Sun Belt: Louisiana

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

2015 Results: 4-8 (3-5, T-5th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 7 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd BOISE STATE
10th MCNEESE STATE
17th SOUTH ALABAMA
24th at Tulane

October

1st at New Mexico State
12th APPALACHIAN STATE
22nd at Texas State

November

5th IDAHO
12th at Georgia Southern
19th at Georgia
26th ARKANSAS STATE

December

3rd at Louisiana-Monroe

Not long ago, Louisiana was making it a thing by winning at least nine games and going to bowls. They had four consecutive years where they did such, until a year ago. After starting 4-4, the Ragin' Cajuns found themselves in unfamiliar territory. After losing the final four games of the season, it became apparent that they would be watching the bowl season from home. This year's team will have a chance to return to their winning ways and shake off one season that they hope to forget.

Questions abound, similar to other teams in the conference, about the quarterback situation. The race is currently between sophomore Jordan Davis and redshirt freshman Chris Weaver with neither putting any separation between the other. Elijah McGuire returns to the backfield for his senior season, and he is an All-Sun Belt running back who does it all. The receivers are new, but experienced. That being said, turnover around the rest of the offense, and the quarterback situation, means that this group will have to get winning experience quick.

Seven starters return to a defense that was well known for giving up the big play a year ago. Seven of the tacklers return also to that same unit. The defense will be led by linebackers Tracy Walker and Otha Peters. Safety Savion Brown who had three of the Cajuns' five interceptions a year ago also returns. The defense will be experienced, but as with the offense, they will need to get that winning experience.

Player to Watch: Elijah McGuire

Not only is McGuire the best player for Louisiana, he's also one of the top backs in the Sun Belt. The Do-It-All Back ran for 1,058 yards last year, and also caught 33 passes. He will be the quarterback's best friend, whenever he is named.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/3 Boise State

The Cajuns host the Broncos this year. This is huge for them to bring in a team of that caliber. With the lights shining bright, they will have a clean slate in the opener, and a new quarterback.

What to Expect

Returning to the nine win level is likely out of the question this year. One thing in their favor is the conference schedule. Louisiana draws both Appalachian State and Arkansas State at home this year. For the Cajuns to make a bowl, they will need more play makers on offense than McGuire, and they will also need to find a way to limit the big plays on defense.

Prediction

5-7 (3-5, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th