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Just some random thoughts from Saturday.

THANKS, BUT I DON’T DRINK BEFORE THE GAME:  Because I really don’t have any responsibilities until about a half hour before kickoff, I had plenty of time to walk around Cajun Field and visit with people.  It’s something I really haven’t had the opportunity to do in quite a few years.  I got to hug on my Godchild Colston and that was the highlight of the day.  But I also had an opportunity to just walk around Cajun Field and watch people enjoying the tailgating experience.  And, politely decline the offer of a beer.  I also had a chance to meet new people which is always great.  I did learn, however, I probably need to head to a different part of Cajun Field for each game.  Maybe I’ll get to see everyone once during the season:

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD:  The folks from Sodexho, who handle the concessions at Cajun Field had a few new menu items and brought them to the press box.  The "Swamp Thing" po boy with boudin balls, fried shrimp, fried green tomatoes and crawfish cheese sauce is something you have to try during  the next home game.  Wash it down with some Ragin’ Cajun Ale.  Thank me later.  PS:  The bacon wrapped hot dog doesn’t suck either.  Seriously, I love the fact there is a great variety of concessions at Cajun Field.  That is, if you’re hungry after tailgating all day.

STOP, CHILDREN, WHAT’S THAT SOUND?  Here’s hoping they’re able to do something about the distorted sound that has caused tons of negative comments.  I don’t notice it much because I have headphones on, but I’ve heard about it from just about everyone.  Probably the biggest negative of the entire day and evening.

STOP, CHILDREN, WHAT’S THAT SOUND, PART 2---Simply amazing.  The joint performance of “Amazing Grace” by the Pride of Acadiana” and the “Spirit of Northwestern” was as moving a moment as I’ve ever experienced at half time.  The tribute to the Grand Theater shooting victims and first responders created a somber, yet beautiful, moment.

WAIT!  I KNOW THAT SONG!!—My major complaint about the UL band over the years has been all about selection, particularly the lack of selections of a contemporary nature.  Saturday, the “Pride” must have known we needed a pick me up after the solemnity of the beginning of the halftime show.  “Shut up and Dance with Me?”  Nice!  And, then, Northwestern’s band had a rousing rendition of “Bang Bang,” a contemporary song by Jessie J., Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.  Out.  Freaking.  Standing.

SPEAKING OF “BANG”—As in “banged up.”  There have been a plethora of injuries so far and an uncanny amount have been shoulder injuries.  Darzil Washington won’t be back for Akron and Christian Goodlett is a big question mark.  But if the Cajuns didn’t have an open date, there would be some guys missing this week.

ANYONE GOT A CLICKER?--I don't think I've ever seen a Cajuns' game where the fans actually believed the announced attendance.  During the dark times it was "no way there were that many people."  Now, it's "Who the hell is counting?  We had a lot more people than that.  For the record, having had the same seat for 24 seasons, I make a prediction to myself during the game about attendance.  I was off by less than 1,000 Saturday.  Yeah, I know.  I need to learn how to count.

A BIG PLAY DAY:  Both teams had their share.  Northwestern State had four plays of 25 yards or more and it could have been worse.  A couple of times, players didn’t get the message about the checkdown on defense and that caused some Demons to be wide open.  Gratefully, the Cajuns didn’t have to pay nearly as steep a price as it could have been.  Meanwhile, the Cajuns’ offense had nine, count em, nine plays of 20 yards or more.  That’s awfully good.

WHO IS ZACH DEGRANGE AND WHY IS EVERYONE TAKING NOTICE.  If you haven’t heard Zach DeGrange’s name a whole lot before this season, it’s because he hasn’t played much before this season.  But the fifth year walk-on, who already has his degree, has been given an opportunity by the new defensive staff and is making the most of it.  DeGrange is listed as the first team nickel defensive back and with Buck Linebacker/Rush End Darzil Washington sidelined, the Cajuns are using the nickel a bit more.  The Crescent City native, who will turn 23 this week, has tallied eleven tackles through two games, including three for loss and two sacks.  My guess is he’s having fun right now.

HEY BRIAN…DON’T COME BACK, YA HEAR?---Former LSU Tiger Brian Kinchen was the color commentator on the ESPN3 telecast.  In the first half he suggested Cajun fans wouldn't tailgate after the game unless they had a flat screen because the LSU game would be on.  Then with 12:00 to go he said he was surprised there weren't more people leaving to go home and watch LSU.  A minute later he suggested kids around here would be practicing one handed catches like Odell Beckham Jr., who, of course, went to LSU  You know, Brian, there is a school in this state that actually has its own fan base.  Hard to believe, I know.  Next time, just shut up.  If you can't...then don't come back.

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