Ragin’ Cajun Coach Mark Hudspeth At Sun Belt Media Day [VIDEO]

Ragin' Cajun Head Football Coach Mark Hudspeth took the podium at Sun Belt Media day to provide his fans with the answers they need.

Coach Hud went over the course the offseason has taken, the current mental and physical health of players like Jamal Robinson and their place in the conference and as competitors. With his team picked as the 2nd best team in the conference, according to the coaches' poll, Hudspeth thinks they are back to a similar mindset that they acquired in his first season in the saddle.

"The expectations are different, and I think that's added a completely different element to our offseason training and preparation," Hudspeth said. "It's put a chip on our shoulder."

Hudspeth mentioned that the chip on their shoulder is probably as large as it's been since he got there, and acknowledged that he will do whatever it takes to motivate his guys.

When it comes to the quarterback battle, Hudspeth kept things cloudier than a look into the muddy Mississippi. Those members of Cajun Nation expecting Hud to name a starter will have to wait for a while longer...possibly until the start of the season. Coaches don't like giving their opponents scouting reports, so Hud and his staff are keeping their starter private until the last possible moment.

When asked why he would wait so long, Hudspeth replied, "Football is about deception."

The starting quarterback will be named for Week 1 eventually, and the schedule will play itself out. It's easier for fans to make predictions and postulations than coaches, who would rather focus on game to game preparation.

While acknowledging that Coach Hud isn't going to give the full depth chart and course of action, enjoy this press conference for what it is, Cajun Nation: a chance to hear how Hud is shaping up this year's squad in his own, guarded words.

One final takeaway: the team has a new mantra. The two-word phrase "Be Ready" is going to guide them through the season, so start making the T-shirts and wrist bands.