been solid.  But with Robinson out, James Butler becomes as important.  No one else (Jared Johnson, Devin Scott or C. J. Bates) has shown they’re ready for prime time.  One of them HAS to be on Tuesday.

Both teams still have challenges ahead after Tuesday.  But the winner of this game takes a giant step forward.  The Cajuns need to make sure that visiting team streak stops at two.