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

The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns have a tough schedule this season, with seven road games in which they'll be underdogs.

If they're going to have the kind of season they (and their fans) want, they've got to take care of business at home and win the games they are supposed to win.

This is one of those games.

Louisiana opens against Southeastern LA Saturday night at 6:00pm at Cajun Field.  In order for fans to leave happy, here's what needs to happen.

MY QUARTERBACKS CAN BEAT YOUR QUARTERBACKS--Both teams have new starters under center.  Both teams will probably play two quarterbacks.  Jordan Davis is entrenched as the Cajuns' starter and there is a package for Dion Ray, who will play some.  Speedy South Carolina transfer Lorenzo Nunez won a tough battle with Utah transfer Donovan Isom to be the starter for Southeastern.  Whoever wins the battle of the new quarterbacks will have an edge in this one.

CAN RUNNING BACK BY COMMITTEE WORK?--Elijah McGuire looked good in the Jets' final preseason game Thursday night.  That's the good news.  The bad news is, he's not at Louisiana anymore.  No one has stepped up to be "the guy" and the Cajuns will play at least three running backs.  Trey Ragas will get the start.  But all three are going to have to be successful for the Cajuns.

WATCH YOUR ASSIGNMENTS--Southeastern likes to run downhill, but there's a triple option package that they'll run as well.  When that happens, the Cajuns need to make sure they have everything covered, especially the quarterback.  The Cajuns want to make the Lions pitch it.  Make sure it's covered.

NO LAYUPS--That's what Cajun coach Mark Hudspeth stressed on his radio show Thursday night.  The Cajuns can't get lulled to sleep with the run game and let Southeastern go for the home run ball up top.  Southeastern is going to be in this game if they get some big plays.  The Cajuns can't give up the easy one.

YOUR TURN, MR. HALL--Will Hall takes over as the offensive coordinator for the Cajuns and Hudspeth has made it clear the offense belongs to his former quarterback.  How much has the offense changed?  Hudspeth has stressed getting the ball to the playmakers.  Let's see if the trio of Barnes, Bradley and Jacquet can get into space and be those playmakers.