Monday, October 15, 2012

Louisiana-Lafayette vs North Texas

Scouting Report for Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (4-1) vs. North Texas Mean Green(2-4)
October 16, 2012- Apogee Stadium, Denton, TX

Louisiana-Lafayette: The Cajuns overcame a slow start of then-winless Tulane (41-13). Though they only scored 3 points in the 1st quarter, Louisiana put on a 21-10 rout in the second and never looked back.

Terrence Broadway only completed 40.9% of his passes, however he averaged 6.8 yards per completion. Javone Lawson scored 2 TDs (24 YD & 20 YD)on 4 catches. Alonzo Harris had a big day on the ground with a TD (23 carries, 123 YDS). The Cajun defense was able to get pressure on the Green Wave offensive line all game. They force D.J. Ponder to throw back to back interceptions (the second led to a pick six by Justin Anderson). They also recovered a fumble on their only sack of the game. The Tulane ground game was limited to 53 total yards.

North Texas: UNT never had a chance against the resurgent Houston Cougars a couple of Saturdays ago (44-21 loss). The Mean Green had a balanced attack in Houston. Sadly, so did the Cougars. Even though North Texas pulled within 10 early in the second half, UH scored 13 unanswered to seal the game.

Derek Thompson put up 252 yards in the air, but he threw 2 INTs and could get a touchdown through the air. Thompson did score a rushing touchdown in the 3rd. Antoinne Jimmerson scored on a 1 yard run. Brandin Byrd and Jeremy Brown (48 YD TD run) combined for 176 yards on 26 carries. Ivan Delgado and Brelan Chancellor combined for 8 catches for 129 yards. The Mean Green defense couldn't slow Houston down as the Cougars outgained UNT by 140 yards in total offense.

What to watch for: North Texas has played a very tough schedule. And so far they've been competing. But against Houston, they committed 7 penalties for 87 yards. The defense was the main culprit as they accumulated 4 of them. They lost 40 yards on personal fouls and 12 for pass interference. The offense had 30 yards for illegal blocks and a false start penalty. In short, the Mean Green need to play smart.

Conclusion: As some may recall, Broadway played for the Cougars in 2010 before transferring to Louisiana. With the exception of Oklahoma State (65-24 defeat),the Cajuns have played a pretty easy schedule. ULL had a pretty easy time against Tulane's O-Line. They won't have an easier time with the Mean Green line. UNT is due for a win given the circumstances. Because Louisiana-Lafayette is two wins from bowl eligibility and need to have momentum before they head to Gainesville in 3 weeks, all the reason why this game should be close.

Prediction: North Texas by 4.


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