Louisiana Football: Can Ragin’ Cajuns finally win Sun Belt in 2020?
By Dante Pryor
Defense looks to continue its rapid growth
No unit grew more in year two under Billy Napier and his coaching staff than the defense. Under defensive coordinator Patrick Toney, the Cajuns went from 105th to 19th in scoring defense (34.2 points per game in 2018 to 19.7 in 2019).
The defense allowed 20 or more points only six times last season. They did not surrender more than two passing touchdowns in a single game allowing only 11 passing touchdowns last season.
This season, they return eight of their starters from last season and 10 of their top 14 tacklers. Though they are not physically imposing as a unit, they have depth, especially in their front seven. Nose tackle Zi’Yon Hill leads the front seven this season.
Chauncey Manac, Joe Dillon, Kris Moncrief and Andre Jones accounted for nearly half of their 66 tackles for loss. Dillon also led the team in sacks (7.0). The Cajuns return all three of their top pass rushers this season.
The back end of their defense finished 24th in defensive pass efficiency last season. Though the secondary loses Michael Jacquet, both Asjin Washington and Bralen Trahan their leading interceptors return. If they can improve a bit against the run, they will be formidable.
This defense was fantastic last season and wants to pick up where they left off.