Welcome everyone to the latest edition of #4Downs where I break down what went right and what went wrong for the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns. This week, I look at the Cajuns big win at Kibbles Stadium over the Idaho Vandals.
1st Down: Defensive Revival
For the first time all season, the Cajuns defense managed to hold an offense to one touchdown. Looks like James Willis as the defensive analyst is working after one week. The front seven only allowed 130 yards on the ground and got to the quarterback three times.
It’s a step in the right direction for the defense on several different aspects, but there’s still some things that the Cajuns need to improve upon, namely getting some takeaways.
2nd Down: Nunez Makes Case for Starting Job
Andre Nunez came off the bench once again on Saturday and wound up helping the Cajuns get the win on the road over Idaho. Outside of an interception, he looked good with 213 yards and a nice wide-open pass to JaMarcus Bradley to put the game just out of reach.
According to Hudsepth after the game, it looks like he’s taken notice and will have Nunez get the start over Jordan Davis on Thursday when the Cajuns host Texas State. What we saw on Saturday proved that what happened against UL Monroe wasn’t a fluke and a solid game from him on a national stage could be a coronation of sorts for Nunez to be the starter going forward.
3rd Down: Offensive Line Buckles
While the Cajuns passing game was solid, there were some serious cracks on the offensive line and that led to seven total sacks. The line also hurt the run game, which has been a focal point for the Cajuns for the last few seasons.
Between the running backs and Dion Ray, the Cajuns accrued 115 net yards rushing. However that was negated due to the aforementioned sacks and the Cajuns wound up with only 84 net yards on the afternoon. Having Grant Horst playing through an injury may be a big reason why the Cajuns offensive line seemed to have some cracks in the armor.
4th Down: Much Needed Win
Coming off of a bye week and getting a win is huge no matter the program. Getting a win on the road against a team that embarrassed them for their homecoming game last season is definitely a big confidence booster.
There are some negatives when you really look at some of the film, but overall there are some positives to take away from it. You saw a defense that looked stagnant through four games shut down the Vandals offense after allowing an early touchdown and the quarterback play was much improved. If we keep seeing more of that, there’s still a shot to see this team at least get to .500 when the season is finished.
-Clint Domingue