Welcome everyone to another edition of #4Downs!
1st Down: Nixon has arrived
After several weeks of wondering if the Ragin Cajuns were going to finally decide on a permanent starting QB, the Cajuns found their answer. Jalen Nixon, who was banged up towards the end of last week’s Louisiana Tech loss, started for the Cajuns and really came into his own and being very efficient through the air. Nixon set new career highs going 22-for-29 for 238 yards and three TDs. And it seems like Hud liked what he saw, as he stated during his postgame press conference that Nixon is already locked in as the starter for the Tuesday night matchup against Arkansas State.
2nd Down: Back-to-Back
Towards the end of the matchup between the Cajuns and Bobcats, something incredible happened. Back-to-back kickoff returns. Brandon Jones got things started with a 95-yard burst of speed to the endzone for the score. Then Jeryl Brazil put his track team skills to work with a 100-yard dash to put the Bobcats hopes of a rally to rest. Having just one kickoff return ran back for a score is rare on its own. But seeing two consecutive kickoffs ran back is something so amazing, it has to appreciated.
3rd Down: Defensive Performance was Great
The Cajuns, after having less than stellar outings on the defensive front, were able to stop Texas State from converting third downs and preventing their quarterback Tyler Jones from getting points off of the long ball. The Cajuns also won the turnover game with a fumble recovery that nearly went for a score if not for officials initially ruling the play dead. Tracy Walker and Dominique Tovell continued to play well and break up pass plays.
4th Down: Getting off the Schneid
After suffering two straight losses, the Cajuns bounced back in a big way. More importantly, they bounced when they absolutely needed to: at the start of the conference slate. This win, considering the margin of victory, is a huge momentum builder heading into an off week because of a nationally televised game on Tuesday the 20th. This season could wind up being eerily similar to what happened last season: a slow start but an extremely strong finish during conference play. Only time will tell.