Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 2022 College Football Preview
July 22, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 13-1
ATS – 7-7
That was a heck of a run.
The Cajuns lost their opener to the Longhorns and then proceeded to go on a HEEETER of epic proportions rattling off 13 (!!) consecutive wins. They disposed of the mighty Mountaineers of Appalachian St TWICE and took care of the Thundering Herd in the New Orleans Bowl with ease (W 36-21). Former HC Billy Napier had yuuuge success with the program and won the Sun Belt West in each of his four seasons in Lafayette. It’ll be up to new HC Michael Desormeaux to carry on the winning tradition.
Louisiana Rajun’ Cajuns 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
Just win, baby. That was what former star QB Levi Lewis was known for during his time with the Cajuns. Lewis’ departure leaves a massive hole to fill and it’ll be up to last year’s backup Chandler Fields (22 career attempts in 3Y) or Fresno St transfer Ben Woolridge (22 career attempts as well) to GIT ER DONE. The skill position groups look fine with the return of #1 RB Chris Smith (855, 5.6, 8 TD LY) and their top-three WRs including devastating deep threat Michael Jefferson (481, 4 TD, 26.7 YPC!). Also look for the TEs to play a big role given the QB situation. The offensive line is a big concern as they suffer massive losses including an NFL DC and bring back just one starter from the 2021 unit. We expect to see a less-potent offense that struggles with consistency.
DEFENSE
The Cajuns have been rock solid on D in each of the L3Y and they were particularly stout in 2021 (341 YPG, #22 FBS; 18.5 PPG, #11). There’s some rebuilding to be done this season as the Cajuns lose their top-three tacklers and return just five starters to the stop unit. Louisiana should still have a decent pass rush (39 sacks LY, #1 Fun Belt) as they bring back two of their top-three sack producers but they’ll miss stud NT Tayland Humphrey inside. LB appears to be a BLACK HOLE as all three (!) starters depart but the secondary should be fine with the return of three senior starters. This has the feel of a ‘good’, but not ‘great’ defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Looks solid, yo. They have an all-Universe punter in Rhys Burns (43.1 net! LY) and experienced return doods. Kenneth Almendares was decent during his CUP OF COFFEE with the Cajuns LY (4/5 FG, 14-15 XP LY).
Schedule Analysis
Overall – The September schedule is full of TOMATO CANS but things get much more difficult after the opening month. They get to play Troy at home but draw a nasty road date with Marshall from the East. Note that their final two games are ON THE HIGHWAY.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – October 12 – at Marshall
Yes, guy. We get some SWEET WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTION. This has the look of a tough spot for Louisiana as it’ll be their first real test of the year and Marshall is really good at home. This is also a sneaky revenge spot for Marshall to avenge last year’s New Orleans Bowl defeat.
Season Win Total
per BetOnline July 22
Over 8.5 -125
Under 8.5 -105
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under
The schedule isn’t that demanding but the Cajuns have to deal with a lot of major changes this year.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Degenerates that are members of TEAM REGRESSION should keep in mind that Louisiana was +15 (!) in turnover margin LY and are an impossible +30 over the L3Y.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
This should be an interesting team to watch. There’s still plenty of talent on the roster but the gap between themselves and a few EMERGING JUGGERNAUTS in the division appears to have closed significantly. The Cajuns are the most likely winner of the West but it might be worth looking at a few longshots if you plan on venturing into the futures market.
Want more Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun football ?
WEBSITE
https://ragincajuns.com/sports/football
FORUM
https://forumeus.com/forumdisplay.php/21-FOOTBALL
NEWS
http://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/sports/ul_lafayette/
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/309/louisiana-ragin’-cajuns