09-02-2004, 05:16 PM
Caught this on CFN, their fearless prediction has us winning the only game of the week for the Sunbelt. Heres CFN's prediction.
Northwestern State at UL Lafayette, 8 pm EST
Why to watch: Northwestern State and UL Lafayette are just about dead even as far as overall talent so the potential is there for a DI-AA win over D-I. The Rajin' Cajuns are looking to get off to a good start after finishing 2003 with four wins in their last five games, but there are several major holes that need filling. Northwestern State plays D-I teams tough pushing Tulane and beating UL Monroe last season.
Why Northwestern State might win: Most of the ULL defensive front seven needs to be replaced. That's bad news against a NSU offense with eight starters back and a strong running game.
Why UL Lafayette might win: The momentum of last year should carry over into this season as ULL is more confident and believes it should win games like this. The offense should be fine with a decent and experienced offensive line able to handle the NSU defensive line.
Who to watch: NSU's tailbacks should be the story as juniors Shelton Sampson and Derrick Johnese will rotate series. This is a deep and talented backfield by DI-AA standards and ULL has to find a way to slow them down.
What will happen: The new ULL 4-3 defense should be a bit stronger against the run, but NSU has the experience to make this close if not pull off the win. The Ragin' Cajuns will come away with a nail-biter.
CFN Prediction: UL Lafayette 23 ... Northwestern State 20 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Plan Star Jones' wedding on The View) ... 1.5
Northwestern State at UL Lafayette, 8 pm EST
Why to watch: Northwestern State and UL Lafayette are just about dead even as far as overall talent so the potential is there for a DI-AA win over D-I. The Rajin' Cajuns are looking to get off to a good start after finishing 2003 with four wins in their last five games, but there are several major holes that need filling. Northwestern State plays D-I teams tough pushing Tulane and beating UL Monroe last season.
Why Northwestern State might win: Most of the ULL defensive front seven needs to be replaced. That's bad news against a NSU offense with eight starters back and a strong running game.
Why UL Lafayette might win: The momentum of last year should carry over into this season as ULL is more confident and believes it should win games like this. The offense should be fine with a decent and experienced offensive line able to handle the NSU defensive line.
Who to watch: NSU's tailbacks should be the story as juniors Shelton Sampson and Derrick Johnese will rotate series. This is a deep and talented backfield by DI-AA standards and ULL has to find a way to slow them down.
What will happen: The new ULL 4-3 defense should be a bit stronger against the run, but NSU has the experience to make this close if not pull off the win. The Ragin' Cajuns will come away with a nail-biter.
CFN Prediction: UL Lafayette 23 ... Northwestern State 20 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Plan Star Jones' wedding on The View) ... 1.5