Cajuns Take RB Room To USC
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
The “four-headed monster” has escaped from the running back laboratory and is headed for the West Coast.
A revived Louisiana four-back running game that features several new components was introduced Saturday night at rainy Our Lady Of Lourdes Stadium, as the Cajuns ran past Lamar University 38-7.
Now comes a tougher test as the Cajuns’ rushing attack moves to the Los Angeles Coliseum for a game against The University of Southern California (2-0) next Saturday.
There was some concern at the end of last season as the Cajuns’ top two running backs departed through NIL recruitment portals.
However, after the Lamar victory, members of the Louisiana offense were anxious to announce the beginnings of a new running backs era of Darrell Smith, Anthony Reagan, Jr., JJ Garner and quarterback Lunch Whitfield.
Sophomore Steven Blanco is also back to help augment the Louisiana running game that provided 243 net yards against Lamar (1-1).
Smith, a redshirt freshman and Whitfield, the returning redshirt junior quarterback starter, each netted 84 yards and a combined three touchdowns.
After the victory, the 30th for Cajuns’ head football coach Mike Desormeaux, Smith acknowledged his admiration for the Louisiana starting offensive line which is together for another year.
“I love those guys. My confidence in (the o-line) is overwhelming. They were getting the openings for me. We just want to play hard and play fast. We’re like a four-headed monster; we’re on a roll,” said Smith, who scored the first two touchdowns against the Cardinals.
Desormeaux said he wasn’t taken by surprise with the success of the Cajuns’ running game.
“I’ve really felt good about that room. I expected them to play well. I think (Smith’s) patience is really good, He has a 0-to-60 time that is faster than anyone that we’ve got.
“He’s getting behind his blocks and then making his moves once he sees the openings. I think he is making good things happen in the running game,” Desormeaux added.
Whitfield said he is working on his passing game.
Against Lamar Whitfield was 15-of-21 with a pair of interceptions for 189.
Whitfield was replaced late in the third quarter after scrambling to the Lamar 18, where he was pushed out of bounds.
Quarterback Daniel Beale played the remainder of the game (4-of-6) and threw for 46 yards.
Lamar cornerback Lanar Kelly scored the Cardinals’ only TD after returning an intercepted Beale pass 40 yards.
Beale later led Louisiana on a scoring drive of approximately seven minutes, as Tony Stermer kicked a 31-yard field goal.
“I thought (Beale) had a great drive. I’m really proud of him. He’s been in the spotlight and he’s really a good player for us. I’m really pleased with the way that he played tonight,” Desormeaux said.
Caden Jensen, a 6-foot-6 redshirt junior, caught five of seven targeted passes for 77 yards.
Desormeaux said Louisiana has dialed in tight end passes.
“We’ve got to find a way to get the ball to the guys who can make the plays,” said Desormeaux.
Defensively the Cajuns limited Lamar to 56 rushing yards and 149 passing.
“Our defensive line especially played with intensity and allowed our offense to take advantage of some short fields. I’m totally proud of our coverage. They did their jobs,” said Desormeaux.
