Sports

Don't worry - be happy

by Walter Pierce

It's football season and after back-to-back winless weekends for the Saints and the Cajuns many citizens are finding it difficult to be civil much less happy. Well, chew on this.

Lafayette's reign as the Happiest Town in the USA might be nearing its end. Good food and dancing the night away can only go so far. It's football season and after back-to-back winless weekends for the Saints and the Cajuns many citizens are finding it difficult to be civil much less happy. What follows are meditations to keep the locals' spirits up and help retain Lafayette's cheerful crown.

First the Saints:

*Drew and Brittany Brees Finally Have a Daughter

After three boys New Orleans' First Couple announced the birth of Rylen Judith Brees on August 26 to a joyous Saints Nation. As the regular season began the celebration was tempered slightly with concern over whether Daddy was getting enough sleep. How else to explain the end zone interception against the Falcons? Would a fully rested Brees have failed to extend a one-point lead late against Cleveland? So what. Who wouldn't trade two early-season losses for a beautiful baby girl?

*A Full 25 Percent of the Saints' Road Games Have Already Been Played

That means only six remain. If the Saints win half they will match last year's 3-5 road record and reach the playoffs again. Three wins away from the Dome is doable. But there are no guarantees because it's true no one knows what it means to miss New Orleans more than the Saints.

*The 2014 Saints Are Better than the 2013 Carolina Panthers

Since 2002 just nine teams have lost their first two games and made the playoffs. Last year's Panthers did it by finishing 12-4.

And now the Cajuns:

*The Cajuns Are Who They Are and Exactly Where They Were in 2013

UL lost to a Top Ten team in Ole Miss and a vastly improved Louisiana Tech that won two out of three away games in 13 days. Give credit where it's due. After three games last year the Cajuns were 1-2 overall and 0-0 in conference, with a victory over outmanned Nicholls State and a winnable road game up next. Granted Boise State is no Akron but after a round trip to Connecticut last weekend the Broncos could be vulnerable. The tough early sledding last year set the Cajuns up for a 6-0 start in Sun Belt Conference play.

*The Sun Belt is Weaker than Last Year

So far the conference is 2-16 against non-conference FBS opponents. Last week its teams went 0-10. The best showing was Georgia Southern's late 42-38 loss to Georgia Tech. Georgia Southern is not on UL's schedule this year.

*Cajun Deja Vu

With Trevence Patt's move back to cornerback and TJ Worthy's return to starting strong safety four of last year's top six tacklers are together again in the secondary. Expect tighter coverage, fewer big plays and stronger run support. Pass defense is more than the secondary, a pass rush and disciplined linebacker play are necessary as well. But Worthy and Patt are back where they belong.

*Jamal Robinson Will Be Back for the Second Conference Game at Texas State

Just a hunch, a hope and a dream. But how do you think Lafayette found happiness in the first place?