From the other side, Part 4
September 20, 2007
I’ll be making the 400-mile drive from St. Petersburg, Fla., to Dothan in a couple of hours, and tomorrow going 450 miles from Dothan to Lafayette. Not sure how much I’ll be able to post between now and tomorrow night.
From the other side, Part 4
A big thanks to Dan McDonald of the Daily Advertiser in Lafayette for his cooperation. He’s the Ragin’ Cajuns beat writer.
1. What did the Cajun players and coaches say about Troy’s win over Oklahoma State?
I really don’t think UL’s coaches were very surprised that Troy beat OSU. I know they were impressed with the manner in which they controlled the game, pretty much in all phases of the game, but I don’t think they were shocked with the victory.
2. What is the Cajuns’ biggest weak link right now?
It would be easy to blame defensive problems on the secondary since opponents are completing over 64 percent of their throws for over 217 yards a game. But they’re also not generating much of a pass rush, and in the second half in all three games so far their opponents have been able to move the ball pretty much at will. Offensively, it’s hard to put a finger on. Their numbers are good, but it seems like in every drive they have one hugely negative play and the offense hasn’t been good at bouncing back on second and third-and-long situations.
3. Where could the Cajuns give the Trojans the most problems?
The Cajuns have their most mobile quarterback since the Brian Mitchell days. Michael Desormeaux can create a lot of problems for defenses. He’s a lot like Florida’s Tebow…albeit without that level of a supporting cast.
4. How much would it hurt if Tyrell Fenroy is out?
A lot. Fenroy is the type of back that wears on defenses. If UL’s not too far behind, they like nothing better than to run the read option and Fenroy’s the biggest key to that. It’s looking more and more doubtful that he’ll play as the week goes along, but he hasn’t been fully ruled out.
5. What’s the general consensus around there about Mike Desormeaux’s abilities as a quarterback now, since he played a big role in the win over Troy two years ago
Desormeaux has always had the reputation as an athlete playing quarterback, and he is among the league’s best overall athletes. But he’s also been pretty consistent with his throws – 56.3 percent, mostly short-range – and didn’t have a turnover until last week’s four-interception, five-turnover debacle against McNeese.
6. What’s your prediction for the game Saturday?
I’ve seen UL struggle in three straight second halves. I’m sticking with my pick that ran in our Wednesday paper – Troy 31-21.
