Georgia vs Lousiana Offensive Analysis: What Can The Cajuns Do Against Georgia's 3-4?

Last week, we took a look at both the Cajun's quarterback, Chris Masson, and the multiple 4-3 defense that the team runs. This week, we will continue breaking down the Cajun's unit by looking at their offensive and special team's units.

While it is fair to say that this is a lot of analysis for a team that the Georgia Bulldogs should handily beat, it's always nice to know the opponent a little better—right?

So, lets get to it.

The Cajuns run a multiple 4-3 offensive scheme. It's a scheme that has, in year's past, lent itself more towards the run than the pass—depending on a strong offensive line and explosive running back talent to move the chains.

However, in theory, it's a scheme that is much more effective if it is executed in a balanced manner—keeping opposing defenses honest and off-kilter.

Last season, the tide seemed to change for the Cajuns as they finally found a strong-armed, nimble-footed, quarterback in Chris Masson. His versatility as a runner and a passer, seemed to be tailor-made for the multiple 4-3, but the Cajuns were unable to find any consistency in their running game—the one area they were so strong in the three seasons prior.

This season, the hope is that the newly signed, Robert Walker (or someone else) will become the guy who can both run and catch out of the backfield. If Louisiana can find that guy, whoever he might be,  then their talented corps of wide receivers, which includes Marlin Moore and Richie Falgout, along with standout TE, Ladarius Green, can finally find some room to roam free in the secondary.

Last season, Masson improved the Cajun's passing game by nearly 40.0 passing yards per game, but the lack of a significant rushing attack (going from more than 263.0 yards per game in 2008 to just under 137.0 yards a game in 2009) made the team more one-dimensional than they would have liked and led to less scoring opportunities for them as teams were able to control the line of scrimmage and consistently jam their receivers.

Despite the return of the bulk of the Cajun's offensive talent for 2010, there is still very little indication that they have truly found a player who will be capable of carrying the rushing load this season. Robert Walker is an option, but he is a true freshman and, therefore, untested.

What does this mean for the newly installed 3-4 at Georgia?

For one, if the Cajuns are still a bit conservative on the line of scrimmage, then Georgia's front-seven should have very little trouble containing the run and controlling the tempo of the game. By doing so, they put pressure on the passing game and, hopefully, can force Masson into a throwing error or two—leading to big play opportunities in the secondary.

On the other hand, if Louisiana has indeed found the formula for running the multiple 4-3 (utilizing both an effective rushing and passing attack), it will be a much harder offense to defend against—despite the attacking style of the 3-4—because then the Cajuns can offer as many looks on offense as Georgia can on defense.

The element of surprise comes into play and that could lead Georgia into making costly errors in coverage and in line play. Brad McGuire could be a name worth remembering.

He was used by the Cajuns last season in some of their wildcat formations and, though he was beat out for the QB job by Masson at the start of 2009, he still has some value as a passer—particularly on short routes.

One thing is certain, Louisiana knows how to score if they can get into the redzone. In 35 tries last season, they scored 31 times (27 of which were via touchdown)—they move the ball well inside the 20. So, it would be nice to see Georgia keep them out of the redzone.  

It will be interesting to see how committed to the run the Cajuns are in the early going, if it's successful, they will build from there. If not, it could be a very long day for Rickey Bustle's team.

Georgia vs. Louisiana QB Analysis: Aaron Murray vs Chris Masson

The Georgia Bulldogs will face the University of Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in week one.

This match-up should be won by the Georgia Bulldogs, but the Cajuns are a feisty team and did catch at least one BCS team sleeping last season, defeating the Kansas State Wildcats, 17-15, on their home field.

Subsequent contests against BCS teams would not be as successful. They lost to both Nebraska and LSU by a combined score of 86-3. However, this early in the season, it is reasonable to expect that the Cajuns will be ready to go.

In anticipation of the game, Lets take a look at the various head-to-head match-ups that we'll see that day.  These will be relatively brief looks and will focus in on one particular aspect or position.

Up first is the quarterbacks—Aaron Murray and Chris Masson.

The first question that has to be asked with Murray is, will he be mentally ready to take the field and play as effectively as he has in summer practices?

Both coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo, have given Murray their full vote of confidence. However, despite the strides he's taken, most fans will still be on pins and needles until Murray proves he can perform in front of a large crowd.

Murray, himself, still admits to having "jitters" when he steps onto the field at Sanford Stadium—even an empty Sanford—and while a few frayed nerves are expected, the crowd at Stanford, which is expected to be a sell-out, will anticipate his calming down in a hurry.

It should help that he won't be facing too much of a pass rush from the Cajuns.

The offensive line should have no problem getting Murray the time he needs to scan the field and find an open receiver. The Cajuns ranked 106th in sacks last season, tallying only 12, and often were stalled in their efforts to get into the backfield. On the other hand, the strength of the Cajuns defense lay in their second-level defenders—the linebackers and the secondary.

Senior linebacker, Grant Fleming, who ended 2009 with 89 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and 5 tackles for loss, will be one to watch. He was moved from outside to middle linebacker over the spring and will be the leader of this unit.

Fleming, along with outside linebackers, Daylon McCoy and Devin Lewis-Buchannan (both starters in 2009), will look to slow down the Georgia running game—which fans can expect to see a lot of early.

Even more, the secondary returns all three of its starters. As a unit they were responsible for a, more than respectable, 16 interceptions in 2009 (23rd in the nation). It's an impressive number to be aware of, especially when you consider Georgia—with their above average talent—had only ten.

Hopefully Murray can avoid some of the mental lapses and overthrows that have plagued him at certain points this summer.

As for Chris Masson, he will be in his second full season at the helm. He was fortunate in 2009, as is Murray this year, to have a very good offensive line to stand behind last season. However, the Cajuns will replace three starters in 2010 and there is some doubt as to whether or not they will have a sufficient running game to offset their passing attack.

The Cajuns ranked 72nd in the nation in rushing offense 2009—nearly last in the Sun Belt. They are playing around with several options at that spot this summer and hope that someone will step up and be the difference.

Junior Julian Shankle returns and will offer some experience in the backfield but, the odds on favorite to get the most carries is likely going to be the incoming freshman, Rob Walker—he has impressed all summer as both a runner and a pass-catcher.

If Masson's reconstituted offensive line can give him some time, as well as offer sufficient lanes for the rushing attack, then he will have plenty of options in the passing games to target.

Ladarius Green (TE) and Marlin Miller (WR) return to offer their talents and it is reasonable to expect to see Masson targeting both on a regular basis.

Finally, Masson is a fairly nimble quarterback himself. He was responsible for six rushing touchdowns last season—leading the Cajuns to No. 16 in the nation in redzone offense. He is just as much a scoring threat as any of his receivers or running backs and, in the Cajuns multiple offense, he will need to be accounted for at all times.