2010 Louisiana Football Predictions
In 2009 the Ragin' Cajuns put together their third 6-6 finish in the last four years
, and were a solid 4-4 in the Sun Belt Conference. This year Louisiana returns 13 starters, including eight on the defensive side of the ball. The Ragin' Cajuns have been a surprise team in the Sun Belt Conference the last two seasons, and will look for an even better finish this season. Here is a quick breakdown of what Louisiana will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the year in the Sun Belt Conference.
Offense:
The Ragin' Cajuns offense will rely heavily on the play of junior quarterback Chris Masson, who put up some pretty solid numbers as a sophomore, completing nearly 60% of his passes for 2,406 yards, but only had 10 touchdown passes on the season. I expect the Ragin Cajun's to open up the offense more this season, leading to better numbers from Masson.
The Ragin' Cajuns will likely look to freshman Robert Walker to take over at running back this season, as they lose their top rusher from last year. Louisiana gets back sophomore fullback Yobes Walker, who finished second on the team with 412 yards and two scores. I look for improved numbers in the ground game as well this season.
The Ragin Cajun's return starting senior wide receiver Marlin Miller and junior tight end Ladarius Green in the passing game. Green was the top target for Masson in 2009, catching 32 passes for 533 yards and two scores. Added to the starting mix will likely be junior wide out Pierre Hill, who caught 14 passes for 174 yards and one touchdown as a sophomore.
Up front on the offensive line the Ragin' Cajuns will have just two starters back in senior center Ian Burks and senior right tackle Jonathan Decoster. That leaves the other three starting jobs up for grabs, and how well the new starters perform will go a long way in determining just how good the offense is in 2010.
Defense:
With eight starters back on this side of the ball, the Ragin' Cajuns hope to improve on their 2009 numbers, specifically against the run where they allowed opposing offenses 182 yards a game on the ground. With junior Derreck Dean and senior Jordan Topp both returning at the two tackle spots, improvements should be made, as both of these two are considered to be two of the top tackles in the Sun Belt this season. Senior Terrell Richardson returns at the defensive end slot, and will more than likely be joined in the starting lineup by junior defensive end Nate Douglas.
The Ragin Cajuns return one of the best middle linebackers in the conference in senior Grant Fleming, who finished second on the team with 89 tackles last year, and also get back another high quality player in senior weak-side linebacker Daylon McCoy. Junior Devon Lewis-Buchanan is the projected new starter at the strong-side spot, after grabbing 24 tackles in limited action last year.
The Ragin Cajun's figure to show some nice improvements in the pass defense this season, as they return the starting corner duo of junior Dwight Bently and Orkeys Auriene, as these two combined for five interceptions last season. Also back in the defensive backfield is junior strong safety Lance Kelley, who will more than likely be teamed up with senior free safety Maurice Rolle, who started five games last year for the Ragin' Cajuns.
Sun Belt Prediction 4th: I think the Ragin Cajuns are going to surprise some people in 2010, as I believe they are going to be much better on the defensive side of the football, and I think the offensive line is going to be able to do a good enough job to keep the offense rolling. I look for the Ragin' Cajuns to finish the year 7-5 overall and should earn the school's first ever bowl game appearance.
For a complete look at how the conference will play out this season, check out our
2010 Sun Belt Conference predictions.
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college football odds this season, be sure to stop back each week for our expert
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2010 Louisiana Football Predictions
By: Jimmy Boyd
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