For (possibly) one last time this season, we go Behind Enemy Lines to get some inside information on the Warhawks' opponent. This week, we spoke to Jay Walker. Jay does play-by-play for the Cajuns radio network and covers the team for espn1420 in Lafayette. Follow Jay on twitter at https://twitter.com/jayespn1420.
1. The Cajuns beat Arkansas State last week in a very close game. Was this a case of Arkansas State having an off game or the Cajuns just beating them?
Both. It was a trap game for Arkansas State after beating a nationally ranked Troy team the week before. But the Cajuns played extremely well defensively, which has been sort of a trademark the second half of the season. They held A-state to just 1-6 in touchdowns in the red zone, 3-6 overall.
2. How would you describe Elijah McGuire's Senior campaign?
Injury riddled. He got hurt in the fourth game of the season and hasn't been 100 percent since. In fact, he probably shouldn't have played in the three games after Tulane. And yet, he needs less than 100 yards to get to 1,000 for the season. He's special.
3. Was the Anthony Jennings experiment a failure or success?
Like Eli, Anthony has been bothered by an ankle injury and just got back to 100 percent three games ago. When the OLine has given him time to throw, he's been good. Especially when you consider he got to campus one day before camp opened.
4. Coach Viator raved about Otha Peters and Tre'Maine Lightfoot. What do they do well?
Peters wrecks havoc in whatever he does. I think he's the best defensive player in the league. He can get to the passer, he can stop the run. He can cover receivers. Lightfoot is a wonderful compliment. He has a nose for the football and always seems to be around the tackle.
5. If the Cajuns lose and miss a bowl game, will Hudspeth's job be in jeopardy?
No. For many reasons, but here are two:
1. The Cajuns are looking for an AD. They must hire that person who then makes a decision about the coaches' future (in all sports).
2. He has a very hefty buyout which reduces each year. Right now the buyout is 1.5-2 million.
6. What is your prediction for Saturday's matchup?
I don't make predictions because of the fact I'm the play by play voice. But I'll give you a couple of things to consider.
1. Just like last week for Arkansas State, this is a trap game for the Cajuns. It was a very emotional win over their football arch-rivals. And, now they go to ULM as a favorite, with everyone talking bowl game. ULM is playing good football and I think Matt Viator has done a phenomenal job in his first season.
2. ULM's running game is the key here. The Cajuns have only lost once when holding the feature back to less than 80 yards. The Cajuns have been very good at stopping the run, which has become ULM's strength. The Cajuns win if they stop the run. It will be easier said than done.
Weather forecast doesn't look good. That, too, could affect how things play out.