University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Cajuns Look to Clash with Troy
10/4/2011 12:10:00 AM | Football
The Ragin' Cajuns football team is off to its best start since 1988 with a 4-1 record as they head into this weekends clash with Sun Belt powerhouse Troy at Cajun Field.
The Cajuns and Trojans kick off at 6:04 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 in a live television broadcast that will air online on ESPN3.com. Jim Barbar will call all of the action with Warrick Dunn providing analysis. Click here for game notes.
In preparation for Saturday's tilt between two undefeated teams in Sun Belt Conference play, head football coach Mark Hudspeth held his weekly media luncheon on Monday afternoon.
Click here to view a video of coach Hudspeth's comments from the media luncheon. Click here to view a transcript.
The fifth edition of Inside Ragin' Cajuns Football airs tonight at 9:30 p.m. on Cox Channel 4. Replays of Inside Ragin' Cajuns Football will air Wednesday's at 4:30 p.m. on Cox Sports Television (CST).
The Cajuns have not had much luck against Troy since the Trojans joined the Sun Belt. The Trojans have won five straight games in the series and hold a 6-1 edge in SBC contests. Since 2006, the Cajuns have allowed Troy to score an average of 43ppg.
Troy enters the game fresh off a victory over UAB in which they trailed by nine points midway through the fourth quarter.
Louisiana (4-1, 2-0 Sun Belt) defeated Florida Atlantic by the final score of 37-34 thanks to a 26-yard field goal by Brett Baer. It was the Cajuns first victory in the final 10 seconds of a game since Sean Comiskey's 21-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining versus New Mexico State on Oct. 16, 2003.
UL leads the SBC in several key statistical categories, including; scoring (33ppg), total touchdowns (19), pass defense efficiency (124.8), turnover margin (+3), punt return yards and average, interceptions (7), interception return yards (172), interception TDs (4), sacks (17), opponent third down (28.9%).
Wide receiver Harry Peoples exploded for 12 receptions for 176 yards and a touchdown against FAU. His 12 receptions tied a Cajuns record at Cajun Field with former receiver Brandon Stokley, who also had 12 catches vs. Louisiana Tech on Nov. 4, 1995. The last Cajuns player to make at least 10 receptions in a game was B.J. Crist, who hauled in 10 passes at FIU on Oct. 2, 2004.
The Cajuns received Sun Belt Player of the Week honors for the third consecutive week as Lance Kelley was tabbed the Defensive Player of the Week, while Baer garnered Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
After five games, the Cajuns offense has converted 13-of-14 times in the red zone. UL has eight rushing touchdowns and five field goals. A missed FG is the only empty trip.
The UL homestand finishes with a homecoming contest vs. North Texas on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 6:08 p.m. The Cajuns have won five of the last six meetings, but four of those were decided by less than 10 points each.
-- RaginCajuns.com --
