Kentucky -17/61 (#191) vs UL LaFayette
ULL is a solid mid-major team, 9-wins for 4 straight years. They have a great coach
in Mark Hudspeth who can adapt to the players he has at his disposal. This year
they lost a 3-years starter QB Terrance Broadway, a good dual threat QB, who finished
last year with 2842 passing and 769 rushing yards. The Cajuns also lost their top RB and
top WR along with 2 OL starters. Depth at skill positions is solid but big concern at
the Line where only 3 linemen have any game experience. Cajuns' decent defense
faces a huge loss with 7 good starters departed. Last year the Cajuns had 3 blow-out losses
against La Tech, Ole Miss and Boise St, combined for 44-138 or about -31 points
per game. Meanwhile Kentucky is improving greatly and on track for a better year
with 14 returning starters including a good QB. The Cats typically lose to better,
more talented teams but blow-out inferior teams. Last year they blew out UL Monroe
48-14, a comparable team to the Cajuns. I have no doubt coach Hudspeth will make
the Cajuns respectable again this year, but not the first game of the season.
I anticipate a blow out win, 3 TDs or more, for the Cats here.
One added note here is James Willis, who served as DC for ULL the past two seasons, has left to take a position in the NFL.