Louisiana Lafayette went 3-9 in 2010, and the team seemed destined for another disappointing year in 2011. Mark Hudspeth took over and changed the program right away. The Ragin’ Cajuns went 9-4 and picked up a bowl victory in his first year with the team.
Sun Belt 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Louisiana Lafayette
Head Coach: Mark Hudspeth
2011 Record: 9-4
Louisiana Lafayette Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS Championship: (Part of Field) +1,800
Louisiana Lafayette Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win Sun Belt: +475
Cajuns Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
Lafayette experienced the biggest jump in attendance last year of any college football program. Almost 12,000 more fans per game showed up in 2011. This fan base is clearly excited about what is happening with the football program.
The team’s bowl victory was its first bowl appearance in more than 40 years. The real test will be this year, when the team won’t be sneaking up on anyone. The Ragin’ Cajuns don’t have the depth that some schools in the Sun Belt have, but they do have some high quality starters in key positions.
Team Strengths:
Blaine Gautier rewrote the record books for Lafayette last year at the quarterback position. Gautier set the single-season record for passing yards, passing touchdowns, quarterback rating, and total offense in 2011. He is a dual-threat quarterback who keeps many plays alive with his feet. The team is expecting big things from him again this season.
Lafayette has an amazing group of wide receivers. There is little doubt that this unit is the best in the conference. Five of their top six receivers from a year ago are back. Javone Lawson is the team’s top wide receiver. He had four catches or more in 8 of the last 9 games last season. Harry Peoples and Darryl Surgent are both game breaking receivers on the outside. This group should dominate in 2012. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The cornerbacks are the strength of the defense. Melvin White is a 6’3 corner who has lock down ability on the outside. Jemarious Moten is another solid corner on the opposite side. Opponents won’t be able to pick on either of these guys.
Team Weaknesses:
Lafayette doesn’t have the play makers at linebacker that most top teams in this conference have. The Ragin’ Cajuns were only mediocre against the run last year, and that could be a problem again in 2012. Opponents will likely test the front seven for Louisiana Lafayette.
Overall team depth is a major issue for Lafayette. The running back spot is a perfect example. Alonzo Harris has the potential to be a star, but if he gets hurt the team doesn’t really have anyone ready to step in at the running back spot. Lafayette needs to stay healthy in order to compete for the top of this conference.
2012-2013 Louisiana Lafayette Football Prediction: 8-5
Lafayette benefited from an easy schedule in 2011, and that gets a little tougher in 2012. Non-conference games against Oklahoma State and Florida on the road will be next to impossible to win. The key conference games will be September 29th at home against FIU and October 23rd home against Arkansas State.
This team might take a small step back in 2012, but if they can hold onto Hudspeth this program will remain in good hands in the long run.
2012 Cajuns Schedule
9/1/12 7:00 PM ET LAMAR
9/8/12 7:00 PM ET @TROY
9/15/12 TBD @OKLST
9/29/12 TBD FLINT
10/6/12 TBD TULNE
10/16/12 9:00 PM ET @NOTEX
10/23/12 8:00 PM ET ARKST
11/3/12 TBD @ULMON
11/10/12 TBD @FLA
11/17/12 TBD WKEN
11/24/12 TBD SALB
12/1/12 TBD @FLATL
