ULL play-by-play broadcaster Jay Walker answered 5 questions I sent him about the matchup Saturday:
1. It seems the Cajuns have struggled at the quarterback position thus far. What is the biggest weakness of their two quarterbacks?
Haack sometimes has tried to force the football, which has caused him to turn the football over. Nixon is a question mark because they haven't asked him to come in and perform until things have been somewhat out of hand. Haack is the better passer. Nixon can hurt you with his legs, but his passing ability is a question mark.
2. Tech has stopped the run reasonably well this season and Elijah McGuire is the Cajuns biggest offensive weapon. How critical is the passing game to getting McGuire going Saturday?
Well, first of all, the Cajuns have to find a way to run it. I thought they didn't try to establish the run early and it cost them. They have to get McGuire involved early. If the Cajuns can't run, they can't win. That having been said, the wide receivers have to step up. The problems in the passing game haven't been limited to quarterback play.
3. Defensively, what are the Cajuns biggest strengths and weaknesses?
The Cajuns' linebacking corps is solid. Dominique Tovell is a very good player and they have some depth there. The Cajuns' secondary has struggled man-to-man and they are battling injuries back there as well. The line has improved, but the Cajuns miss Christian Ringo and Justin Hamilton up front. The Cajuns have struggled to generate a pass rush unless they are blitzing.
4. This is a game Cajuns fans have had circles since last season. What's the air been inside the program about this game outside of the fan base?
Well, the team knows they were embarrassed last year. Tech came in with a chip on its shoulder and the Cajuns never responded. But other than last year, the players don't know much about Tech. Although the teams have played a ton over the years, last year was the first time in a decade.
5. How do you think the Cajuns defend Tech's offensive attack that has grown to be much more than just Kenneth Dixon?
Well, it was more than Dixon last year, too. I thought the difference between 2013 and 2014 was Sokol. And now, you have another fifth year guy who has been through the wars. You pick your poison with Tech's offense. But it still starts with Dixon. You have to limit his yards after contact. I think that's what hurts defenses the most. He's truly a great player. Tech has had some very good backs over the years...but Dixon might be the best they've ever had. I think you have to change things up defensively and hope you can force some mistakes. Personnel wise on offense, I really don't see any weaknesses in Tech at all.
1. It seems the Cajuns have struggled at the quarterback position thus far. What is the biggest weakness of their two quarterbacks?
Haack sometimes has tried to force the football, which has caused him to turn the football over. Nixon is a question mark because they haven't asked him to come in and perform until things have been somewhat out of hand. Haack is the better passer. Nixon can hurt you with his legs, but his passing ability is a question mark.
2. Tech has stopped the run reasonably well this season and Elijah McGuire is the Cajuns biggest offensive weapon. How critical is the passing game to getting McGuire going Saturday?
Well, first of all, the Cajuns have to find a way to run it. I thought they didn't try to establish the run early and it cost them. They have to get McGuire involved early. If the Cajuns can't run, they can't win. That having been said, the wide receivers have to step up. The problems in the passing game haven't been limited to quarterback play.
3. Defensively, what are the Cajuns biggest strengths and weaknesses?
The Cajuns' linebacking corps is solid. Dominique Tovell is a very good player and they have some depth there. The Cajuns' secondary has struggled man-to-man and they are battling injuries back there as well. The line has improved, but the Cajuns miss Christian Ringo and Justin Hamilton up front. The Cajuns have struggled to generate a pass rush unless they are blitzing.
4. This is a game Cajuns fans have had circles since last season. What's the air been inside the program about this game outside of the fan base?
Well, the team knows they were embarrassed last year. Tech came in with a chip on its shoulder and the Cajuns never responded. But other than last year, the players don't know much about Tech. Although the teams have played a ton over the years, last year was the first time in a decade.
5. How do you think the Cajuns defend Tech's offensive attack that has grown to be much more than just Kenneth Dixon?
Well, it was more than Dixon last year, too. I thought the difference between 2013 and 2014 was Sokol. And now, you have another fifth year guy who has been through the wars. You pick your poison with Tech's offense. But it still starts with Dixon. You have to limit his yards after contact. I think that's what hurts defenses the most. He's truly a great player. Tech has had some very good backs over the years...but Dixon might be the best they've ever had. I think you have to change things up defensively and hope you can force some mistakes. Personnel wise on offense, I really don't see any weaknesses in Tech at all.
