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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 10:10 AM ET Top-ranked defense returns 10 starters By Adam Rittenberg Special to ESPN.com |
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Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns 2000 record: 1-10. Coach: Jerry Baldwin (3rd year, 3-19). Starters returning: 5 offense, 10 defense, 1 kicker. Outlook: The only positive that came out of Louisiana-Lafayette's season-ending loss to Middle Tennessee last November was that it closed the Ragin' Cajuns' turbulent five-year chapter as a Division I-A independent. After winning only seven games in four years, Jerry Baldwin's team welcomes conference play with open arms. Louisiana-Lafayette returns 10 starters from a defense that ranked No. 1 in rushing defense among current Sun Belt teams. The Cajuns' strength is the defensive back duo of CB Charles Tillman and the team's leader tackler, FS Kyries Hebert. Tillman is a force against both the run and pass, racking up 64 tackles and a six interceptions. Louisiana-Lafeyette's true progress will be measured on offense. The Ragin' Cajuns shined and sputtered in 2000, putting up more than 35 points twice (both in losses), but also getting blanked twice. If QB Jon Van Cleave can find a rhythm and the defense performs consistently, Louisiana-Lafayette could steal some wins. Keep an eye on: WR Nick Dugas. He was listed as the second-string QB on last season's depth chart, finished the year third on the team in rushing yards and served as one of the Cajuns' punt and kickoff returners. So why is Nick Dugas playing full-time wideout now? He's simply too talented to sit on the bench. Dugas racked up 483 all-purpose yards last season and five touchdowns (three rushing, two receiving). Key game: Louisiana-Lafayette opens league play on Sept. 29 when it hosts Middle Tennessee in 'The Swamp,' AKA Cajun Field. The Ragin' Cajuns own an impressive 88-70-2 all-time record at their stadium, which sits two feet below sea level. An upset would jumpstart Louisiana-Lafayette in league play -- and restore home-field dominance. It's a good year if... The Cajuns' win a close game or two. To avoid last year's dreary outcome, the Cajuns need consistent scoring to prevail in close contests. While Louisiana-Lafayette's offense held the football more than any other Sun Belt team (31:23 per game), it only generated a paltry 15.5 points per game. With an experienced defensive corps and a few offensive playmakers (Dugas and WR Marcus Wilridge), a three- or four-win season is possible for the Cajuns. |
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