North Texas (1-3, 1-0) opens the first of three home games when they take on Sun Belt Conference opponent University of Louisiana-Lafayette (UL-L) (1-2, 1-1) this Saturday at 6:00 P.M. The marks the second game of the Fouts Field Finale season.

The Cajuns opened their season facing Georgia on the road. They picked up a big paycheck and a solid 55-7 whipping.  There wasn’t much positive to say about the game from a UL-L perspective. Even their Lombardi nominee Linebacker Grant Flemming broke his hand.

The second game of the season, UL-L hosted Sun Belt Conference member Arkansas State and sent their fans home smiling with a 31-24 win.  They built up a 31-7 lead at the end of the third quarter but the fourth quarter UL-L was unable to put points on the board and the ASU offense was able to close the gap. ASU was on the verge of scoring again with 2:22 left in the game but an interception allowed UL-L to run the clock out.

The third game of the season they hosted Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders were without senior quarterback Dwight Dasher along with some other injuries to its starters. While the game was close at half, 20-14, MTSU added 14 more points in the second half to take a 34-14 SBC win. The Cajuns felt they really had a shot at winning the game and are looking forward to taking out their frustrations on North Texas.

Here is what to look for from the Cajuns. They have not been very successful on field goals from 30 yards and out. They have had several blocked and some just flat out missed. The field goal kicker has a tendency to kick the ball low. In addition, because of injuries to several of their offensive linemen on the special teams, several defensive linemen are playing on the line. If UL-L tries any field goals, North Texas will have the opportunity to get a block.

On punts don’t look for too many returnable kicks, most of their punts are kicked out of bounds. The punter does have good hang time so if he kicks up the middle there will be several fair catches. He can kick the ball long and has kicked several times from his thirty and put the ball inside the opponent’s twenty yard line. He also is known to shank one or two.    

The UL-L offensive line is in repair.  They have several injuries and do not have enough offensive linemen to rotate in and out. Several players are playing out of position. As a result the playbook is limited and in the fourth quarter they have a tendency to be tired. So in the fourth quarter the North Texas defense should be able to control the offensive line and know which plays UL-L will be leaning on.  

North Texas offense will have the chance to run and pass the ball.  During the Middle Tennessee game, the Blue Raiders quarterback had over 2 seconds before needing to get the ball out. Because of the lack of defensive push, teams have been able to throw the ball deep for touchdowns. So, North Texas can take a shot down the field with decreased concerned Riley Dodge will get hit. It gives the wide receivers more time to get open.

Teams have been able to run the ball on UL-L to control the game but more importantly teams have been able to break off long runs. If North Texas goes with the running game, Lance Dunbar and James Hamilton should be able to put up some nice numbers. If they run the ball, the North Texas defense will be fresh enough in the fourth quarter to preserve a win. UL-L is expecting North Texas to run the ball so look for their defensive game plan to stop the run.

When UL-L has the ball, look for them to use the run as their primarily weapon. The quarterback is used on designed draws but he also pulls the ball down and runs when his receivers are covered. If North Texas is to be successful defending the quarterback they are going have to keep him contained in the pocket and then collapse it on him. If they don’t he will be running into the secondary for big gains and scores. He is the reason UL-L will win or lose games and he will be the reason North Texas wins or losses the game on Saturday.    

Final analysis, there is no reason for North Texas to lose this game.  If they do, it will be coaches error.