Louisiana hosts Louisiana Tech this Saturday night at Cajun Field.  It's a long-awaited matchup and many long-time Cajun fans are really looking forward to a renewal of the Cajuns' longest and most played rivalry.  Don't let anyone tell you it isn't a rivalry.  It is.  And, it means a bunch...to both teams.

If the Cajuns are to send the Bulldogs up US 167 with their tails between their legs, here are some things that need to happen:

1. RUN IT -  Well, duh.  But it's more important this week than normal.  Tech's secondary has a lot of experienced, veteran players.  Running the ball opens up play action and that's how you take care of an experienced, veteran secondary.  You know the Cajuns want to run it.  They always do.  And, if they're successful, there's a really good chance they'll win this football game.

2.  PROTECT NUMBER 8--Cajuns' offensive tackle Mykhael Quave said this week that the O-line didn't do a very good job of this last week.  Manny Diaz, the new defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech, is a "gimmick" guy who throws many different looks at an offense.  You have to believe the Bulldogs will bring people in obvious passing situations.  Give Terrance the time he needs and he can get some things done in single coverage.

3.  DON'T HELP THEM--In 2007 the Cajuns lost to a good McNeese squad and a bushel of turnovers was the reason.  I don't know that Louisiana Tech has the personnel to win this game if the Cajuns protect the football.  Finish drives and don't leave the football on the ground...or in the hands of that Tech secondary and the Cajuns should be fine.

4.  KEEP DIXON FROM HAVING A BIG NIGHT--The Tech tailback is a good one.  The Bulldogs aren't a line up and pound it kind of team...they run more out of the spread formation.  Tech has improved greatly at quarterback with Cody Sokol.  But Kenneth Dixon can beat you if you pay too much attention to the Tech passing game.  The Cajuns have to forced Tech's quarterback to beat them.

5.  HAVE AN ATTITUDE---The Cajuns are the better football team.  Not only do they need to play like it, they need to act like it.  Controlled arrogance goes a long way toward a good performance.  There's a line between arrogant and cocky.  The closer the Cajuns get to the line without crossing it, the better off they'll be.

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