The Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns had a storybook ending last year, surprising most football pundits after posting a 9-4 description in head coach Mark Hudspeth first year with the team. They ended up third in the Sun Belt with a 6-2 conference mark, and would upset San Diego State 32-20 in the New Orleans Bowl.
With last year's surprising success and the return of 13 starters, the Ragin' Cajuns should be one of the elite teams in the Sun Belt this year.
Georgia High School Football
Offense
The Ragin' Cajuns featured one of the best offenses in the conference last year. Louisiana Lafayette averaged an impressive 32.3 points per game behind a balanced strike that put up nearly 400 yards of total offense per game on average. The Cajuns should once again feature one the most explosive offenses in the Sun Belt as they have nine starters advent back on this side of the ball.
After Blaine Gautier beat out senior Chris Masson for the beginning quarterback position, no one authentically knew what to expect. Gautier would prove his worth and throw for 2,958 yards, setting a new single-season school description 23 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. He was also second of the team with 486 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He earned 2nd Team All-Sun Belt honors and the expectations are at an all time high for him heading into the season.
True freshman running back Alonzo Harris was someone else guy who stood out as he rushed for a team-high 700 yards and eight touchdowns and was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. The Ragin' Cajuns are hopeful that Harris can build off his freshman season and put up over 1,000 yards in 2012.
The Ragin' Cajuns are in a very good position curious transmit as they also have one of top playmakers in the conference at wide receiver returning. Javone Lawson burst into the scene to lead the team with 63 catches for 1,092 yards and eight touchdowns. They also return fellow beginning wide outs Harry Peoples and Darryl Surgent. They do lose one of the best tight ends in the conference in Ladarius Green, but junior tight end Ian Thompson is ready to step into the beginning role this year.
The offensive line should also be stronger as the Ragin' Cajuns have four starters advent back up front, along with two of the conference's best tackles in Leonardo Bates and Jaron Odom.
Defense
The Cajuns' defense took a huge step in the right direction with the progress they made under Hudspeth. This unit was able to hold opponents to 29.8 points per game in 2011 after giving up 37 points per game in 2010. With only four starters advent back on this side of the ball there are some growing concerns on either the defense will be able to hold up this season.
With the additions of Georgia transfer Jalen Fields at defensive tackle and Mississippi transfer Delvin Jones at defensive end, they will feature a defensive front made up of former Sec recruit. They also expect to move senior defensive tackle Cordian Hagans to the beginning lineup.
Louisiana Lafayette needs key players to step up at linebacker if they want the defense to take the next step in 2012. They lose 1st Team All-Sun Belt linebacker Lance Kelly and fellow starter Devon Lewis-Buchanan. Things may not be as bad as previously assumed as they are intrigued about the possible of sophomore middle linebacker Jake Molbert. They also have senior LeMarcus Gibson advent back.
Louisiana loses key pieces in the secondary in 1st Team All-Sun Belt corner Dwight Bentley and beginning strong protection Lionel Stokes. They do add someone else highly touted transfer in Darius Barksdale, who will immediately start at strong safety. They also move beginning free protection Jemarlous Moten to corner, giving them a dynamic duo at corner with the return of Melvin White.
Sun Belt Prediction - 1st Place
What the Ragin' Cajuns finished last year wasn't a fluke. They could authentically do something extra in 2012. Players will have a best comprehension of the new systems that were installed last year. While the defense may not be as good, they do not need their defense to shut opposing teams down to win games. They arguably feature one of the most explosive offenses in the conference and they should plainly look to just outscore their opponents every time they're on the field. The Cajuns also have a very suitable agenda inside the Sun Belt. Their only tough game might come against Troy on the road, but they get Fiu, Arkansas State, and Western Kentucky at home and have three very winnable road games at North Texas, Ulm and Florida Atlantic.
she said Louisiana Lafayette Football: 2012 Season Preview
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