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

Two teams streaking in opposite directions square off in Monroe Saturday when Louisiana meets UL Monroe at JPS Field at Malone Stadium.  If the Cajuns are going to go 6-0 in league play for the first time ever, here's what needs to happen.

CHANNEL YOUR INNER OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN--Okay, this may be a vague stretch for some of you.  But the Australian beauty had a hit record with "Physical" back in 1980.  And, that's what the Cajuns will need to be.  Expect the Warhawks to be the same, especially on defense.  The Cajuns offensive line and wideouts have match, and surpass that physicality.

LET ZEAUX GEAUX--Alonzo Harris missed last week's game with a thigh bruise.  But he's healthy now.  No team likes to have a battering ram running back carry it 25-30 times against him.  Turn the big back loose and be patient if you don't break a long one.  Sooner or later, the move will pay dividends.

ACCOUNT FOR MR. LANE ON EVERY PLAY--The Warhawks safety is used in multiple ways in the Warhawks hybrid defense.  The Cajuns always need to account for him.  If he's disruptive, he'll make plays...or help his teammates make them.  Get a hat on him...regularly.

BE PATIENT---ULM can be pretty stingy on defense at times.  The offense has to make sure they don't get frustrated.  There's a depth advantage for the Cajuns in this game.  Use it...and win the game in the fourth quarter by being the fresher and stronger team.  It's worked for many ULM opponents this year.

PUNISH THE QUARTERBACK---Whether it's Pete Thomas or Brayle Brown, the Warhawks quarterback will be susceptible to the pass rush.  This will give Justin Hamilton, Christian Ringo and company some opportunities to make big plays.  If you can't sack the quarterback, at least leave a calling card.  It will pay dividends at some point.

Of course, the turnover battle is crucial as always.. The Cajuns haven't lost in Monroe since 2004 but they haven't had many blowout wins, either.  Expect this to be a pretty close game, at least until the final fifteen minutes...maybe longer.