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

Make no mistake about it, this is a big one for the Cajuns this week.

At 3-4, and with three of their final four games on the road, if the Cajuns want to go to their fifth bowl in the six years of Mark Hudspeth, this is one of those "gotta have" games.

It's not going to be easy.

Idaho (4-4) has their best team in quite some time with a veteran quarterback and a very capable offense.  If the Cajuns are going to get that fourth win, there are some things to look for.

1.  THINK BIG:  Big plays haven't been commonplace for the Cajuns of late.  While sustained drives are a good thing, big plays can be a huge boost to an offense and can demoralize a defense.  There could be some big plays to be had on Saturday.  The Cajuns need to take advantage of those opportunities.

2.  TELL YOUR STATISTICS TO SHUT UP:  Look at Idaho's stats and you'd think "come out and chunk it."  The Vandals may have given up a lot of passing yards in some games, but they were against teams that really like to chunk it around to start with.  The Cajuns should be able to move the football on the ground.  Do that first.  Then find some open receivers.

3.  MAKE REHKOW ALL-SUN BELT--Well, he probably already is.  The veteran kicker/punter has been a mainstay for the Vandals his entire career.  Idaho is going to move the football.  And, they're going to score points.  Rehkow is 18-20 on field goals this year and he's deadly once the Vandals get to the 25 yard line.  That's fine.  Three is better than seven.  Make the kicker beat you.

4.  TAKE THE TIGHT END OUT:  Buck Cowan is Matt Linehan's go-to guy when they need a first down.  While Linehan has several very capable receivers, it's Cowan they'll look to first on third down.  Do.  Not.  Let.  Him.  Have.  A.  Good.  Day

5.  UNDER PRESSURE:  Matt Linehan has been sacked sixteen times, an average of twice per game.  Just as important as trying to bring him down, the Cajuns must get pressure on him.  Quarterbacks make the most mistakes leading to turnovers when under pressure from the defense.  With so many options when he wants to throw, you have to take away all of his comfort zone.