The Cajuns have a schedule that has some tough matchups with Boise State and Georgia along with a pair of matchups with conference rivals projected to be atop the standings in 2016. But there is one game that the Cajuns must win in 2016 to help achieve their goals. That must-win game is Arkansas State.
The Red Wolves are one of the best teams in the Sun Belt and could duplicate their success in 2016 with quite a few of their defensive stars coming back and they gave the Cajuns fits last season in a midweek matchup. The Cajuns under Mark Hudspeth aren’t used to having losing seasons and have won two of the last three matchups against the Red Wolves. Keep in mind that the Cajuns were able to do this as Arkansas State was having their coaches last one season and go to another school (see: Hugh Freeze and Gus Malzahn).
The Cajuns have to win this game as it is the penultimate game of the regular season and could be the difference between a bowl game and sitting at home watching the games on the mothership. You’re coming off of a game against Georgia that straight up looks like a loss and coming back for the last home game of the year, how can you not be hyped to play this game?
The goals for the Ragin Cajuns are relatively simple: have a winning record and get to a bowl game. If you do that, the fans will see this season as a success. Beating Arkansas State could be that difference because of the amount of teams that could sneak up on the Cajuns and the tough teams like Appalachian State and Boise State. The talent is there in 2016 and the Cajuns could have a bounce back year, but if you can’t take down your rival it might feel like a season without that big win.
-Clint Domingue