Welcome everyone to the latest Ragin Cajuns preview where I breakdown their next game! This week, the Ragin Cajuns take on Arkansas State.
Last Week: The last time the Cajuns took the field, they took one on the chin thanks to a pair of big plays early in a 35-21 loss to Georgia. Arkansas State meanwhile continued to roll through the Sun Belt Conference with their sixth straight win over Troy last Thursday 35-3.
Last Meeting: The last time these two teams met, it was a loss in Jonesboro behind big turnovers in a 37-27 victory for Arkansas State. The Cajuns have won two of the last three and hold the overall series lead 22-19-1.
What to Watch For:
Cajuns Need Their Coffee: The Ragin Cajuns have had some early games throughout the season and in each of them, they’ve come out of the gates looking flat and losing both of them. Last weekend, the Cajuns continued to underperform in the early stages allowing a touchdown on the very first play from the line of scrimmage. There needs to be some energy coming out of this final home game of the season despite the early start if they want to keep their goal of a bowl game in their grasp.
Wolves Head of the Pack: After an 0-4 start, it looked like the Red Wolves were going to be in the middle of an atrocious season, but once the non-conference slate ended they became a force to be reckoned with. The Cajuns will have their hands full with the run game, but this is one of those run defenses that could limit what they could do with the football on the ground and force them to air it out.
Limit Turnovers: Last time this two teams went at it, Arkansas State was able to take the edge early on with some takeaways. They were one of the best in the country when it came to getting interceptions last year, and still have that potential to turn this game around. You look at what happened last week during the Georgia game and if the Cajuns want to keep this game competitive; they will need to keep the ball in their hands, especially when it comes to the passing game.
Cajuns Will Win If:
The Ragin Cajuns can come away with a big win if the defense can hold down the Red Wolves. It’s easier said than done especially when it comes to the passing attack which has been the worst part of the Cajuns defense, but the Red Wolves have underperformed in that aspect.
Arkansas State Will Win If:
Arkansas State will keep rolling forward if the defense can do exactly what they did the last time these two met up and get turnovers. The Cajuns offensive line will be given a hard time as the Red Wolves should be refreshed as they last played on a Thursday and if that happens, turnovers will be inevitable.
-Clint Domingue