The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns and South Alabama Jaguars meet at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile Thursday night.  The game will be nationally televised on ESPNU.  Both teams come into the game at 4-4 as they strive to get to the six win mark and become bowl eligible.

The teams have played three times with the home team winning all three.  If that trend is going to change, here are some things the Cajuns must do.

RUN THE DAMN FOOTBALL--Now, how this is accomplished is immaterial.  Whether it's Jalen Nixon giving the Cajuns a second threat in the run game or Brooks Haack having success throwing the football to loosen the Jags a little, it's imperative the Cajuns have success in the running game.  During Mark Hudspeth's tenure, the Cajuns have had success in the throwing game.  But the success of the program has been predicated on the ability to move the football on the ground.  If the Cajuns have the kind of yardage they had last week (130) against Georgia State, they'll lose the football game.

LIVING ON THE EDGE--Offensively, the Cajuns have a bit of advantage in speed vs. the USA defense.  The Cajuns can play to that strength by getting to the corner.  Again, it doesn't matter how.  Bubble screens, sweeps, toss to McGuire...doesn't matter.  Get to the corner and make some things happen.

ADJUST--Both teams have had more success in the second half than the first this year.  That was never more evident last week when the Jags were shut out most of the first half before getting a score before the first half ended.  They then put up 49 in the second half.  The Cajuns, as well, have done a good job with their adjustments.  The team that does the best...and the team that counters will probably be the winner.

TURN EM OVER--Cajuns haven't been great at that this year, but they might have a chance this week.  South Alabama has coughed it up a few times this year.  The Cajuns have done a good job of valuing possession of the football the last couple of games.  While turnover margin is important each week, it could be critical in what appears to be an even matchup.

TURN THE DOGS LOOSE--Once the Cajuns got pressure on Nick Arbuckle last week you saw the defense shine.  The same will be true this week.  If you have to blitz often, then so be it.  Just be disruptive.  It's the best way for the Cajuns to have defensive success.

 

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