Four bold predictions for Louisiana football ahead of Michael Desormeaux's first season

LAFAYETTE – Michael Desormeaux certainly has a tough act to follow.

The first-year head coach for Louisiana takes over his alma mater, replacing Billy Napier, who guided the Cajuns on a raging tear the last four seasons winning 41 games and three straight Sun Belt Conference championship game appearances.

How will Desormeaux, the prodigal son, fare in his first season at UL? How will the Ragin’ Cajuns perform?

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Here are four bold predictions for Louisiana in 2022:

Louisiana offense will buck trend, rely on passing game

Part of what has fueled the Cajuns’ recent success has been its effectiveness is running the football. With a first-time starting quarterback this season, most would assume a rush-heavy attack for UL.

But due to depth issues at tailback behind Chris Smith, Louisiana will rely on sophomore quarterback Chandler Fields’ arm in the quick passing game to an ultra-talented wide receiver group. By middle of the year, the Cajuns offensive identity will sway more to the air.

Ragin’ Cajuns will go undefeated in nonconference play

UL will go 4-0 in nonconference play. That prediction obviously includes a road win at Doak Campbell Stadium over Florida State.

Jacksonville State knocked off the Seminoles at their place last season and three years ago, Louisiana-Monroe almost pulled off the same feat, losing 45-44 in overtime. UL is better than both of those teams.

FSU has been scuffling for some time and still finding its footing under Mike Norvell. Louisiana’s trip to Tallahassee is the week before the Seminoles’ rivalry clash with Florida and will overlook the Cajuns.

Louisiana won’t win the West

Despite the win over FSU, the Ragin’ Cajuns will lose their stranglehold on the Sun Belt West division in 2022, snapping a streak of four-straight division championships.

Louisiana is the preseason favorite to win the Sun Belt title but due to turnover at a lot of positions, 2022 will be somewhat of a rebuilding season for the Ragin' Cajuns.

Troy, which moves over from the East division after the league expanded to 14 teams over the summer, should have the best defense in the conference and will be a contender in the West along with South Alabama. With a steeper talent gap, UL barely hung on against USA, 20-18, last season in Mobile and beat Troy on the road by two touchdowns.

UL football will set program record for NFL Draft picks

The most players Louisiana has had selected in one draft is three, which happened in 2020. UL will best that mark this April when four players will be picked during the three-day event in Kansas City.

Tight end Johnny Lumpkin and cornerback Eric Garror are the Ragin’ Cajuns top two pro prospects. Running back Chris Smith, if he has a big season, can declare early and will be on plenty of NFL teams’ radars.

The sleeper is senior wide receiver Michael Jefferson. He led UL in receiving yards and demonstrated how much of a deep threat he is. Jefferson (6-4, 200) has the perfect frame for an NFL wide out and another solid season will cement his draft chances.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU/UL athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Four bold predictions for Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns for 2022 season