Preview of Game III: UL-Lafayette

After the Rebels start the season with two challenging road games, Ole Miss gets a chance to open the 2014 home slate against the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.
Yes Rebel fans, the same school that the baseball team faced in the Super Regionals. The one with the long beards and big muscles.
For Coach Hugh Freeze and the team, the second Saturday in September promises to be competitive and fun. Perhaps cheering on a team with a 2-0 record, rabid Rebel fans will line the Walk of Champions in the Grove to pump up the their Rebels marching into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Let’s take a quick look at that day’s adversary, Louisiana-Lafayette.
UL-Lafayette is a member of the Sun Belt Conference, where in 2013 the team compiled a record of 9-4 under the direction of Mark Hudspeth.
The offensive attack for the Ragin’ Cajuns will mostly operate through senior running back Alonzo Harris. Last season, Harris carried the ball 199 times for a net of 960 yards of total offense along with 14 touchdowns.
As a team, the Ragin’ Cajuns scored on average 33.7 points per game for a total of 439 points. The defense allowed the opposition to score 26.46 points per game.
UL-Lafayette ended the 2013 season with a bang as they defeated their in-state rival Tulane in the New Orleans Bowl by a score of 24-21.
For most Ole Miss fans who won’t be able to travel to Atlanta and Nashville, this will be the first time to see the 2014 Rebel edition in person.

After the spring game, a lot of different questions began to be answered. How will the wide receiver corps do in the absence of Donte Moncrief who is toiling in the NFL? The coaching staff moved Lauqon Treadwell to outside receiver, where he will play a key role this year. Rebel fans are also awaiting the emergence of a true No. 2 two backup quarterback behind Bo Wallace.

Competitors include Ryan Buchanan, DeVante Kincade and Jeremy Liggins. Liggins, from LaFayette High School in Oxford, had a strong showing in the Grove Bowl at QB. He was a powerful runner around the goal line.
When the clock hits all three zeros against the Ragin’ Cajuns,  Ole Miss should be steady and undefeated after three games.
On Friday, we’ll delve into the game with the Memphis Tigers.
—Adam Brown, HottyToddy.com sports editor