Monday Rewind: Louisiana vs. South Alabama

The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns moved to 2-1 on the young season with a 28-23 win That gave the Cajuns a 1-0 start in Sun Belt Conference play. The win also wrapped up a three game home stand, and most fans would have hoped the Cajuns would be 2-1 at this juncture.

Here's some of the good and bad from Saturday's action:

THE GOOD

THE PROPHET AND THE BIRTHDAY BOY--Elijah McGuire had the second best statistical game of his career Saturday, rushing for 223 yards. He saved his best for the end, with over 100 yards in the final period of play. McGuire can do something we've rarely seen from a Cajun running back. He can run away from his pursuers. And, he was at his best late with over 100 yards in the fourth quarter alone. And, Al Riles celebrated his birthday in style with 139 yards on eight catches, including a 71-yard catch and run on a perfect pass from Anthony Jennings in the third quarter.to give the Cajuns an eight point lead.

THE ROOT HOGS--My gosh, how much better has this offensive line gotten? The Cajuns thought they'd be able to run the football and they did, thanks to the guys up front. And, Anthony Jennings, with exception of two plays, had plenty of time to throw the football. If you're going to generate over 500 yards of offense, the O-line had to perform. And, perform they did.

THE FRONT SEVEN--Despite all of the changes in offenses over the years in college football, the basics still apply. Run the ball. Don't let the other guys run the ball. South Alabama had 74 yards on 37 rushes. That's 2.0 yards per carry. The Cajuns had nine tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Otha Peters had his best game as a Cajun with nine tackles, including a sack, along with a forced fumble and two pass break ups.

LOTS LESS YELLOW--After two games where Louisiana was hurting themselves with penalties, the Cajuns were flagged just four times for 30 yards on Saturday. The coaching staff can live with that.

THANKS, GUYS---A presentation was made to USA President Dr. Tony Waldrop and Athletic Director Dr. Joel Erdmann in appreciation for the way Jag Nation responded in the aftermath of the floods in South Louisiana. The response from the crowd was enthusiastic and genuine.

THE BAD

KICKING GAME WOES--This program has had a reputation for being pretty solid in the kicking game. But it was anything but solid on Saturday. The Cajuns had a pair of missed PAT's, a missed field goal, and poor decisions on a kickoff return and a punt return that cost them field position. My guess is, they'll be working a lot of special teams this week.

SOME CURIOUS DECISIONS: I don't second guess coaches. The dumbest coach in history is smarter than I am. But I will first guess and I did on Saturday. The Cajuns, up by eleven, chose to go for two in the fourth quarter. A single point forces South Alabama to score two touchdowns to win. And, the Cajuns burned a time out as well. Then, after the ensuing kickoff, Louisiana chose to challenge a pass completion to Gerald Everett that went for just four yards. That cost them their final time out.

SAVION BROWN--He was a first team pre-season all-conference performer. Now, he just might be a "former Cajun." Brown was suspended before the game by head coach Mark Hudspeth for "conduct unbecoming a Ragin' Cajun." The suspension is indefinite and Hud said he would be the one to decide "when and if" Brown is allowed to return.

GOTTA TAKE ADVANTAGE--The good news: The Cajuns' defense got another turnover. The bad news. The offense did nothing with it. On the first play after the first Cajuns' touchdown, Otha Peters forced an Xavier Johnson fumble at the South Alabama 25. Not only did the Cajuns not get a touchdown, they missed a field goal.

19,208--What rain there was, was gone by 1:30. No excuses. Kudos to those who were there.