Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Head Coach: Mark Hudspeth
2013-14 Record: 9-4, Sun Belt Conference
2013-14 Bowl Result: 24-21 win over Tulane in New Orleans Bowl
Odds to Win National Championship: Field +2142
Returning Starters
Offense: 8, Defense: 9
Offense
Entering his third season as the Cajuns’ starting quarterback, Terrance Broadway looks to put his stamp on the career record books, which is important to consider when making your 2014 college football predictions.
Broadway is fifth in school history in passing yards and third in touchdown passes, while he finished sixth among Sun Belt signal callers in throwing for 2,419 yards and 19 touchdowns.
One of the keys to Louisiana’s success has been a strong running game, and with a lethal 1-2 punch in Alonzo Harris and Elijah McGuire, who were named first-team all-conference performers.
No area on the team carries as much experience as the offensive line where four veteran starters return. Whoever plays at center in the season opener will be surrounded by a group of veterans that helped the squad finish second in the Sun Belt in rushing and fourth in total offense.
Defense
Justin Hamilton and Christian Ringo return to lead the Cajuns up front—a group that ranked third overall in total defense within the conference last year.
Leading the way for this unit at the linebacker position is Dominique Tovell, who was second on the team with 67 tackles in 2013.
Three starters return from a secondary unit that tied for the Sun Belt lead in interceptions on the season, while leading the league in total takeaways.
Senior free safety Trevence Patt led the squad with 12 pass breakups—a number he may be able to improve upon with two other starts in the secondary.
Schedule
Hudspeth will have to have this team ready to roll in September, as it finishes the month on the road against the Mississippi Rebels and Boise State Broncos.
Louisiana plays a pair of Tuesday games the following month, which will allow the program to gain exposure on national television, which can’t be ignored when looking over the college football odds page.
Outlook
The Ragin’ Cajuns are clear favorites to win their first outright conference tital since 1970, which will likely lead to a fourth consecutive bowl appearance.
This may be Hudspeth’s last year in Lafayette, as I expect a lot of athletic directors looking in his direction once the 2014 campaign is over.
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