Louisiana Tech at UL Lafayette

The Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns have won 9 games for three straight years. Last year could have been 10 or 11, if not for QB Terrence Broadway going down with an injury. This year they have almost everyone coming back, with even more depth. The defense has just about every player back in the two-deep, and should show dramatic improvement. Alonzo Harris has gained over 2,500 yards on the ground in three years, but he will have to fight for carries with the emergence of Elijah McGuire. Over the last six conference games, five of which were wins, McGuire carried 58 times for 9.4 yards per carry, and in the opener vs. Southern, he  went for 129 on just 13 totes. The opener saw 11 different receivers catch at least one ball, and this is a loaded offense. After dominating offensively in 2012, Louisiana Tech really lost it last year, scoring 16 points or less in eight games. They have to rebuild the defensive line once again, and against a polished and speedy offense with a savvy QB, a strong set of skill players, and tremendous depth, it is going to get ugly early in this one. The defense has three new coaches to work with. The offense will improve but has so far to go that they will be below average once again. The lack of defensive depth, and a limited offense, facing a very competent and motivated team is just too much here. UL Lafayette gets the call.