Cajuns seek stability after bye week ahead of South Alabama clash
UL returns to action Saturday with key injuries resolved, aiming to fix the rushing defense that struggled in the loss to Southern Miss.
By Mariam Saleh ·
The University of Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns return to their schedule this weekend, seeking to convert a week of rest into a consistent performance against South Alabama. The team faces the Jaguars at 4 p.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium, looking to avoid the inconsistency that defined their recent losses.
The Cajuns hold a 5-3 record, with a 2-2 mark in Sun Belt Conference play. South Alabama enters the matchup at 4-4 overall and 2-2 in conference games. The Jaguars are scoring 35.3 points per game and average 416.3 total yards per contest, placing them third in the Sun Belt for production.
Coach Michael Desormeaux stated that the team must combine the energy of early season play with the execution demonstrated later in the year. "You've got to have the Week 1 excitement again to get back out there," Desormeaux said. He emphasized the need for confidence based on the team's positive developments throughout the season.
Injuries that hampered the defense have cleared. Redshirt senior safety Collin Jacob is expected to return from a broken arm. His absence contributed to the defense allowing 286 rushing yards in the 35-31 road loss to Southern Miss. Desormeaux described that performance as a temporary issue that must not become a larger problem.
Starting right guard Matt Broussard is also back to full health and will start. Desormeaux noted that Broussard is the first to look fully fit since returning from injury. He will compete with freshman Jakoby Isom for playing time, with Desormeaux indicating both may see the field.
South Alabama's offense is led by quarterback Jared Hollins, who has completed 52 percent of 156 passes for 1,195 yards and nine touchdowns. The receiving corps is led by Brendan Jenkins with 451 yards and three scores, and Anthony Eager with 450 yards and six scores. The rushing attack features Keenan Phillips and PJ Martin, combining for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns in conference play.
UL quarterback Lunch Winfield has thrown for 1,452 yards and six touchdowns with five interceptions. Russell Babineaux and Trenton Chaney lead the team with 17 receptions each, while KeDarius Wade has 279 receiving yards. Desormeaux noted that the Cajuns prefer to run the ball, a strategy that contrasts with South Alabama's tendency to allow 287 passing yards per game.
