University of Louisiana-Lafayette Head Coach Rickey Bustle is concerned about the running game of North Texas. He thought the North Texas big win over Florida Atlantic was the result of North Texas “being physical and running the ball.”

Bustle feels North Texas has “running backs that can get you yardage” and a quarterback that can pile up some yardage too.  Lance Dunbar and James Hamilton controlled the game and provided the power to take the win at FAU 21-17.  With Riley Dodge back at the helm, Bustle stated he can pass or run the ball out of design plays but can make quick decisions in aborting passing plays, pull the ball down and run for yardage. Last week North Texas proved they can be a power football team by running the ball and he sees no reason for them to change.

Bustle believes if North Texas employs the running attack against the Cajuns his defense is going to have to stay in “their quadrants”, be patience, play smart football and protect the backside to keep Riley contained. He said in the past North Texas would throw the ball 40-50 times a game but against FAU “they threw it about 15 times” and took the win.

After reviewing the film he felt it was not only the North Texas offense that was physical but so was the defense. “They changed their attitude to be a physical football team last week” and “that is exactly what they did.”

The Cajuns are preparing for North Texas’ running game because it worked so well for the Eagles the week before. “They controlled that football game the other day and they have to be happy with that.” While he believes the running game will be in play he still expects some zone reads from Riley Dodge because “they might come out and [use] all this spread stuff again.”

Game time is 6 P.M. Fouts Field, Denton, Texas