Welcome everyone to another edition of #4Downs!
1st Down: Start Fast, Faded Fast
The Cajuns wasted little time to get on the board which looked like a good sign early on, but it seemed that the team hit the brakes after that point. The defense seemed the exact opposite of what a team wants to see after jumping out to the early lead. Add that to the several miscues by the Ragin Cajuns, it was one of the sloppiest games that this team has had all year.
2nd Down: Robinson’s Career Day
One big positive coming out of the loss is that Jamal Robinson continues to be impressive. The fifth year senior had 10 touches for 188 yards and a score. Robinson has been one of the most consistent parts of this relatively inconsistent Cajuns offense. The Cajuns will be missing Robinson after this season.
3rd Down: Defensive Struggles Still Evident
Outside of the pick six by Savion Brown, which was his third pick in four game, the defense is just having big issues with the passing game. Every week, it becomes more and more frustrating that the Cajuns can’t have a defense to rely on and an offense in flux. If the defense can’t prevent the other team scoring, then you’re relying on the offense to get you the win. And with the way they have played all year, the offense would have to score damn near 40 points a game to come away with a win.
4th Down: Two “QB” System
Coach Hud mentioned going to the two QB system two weeks ago. Last week Haack played fairly well, Nixon not so much in terms of throwing the ball. This week, Haack went 21-34 for 270 yards a touchdown and an interception late in the game that would turn out to be the dagger in the Cajuns hopes. Nixon did not throw a pass at all, instead keeping it six times for 30 yards and the score. In theory, Hud is taking the individual talents of Haack (passing) and Nixon (mobile QB) and using it to his advantage. But in practice, it’s making it too obvious of what you’re going to do. If Nixon is out there, the defense is going to know that he’s either going to keep it or hand it off to McGuire or Pierce. If Haack is out there, they’re going to throw it and with the less than perfect offensive line the Cajuns have, they’ll mount the pressure on him every time. It does not hurt to explore the space sometimes and shuffle up your playbook.
-Clint Domingue