During Thursday’s Bumper to Bumper Sports with Ben Love, I ranked the Cajuns entire schedule from toughest game to easiest game. For those that missed it, here’s the list with some added points.
1. Georgia
This has to be the obvious choice. The Ragin Cajuns against an SEC team usually leads to a loss and the matchup between the hedges should be no different. Could it be a kind of competitive matchup like it was against Florida? I’d say it’s highly unlikely, but if it happens to be competitive I’d be happy as a clam.
2. Boise State
The Broncos will have a tough time at Cajun Field to start the season at 11 am, but that doesn’t mean that the Cajuns will have a walk in the park as Boise State is returning 13 starters. The Cajuns could surprise them with the weather on the first weekend of September potentially giving them an edge, but it will be an uphill battle.
3. Appalachian State
Since the Mountaineers have been part of the Sun Belt, they’ve been a thorn in the Cajuns side beating them in decisive fashion the last two seasons. With Taylor Lamb still being part of the team, the Cajuns will need to take every day they have between the New Mexico State game and this one to learn how they can stop App State’s star QB.
4. Arkansas State
The rivalry continues to be one of the toughest games to determine the winner of because of the talent both teams have had in recent years. Last year was a complete annihilation of the Ragin Cajuns due to a huge amount of turnovers caused by a great Red Wolves defense. The Cajuns could sneak one by Arkansas State as it’s one of the last games of the year.
5. Tulane
The Green Wave with a new head coach under Willie Fritz has a lot of potential to be a surprise team in 2016 and the Cajuns should take note. Fritz, who helped put Georgia Southern on the map since their arrival to the Sun Belt, has the coaching ability to make this team look great and could come away with a win over the Cajuns as they will be leaving the friendly confines of Cajun Field for the first time in 2016.
6. Georgia Southern
Speaking of Fritz’ former team, the Eagles could be one of the more interesting teams in 2016. The Cajuns could walk away with a win in the first meeting between the two, but will have a short week to get ready for this squad.
7. McNeese State
The Cowboys have been a thorn in the Cajuns side in the past, but I think that the Cajuns can finally take down those pesky pokes in 2016.
8.South Alabama
If you asked me a couple of weeks ago to rank this, I probably would’ve put USA a little bit higher, but with season-ending injuries to three of the team’s projected starting defensive linemen, you’ve got to drop them down a few spots, but not too far because I think that this team could overcome their losses on defense and possibly give the Cajuns a hard time.
9. Texas State
This is where the cellar dwellers begin to show up. The Bobcats haven’t shown me a lot in the last couple of seasons and a new coach isn’t going to change a whole lot for this team.
10. New Mexico State
The Aggies from New Mexico State is another cellar dweller that the Cajuns should be able to handle with the greatest of ease.
11. Idaho
The Vandals shouldn’t be anything to worry about because they’ve never been a team that instills fear into the hearts of fans. Nothing to see here.
12. UL Monroe
It’s the Warhawks. They used to be competitive, but the Cajuns could beat them with their eyes closed in 2016 (serious note: don’t do that Cajuns). Have fun with that mess Matt Viator.
-Clint Domingue