Wednesday's workout started on the practice fields with four short periods before the team moved to Cajun Field for specials teams, pass skeleton and live work.

The live work consisted of second-and-long and third down plays from varying distances, as well as several goal line situations.

"It was a real physical day for the team," running backs coach Justin Lustig stated.  "Goal line is attitude, emotion and toughness.  Sometimes, it's just about who wants it more.

"It was good to see the guys get after it and be physical."

The Cajuns had only two running backs and one fullback for Wednesday's practice, giving Joe Jackson, Brad McGuire and Yobes Walker plenty of reps.

McGuire - from the wildcat formation - made a power run up the middle on the sixth play of live work and broke a pair of tackles en route to a 63-yard touchdown.

Having a quarterback/running back take snaps from the wildcat formation should confuse opposing defenses, cause defenses to play several different options and help create mismatches for the Cajuns.

The team expects running back Joel Banks and fullback Matt Desormeaux back for Saturday's scrimmage.  Running backs Julian Shankle and Rob Walker are close to returning and will be questionable for Saturday.

"In short yardage and goal line (on Wednesday), when we lined-up with two or three running backs, all of our guys are on the field," Lustig commented.  "It will be great to get some guys back out on the field."

Despite the offense pushing through for some short scores, the Cajuns defense stepped-up in the red zone.  Two interceptions in the end zone stopped the offense from field goal attempts.  The defense also held the offense on third-and-goal and fourth-and-goal from inside the two-yard line.

"Both sides battled," Lustig added.  "The defense made some great plays, those red zone penalties and turnovers really hurt us.

"Friday will be a correction day and review for Saturday's scrimmage.  We'll continue to look for execution and guys playing with passion."

Saturday's scrimmage is open to the public with free admission.