Photograph: Coach Mike Desomeaux (Ben Massey/ Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Mike Desormeaux and his UL-Lafayette football team knew initially at least that there would be questions.
Now it’s time Desormeaux says to provide some answers.
Desormeaux, a former Ragin’ Cajuns quarterback and longtime offensive assistant unveils his version as head coach of the football program Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.
The Cajuns open their first season under Desormeaux against Southeastern Louisiana with a 6 p.m. scheduled kickoff.
Desormeaux has been embedded as part of the most successful run in university history. The Cajuns are four-time Sun Belt Conference West Division champions and on a 13-game winning streak dating back to September of last season.
As a first-year college head football coach, Desormeaux acknowledges that there are questions about whether the Cajuns can continue that run.
“We’re a chip-on-the-shoulder type of operation and I am sort of like that too. It’s been a long offseason. (Former Louisiana quarterback) Jake Delhomme came to speak to the team and he talked to our guys about whether you are going to answer the question. I think we have the team to answer that,” Desormeaux said during his weekly noon press conference.
Desormeaux was appointed head coach in December and is 1-0 after the Cajuns defeated Marshall University at the New Orleans Bowl.
New Quarterback
The Cajuns for the first time in four years, will feature a new quarterback.
Chandler Fields, a redshirt sophomore that has been with the Louisiana program for six years, was named the first-game starter two weeks ago.
Fields has played sparingly, but as Desormeaux said at a press conference two weeks ago, Fields gives the Cajuns the best chance at winning games.
At five-foot-10, Fields is several inches shorter than Fresno State transfer quarterback Ben Wooldridge, who Desormeaux said will still see playing time.
About Southeastern
Opening the season against Southeastern won’t be easy, Desormeaux admitted.
The Lions are picked to win the Southland Conference title under head coach Frank Scelfo.
“They (SLU) are used to winning and they are coming (to Cajun Field) expecting to win. What (Scelfo) has been able to do with that program is nothing short of impressive. The stage won’t be too big for them,” Desormeaux said.
Desormeaux expects the Lions to feature a more versatile offense than in past seasons.
Still Perhaps Unsolved
Fields will take the first snap behind an offensive line that experienced personnel changes since last year.
Desormeaux said he will also be looking closely at the defensive line depth and some of the young players at linebacker.
The cast of running back performers should be sufficient to help carry the offense, added Desormeaux.
Overall team chemistry is something that has Desormeaux encouraged.
“I like this team a lot. The leadership has been phenomenal along with the morale and work ethic,” Desormeaux noted.
