Just so everyone is clear, the main reasons why the Ragin’ Cajuns came up short 41-39 to Tulane, had to do with four turnovers, a banged up offensive line and defensive confusion in overtime. Having said all that, there are some interesting coaching decisions to discuss.
- After tying the game up on a 16 play drive, the offense became too conservative. Twice, only needing a FG to take the lead and probably win, the Cajuns went 3 and out. Running Eli twice both times followed by an Anthony Jennings incompletion. It appeared the Cajuns were hoping for overtime, where as everyone found out, anything can happen. Including on a 4th & 1, the Cajuns deciding to kick a FG in the 3rd OT, which came on the heels of Tulane scoring touchdowns on back to back plays.
- Eli McGuire carrying the ball 38 times. The Cajuns have an abundance of running backs with McGuire, Jordan Wright, Darius Hoggins and the ever improving freshman Ray Calais, Jr. The benefit of that depth should allow the Cajuns to keep McGuire fresh. Not only for the current game, but throughout the season. In addition, the Cajuns never got the running game going (2.2 ypc). Up the middle with Eli didn’t work last year and it won’t work this year.
- In his postgame press conference, Mark Hudspeth said he just wanted to give his team a chance. “If you don’t make the first down, the game is over for the most part.” While kicking the FG is certainly the safe play, based what was happening in the game, scoring a touchdown was imperative. It turns out, Tulane had to kick a long 48 FG just to force a 4th OT, but only because Chris Johnson dropped a game winning touchdown. The third wide open receiver in 3 OT’s.
- For the first time this season, UL quarterback Anthony Jennings struggled. Lack of protection and running game were contributing factors, but Jennings just seemed off. As a result, Cajuns offensive coordinator appeared to take the ball out of his hands (63 rushes vs 38 passes). Although, Jennings did make a couple of spectacular plays late. Connecting with Keenan Barnes in the back of the end zone in the 1st OT and placing the football perfectly in Eli’s hands in the 4th OT.
Despite numerous breakdowns in overtime, the Cajuns defense was nothing short of spectacular in regulation. Limiting Tulane to 227 yards of total offense, 75 of them coming on the Green Wave touchdown drive in the 3rd quarter. Time and time again keeping Tulane out of the end zone after all of the turnovers. Not allowing Tulane to convert a 3rd down (0-16) must be some kind of NCAA record.
Cajuns drop to 2-2 and need to regroup (and get healthy) before heading out to New Mexico in a Sun Belt matchup with the Aggies.