Cornerback competition and pass-defense reset

Louisiana is emphasizing its cornerbacks after allowing too many explosive pass plays last season. Brent Gordon's production and Avery Demery's development are encouraging, but Jeremiah Moses's preseason knee inflammation remains a monitoring point. Lamar's upset of Abilene Christian and dual-threat quarterback Aiden McCowan raise the stakes for the Sept. 5 opener, while Brodrick Stewart's injury and Shelton Sampson Jr.'s expected snap limitation add personnel concerns.