Feature Photography: Louisiana head football coach Michael Desormeaux
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
There have been several areas of concern for Louisiana head football coach Michael Desormeaux as he prepares his team for a Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl game Friday against the University of Houston in Shreveport.
The Ragin’ Cajuns will have to contend with a Houston passing attack that has compiled nearly 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns this season.
Then there’s the issue at wide receiver for Louisiana, as senior Michael Jefferson (810 yards, seven touchdowns), a potential NFL draft choice, has decided to skip the 2 p.m. kickoff.
Also there has been the balance for the Cajuns’ coaching staff, as Desormeaux and his assistants have continued their recruitment of high school players, as well as integrating a number of younger players into the bowl practices while the preparations for Houston continue.
Despite those matters Desormeaux isn’t complaining as the Cajuns approach a school-record fifth postseason appearance and the second that he has overseen since becoming the Louisiana head coach last December.
While the game plans for Houston have materialized since the bowl announcement was made earlier this month, Desormeaux said not all of the practices have focused on stopping the Cougars’ passing attack under head coach Dana Holgorsen.
“Our focus has also been on us, especially the younger players. We have had more time and extra practices to work with them in addition to focusing on the bowl game,” Desormeaux said last week.
Last season Desormeaux had just several days to get the Cajuns ready for the New Orleans Bowl contest with Marshall in addition to recruiting and assembling a coaching staff after several of the Louisiana assistants left with former head coach Billy Napier for the University of Florida.
“This year it’s different. We have more time to plan our practices. You have final exams that are now over, and this will give us a chance to recruit North Louisiana more. There’s also more time to spread things out, spend time on the road for recruiting and still get in the work you need to do (for Houston),” Desormeaux said during a press conference.
At Quarterback
The Cajuns will start sophomore Chandler Fields at quarterback.
It’s been an interesting year for Fields, who started the first five games before an injury sidelined him for the next five contests.
Fields then started the last two games after an injury ended the season for starter Ben Wooldridge. Those starts for Fields included quarterbacking Louisiana to a 41-13 win over Texas State, a victory that qualified the Cajuns for the Independence Bowl.
This year Fields has completed 89-of-157 passes for 954 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Desormeaux, who once played quarterback for the Cajuns, said the Independence Bowl is Fields’ game.
“(Fields) is a smart kid who has played well for us the last two games. He has the type of confidence you want with a quarterback. You want someone like him for when it becomes crunch time, you know that he is going to be your guy,” said Desormeaux.
Desormeaux complimented Fields for his leadership which is supported Desormeaux said, by preparation.
“Chandler is the guy who has shown that he’s the type of player who wants to go out and win and he’s done that. He’s not one to compliment himself. His confidence right now is through the roof and he’s playing his brand of ball,” Desormeaux said.
About Houston
The Cougars are 7-5 and next season Houston has indicated the program plans to move into the Big-12 Conference.
Houston, which is playing in a bowl game for the 15th time in 18 years, has displayed a high-scoring offense which has scored at least 30 points in 11 of 12 games this year.
Quarterbacked by Clayton Tune, the Cougars have averaged 321 passing yards and have rolled up 5,563 yards of total offense.
“(Tune) is a real good player who can get the ball deep down the field. What we have seen from them is a lot of vertical and deep routes,” said Louisiana safety Kam Pedescleaux.
