Five Keys to Beating Idaho – From the Bird’s Nest

The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (1-3, 0-1 Sun Belt) travel to Idaho (2-2, 1-0) in their first trip to Moscow in 13 years.  And, with Idaho dropping to FCS after this season, it's likely their last trip (although we said that in 2004 as well.)  Can the Cajuns come back with a ""W" against a team that won nine games a year ago?  If this happens....

SLOW THE DUCK WADDLE--While so much of the focus is on quarterback Matt Linehan, the key to beating the Idaho offense is slowing down Aaron Duckworth.  He rushed for over 100 yards against the Cajuns a year ago and is second in the league in rushing this year.  He reminds us of a more experienced version of Trey Ragas:  Big, Strong and hard to bring down.  If he has a big day, that's not a good thing.

TURN JOE LOOSE--Joe Dillon is being moved back to the Buck position and it's time for him to be a difference maker.  In passing situations, he's got to make Linehan feel the heat.  With James Willis back as a defensive analyst, look for a few changes.  A more aggressive Dillon should be one of them.

WIN IT UP FRONT--The best matchup of the weekend will be the Cajuns' O-line against the defensive front of the Vandals.  The Cajuns have to be able to run the ball and protect whoever the quarterback is.  This should be a battle worth paying attention to.

WIN EVERY PHASE...of the kicking game.  Stevie Artigue is reportedly at 100 percent which should give the Cajuns a weapon they haven't had all season.  Sam Geraci needs to flip field position and the Cajuns' return game needs to lend a hand.  With Artigue healthy, special teams should be a weapon.  Time to use it.

KEEP 'EM GUESSING--Where is the ball going on this play?  During their comeback two weeks ago, the Cajuns did a good job of spreading the football around.  The offense needs to make Idaho think the Cajuns are playing with more than one football.  Trick plays aren't necessarily necessary.  But spreading the wealth is.