The Ragin Cajuns will meet up with Alabama for the first time in 28 years.
Back then, Gene Stallings was in his first year for the Tide and Nelson Stokley was in his 5th year for the Cajuns.
Coaching on both sides will be at a premium in this contest!
This season, it’s the Cajuns Head Coach, Billy Napier, in his first year, while Stallings and current ‘Bama Coach Nick Saban both have statues at Bryant-Denny in Tuscaloosa.
And while, a career away from a statue, Coach Napier may be able to find a chink in the Tide armor.
Because according to Saban, Napier possesses the tools to succeed as head man.
“He did a great job here with us, and then when he took over as coordinator at Arizona State. He’s building some of the intangibles that you need to have when you are a head coach.” said Coach Saban.
The toughest thing for this 1st year head coach, not Saturday’s, but, continuing to stress what it takes to play championship football, to the players.
“Keep promoting the intangibles. We have to be crystal clear in the message to the players, and our expectations to the players. And be consistent and accountable. But, I’m pleased with many areas of this team. But the scoreboard doesn’t necessarily reflect that!” said Coach Napier.
Saturday’s return to Bryant-Denny Stadium will be the first for Coach Napier since his stint as a member of the Tide staff back in 2016.
When facing off with his former assistants, Saban is a hefty 13-0!
- How hard will Saturday’s game be versus Alabama?
- UL-Lafayette’s never played a #1 seed.
- Versus ranked opponents, the Cajuns are 1-27 and 0-26 on the road.
- UL-Lafayette is an astounding 49.5 point underdog, in this game.
Kick-off is set for 11:00 a.m. Saturday.
