Ragin’ Cajuns vs. South Alabama Preview

Location: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL

Date: Saturday, November 4th

Time: 3 PM CDT

TV: ESPN3

Records: Ragin’ Cajuns 3-4 (2-2), South Alabama 3-5 (2-2)

Betting Line: Ragin’ Cajuns +5.5; Over/Under 52.5

All-Time Series: Ragin’ Cajuns lead 3-2

Last Meeting: Cajuns won 28-23 (September 17, 2016)

The Ragin’ Cajuns will face off against the South Alabama Jaguars this weekend, as both teams try to get above .500 in Sun Belt play. The slight edge is being given to South Alabama, as they are 5.5 point favorites at home. Both teams are coming off of losses and looking to get back on track in this game.

Ragin’ Cajuns’ Outlook

The Ragin’ Cajuns have had a week off since their last game, which was an absolute shellacking at the hands of the Arkansas State Red Wolves. The Cajuns were only able to secure three points on an early field goal; the Red Wolves’ defense essentially ran the table.

The Ragin’ Cajuns proved early in the season that they are a team that can pile on the points, but they have come back to earth as of late. After scoring at least 42 points in 3 of their first 4 games, they haven’t been able to eclipse 24 since. The offense continues to struggle on a weekly basis, and it is the exact thing that the Jaguars will look to exploit in this matchup.

On the other side of the ball, the defense has largely been a victim of momentum in all of the games on the year. Either the Cajun offense was moving the ball so efficiently that the opposing teams had lots of opportunities to start a drive, or that same offense was so abysmal that they couldn’t stay on the field. Game flow has been a huge factor for the Cajuns on the year, and they can’t seem to be the ones to control it.

Jaguars’ Outlook

If quarterback Dallas Davis can get rolling, then there is a great chance that the Jaguars can coast to victory. This not an unlikely scenario going up against a Cajun defense that has proven to be vulnerable on many occasions already this season. Early intensity can set the tone that the Jaguars will ride to victory.

South Alabama has been middle of the road for defense as a whole this season, and this is the type of matchup that this unit can take advantage of. Don’t expect a shutout or total domination, but the Jaguars can find ways to make plays. If the Jaguars create turnovers, they will cause the Cajuns’ quarterback carousel to continue to spin, swaying momentum into their favor.

How will the Cajuns win? Establishing early momentum and not falling victim to the flow of the game.

How will the Jaguars win? Set the tone early and make the Cajuns fight for momentum.

Prediction: Jaguars 31, Ragin’ Cajuns 20