Football: Keyes, UL defense deliver once again

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • November 2, 2008

All Derik Keyes wanted from UL’s defense on Saturday was four quarters of solid football. The senior strong safety got just that in a 49-20 Sun Belt win over Florida International at Cajun Field.

For the second consecutive game, the Cajuns allowed their fewest yards this season, holding FIU to 270 yards and forcing three turnovers. The 20 points allowed by UL tied a season-low total.

"I think we got the job done," Keyes said. "We had some great practices this week, and we were very confident in our game plan.

"We just needed to come out and execute."

UL’s defense came up with big plays all night in a game that started with a 90-yard touchdown return by FIU’s T.Y. Hilton on the opening kickoff.

With the game tied at 14 early in the second quarter, linebacker Daylon McCoy forced a fumble by FIU running back A’Mod Ned. Free safety Gerren Blount scooped up the ball and ran it back 22 yards to give the Cajuns a 21-14 lead.

"I believe that particular play gave us a lot of confidence," said McCoy, a sophomore who finished with a game-high 10 tackles. "We were kind of down after the opening play on the kickoff, and I think it helped us get a lot of confidence back on defense."

It showed.

On FIU’s next drive, Keyes intercepted a Paul McCall pass and raced 63 yards before getting pulled down at the Golden Panther 4-yard line. Two plays later, UL running back Tyrell Fenroy scored on a 3-yard run.

The Cajuns scored the next three touchdowns to extend their lead to 49-14 late in the third quarter.

With the big lead, UL used its back-ups in the final quarter. FIU gained 97 of its 270 yards in the last 15 minutes – including a 95-yard scoring drive with 5:01 left.

UL’s young defense, which started only two seniors, has made significant improvements throughout the season. After the Cajuns allowed an average of 34.7 points and 458.5 yards in their first six games, the past two opponents have averaged only 21.5 points and 302.5 yards.

On Saturday, UL held FIU to 3-of-10 on third down. In contrast, the Cajuns moved the chains on 11-of-17 third downs.

Quarterback Mike Desormeaux has appreciated the defensive effort.

"They scored on the fumble recovery, and Derik Keyes got the ball down to the 3 for us," Desormeaux said. "That is 14 points they are giving us right there.

"And whenever they are only giving up seven, that is enough to win right there."