Five Keys to Beating UL Monroe – From the Bird’s Nest

If the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns are going to finish the year with a 13th game, the rest of the games are critical.  The Cajuns can afford to lose one, but, honestly, this week isn't it.  If the Cajuns are going to get conference win #2 and get a step closer to .500, they've got to beat the teams they are supposed to beat.  ULM has won six of the last nine meetings at Cajun Field, including the last one.  Time for that trend to come to an end...Here's how....

CAN YOU PLEASE GET OFF TO A GOOD START? -- Even in the victory over Texas State, the Cajuns didn't start strong (that game was 14-14 at halftime.)  We continue to look at the Cajuns' offense when we talk about this subject, but it holds true for the defense as well.  The Cajuns D has done a good job of making adjustments, but they need to start doing it before halftime.  A strong start by the defense is going to be critical this week.

STAY THE COURSE---If things don't go well early, it's not the end of the world.  ULM has struggled in the second half of their last three games.  They were up on Tulsa in the third quarter, were only down by three to App State late in the first half and led Idaho at the half last week.  There's a good chance they'll wear down.  Don't panic if it doesn't come together right away.

IT'S YOUR TIME, DARZIL -- After playing some the last two weeks, the Cajuns "Buck" should be close to full go this week.  And the Cajuns are going to need him.  Redshirt freshman quarterback Garrett Smith is going to be a good one and if you give him time to throw, he can be effective.  The Cajuns have to mount a good pass rush, and Washington is the key man.  If he can get Smith often, he might be able to force the QB into mistakes.

MIX IT UP ON OFFENSE--ULM will run plenty of stunts and their 3-3-5 defense can be tough to prepare for.  Although the Warhawks have had some injuries, their defense still has play makers.  Going against the "book" could lead to a big play or two.  There's nothing wrong with occasionally running on throwing downs and vice versa.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR ADVANTAGE--And, I'm talking specifically about the punting game.  With the weather in question, this could be a crucial part of the contest.  The Cajuns' net punting is almost 12 yards better on average than ULM, whose net punting stat is next to last in the FBS.  The Cajuns punt team, with Coutts kicking and the rest of the team covering, could be the difference in this one.