When: Sat. Oct. 1 2011
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Cajun Field
TV: ESPN3.com
Radio: 760 AM

On defense, the Ragin’ Cajuns aren’t to be feared. They rank 95th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 31.3 points per game. Their strength on defense is causing turnovers. Louisiana is tied for 13th in college football for interceptions with six, and they have returned four of those for touchdowns.

If FAU wants to win this game, they have to get the running game more involved. The offense totalled 307 yards against Auburn but quarterback Graham Wilbert threw three interceptions, which gave Auburn prime field position each time. One even gave Auburn a touchdown.

The 108 rushing yards FAU had against Auburn is deceiving. It’s a nice number, but they only averaged 3.2 yards a carry. The Owls need to find ways – like they did against Auburn – to use the running game to their advantage in order to set up the passing game.

Alfred Morris ran the ball effectively against the Tigers. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry but only had 15 carries.

FAU is going to need to keep Blaine Gautier off the field, and the only way to do that is to keep the Ragin’ Cajuns defense on the field.

Graham Wilbert showed he could be an efficient passer against Auburn, just not when throwing down field. Offensive coordinator Darryl Jackson should dial up more screens, slants and 10 yards-or-less passing routes and, if the running game is as effective as needed, going down the field for bigger passing plays shouldn’t be a problem.

Expect FAU to take more steps in the right direction, but a win against Louisiana Lafayette still looks to be a bit more than the Owls can handle just yet.

Prediction: Louisiana-Lafayette 30 FAU 20