LA Tech vs. FIU Football Game Notes

2023 FOOTBALL GAME NOTES

WHERE TO FIND IT

WE ARE ... “LOUISIANA TECH”

We are excited you are covering Louisiana Tech Football this year. We ask that you please refer to us by our correct name and abbreviation. Thanks and Go Bulldogs!

LEADING RETURNERS

THE BARKS

>> Louisiana Tech opens its 121st season of football on Saturday when the Bulldogs host FIU for a nationally-televised 8 p.m. contest inside Joe Aillet Stadium.

>> Saturday’s matchup will be the sixth meeting between LA Tech and Florida International. The Bulldogs lead the series 4-1, including a 2-0 record against the Panthers in Ruston. FIU took last year’s matchup 42-34 in double overtime.

>> Quarterback Hank Bachmeier will lead the LA Tech offense in 2023 after transferring from Boise State this offseason. Bachmeier was a Johnny Unitas Watchlist Selection in 2022 and threw for 6,605 yards and 41 touchdowns during his four seasons as a Bronco.

>> Wide receiver Smoke Harris enters 2023 with one of the most accomplished careers of any FBS player. Harris ranks among the NCAA Active Career Leaders in punt return average (3rd, 11.2), receptions (3rd, 224), punt return yards, (4th, 605), touchdown receptions (6th, 19) and receptions per game (6th, 4.57). He is the only Bulldog to score a touchdown in every season dating back to 2018. Harris was recently selected as the Conference USA Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year.

>> LA Tech will be debuting a new look for the season opener when they step on the field in brand new primary uniforms for the first time since 2020.

>> 2023 marks the 55th season of the Bulldogs playing at Joe Aillet stadium where they hold a 174-72-2 overall record.

2023 SCHEDULE & RESULTS

BY THE NUMBERS

WR Smoke Harris has recorded a reception in 32-straight games which is the 7th-longest streak nationally.

Louisiana Tech has been dominant in home openers since Joe Aillet Stadium opened in 1968 holding a 44-9-1 record.

Smoke Harris is one of just two players returning nationally that accumulated 500+ kickoff return yards and 200+ punt return yards in 2022. 2

18 Bulldogs on the Louisiana Tech roster have already obtained their bachelor's degree. 18

A LA TECH WIN WOULD...

>> Improve it’s all-time record to 639-488-38 and record in season-openers to 60-56-5.

>> Be the ninth-straight home opener win and the 85th home opener win all-time.

>> Improve Tech’s all-time record against FIU to 5-1 while Improving it’s all time CUSA record to 46-33.

>> Be the 175th win all-time at Joe Aillet Stadium and improve the Bulldogs to 45-9-1 all-time in openers at Joe Aillet Stadium.

>> Be the first-season opening win since Sept. 19, 2020 when the Dogs’ defeated Southern Miss 31-30 in Hattiesburg, Miss.

MEDIA INFORMATION

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Hunter Corneliusen (Primary) Associate Director / Communications

Phone: (913) 689-8407

Email: hunter@latech.edu

Kane McGuire (Secondary)

Associate A.D. / Communications

Phone: (318) 257-3145

Email: kmcguire@latech.edu

Kevin Albarez

Associate Director / Communications

Phone: TBA

Email: TBA TBA

Assistant Director / Communications

Phone: TBA

Email: TBA

QUICK FACTS

1894

Bulldogs

............................................................................ Blue and Red

11,083 (As of Fall 2022)

Conference USA

(Capacity) Joe Aillet Stadium (28,562)

Record 173-72-2

Surface ........................................................... FieldTurf Revolution

President Dr. Les Guice (Louisiana Tech, 1976)

Director of Athletics/Vice President: ........ Dr. Eric A. Wood (Sacred Heart, 1998)

SWA Mary Kay Hungate

Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Donna Thomas

Football Office 318-257-4547

Ticket Office .............................................................. 318-257-3631

TEAM INFORMATION

MEDIA SCHEDULE - FIU

21 MON 22 TUES

OL Abraham Delfin; OL Carson Bruno, OL Dakota White; WR Smoke Harris; WR Cyrus Allen, RB Marquis Crosby, TE Nate Jones

Defensive Starters Returning (4):

DL Deshon Hall; LB Hugh Davis, DB Cecil Singleton Jr., DB Willie Roberts

Special Teams Starters Returning (2):

K/P Jacob Barnes; PR Smoke Harris

TUESDAY MEDIA PRESSERS

Head coach Sonny Cumbie and select student-athletes will meet with the media every Tuesday prior to a game. The press conference begins at 12 p.m. with Coach Cumbie and selected players. Video and audio of each presser will be uploaded to ConferenceUSA.Box and YouTube.

PRACTICE COVERAGE

Practices this week will be closed to the media. Interviews are available upon request. All interview requests must be directed to the Louisiana Tech Athletic Communications Office at least 24 hours in advance. Please send all requests via email to hunter@latech.edu

WEEKLY MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Above is a general weekly schedule of media availability for the Louisiana Tech football team. Members of the media are expected to adhere to these policies at all times. All interview requests should be made to Louisiana Tech Associate Director of Athletic Communications Hunter Corneliusen at least 24 hours in advance. All media availability times are subject to change. Please contact Hunter Corneliusen for any changes in the schedule. (Note: First year players are not available to the media unless by special request.)

For games in Ruston, all Louisiana Tech postgame press conferences will be held over Zoom after each game following a 10-minute cooling off period. No interviews will be allowed on the field with players and/or coaches immediately following games. Coach Cumbie and select Louisiana Tech players will be available over Zoom and in the Louisiana Tech ESPN+ studios following games.

COACH/PLAYER AVAILABILITY

All members of the Louisiana Tech coaching staff are available during the designated days and times throughout the year. All returning players are available during the designated days and times, but newcomers are not available to the media unless under special request that access is granted.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Louisiana Tech fans can access the most in-depth information regarding all the University’s programs through social media opportunities available online.

Twitter – Members of the Louisiana Tech Athletic Communications department will be tweeting throughout the year with the latest news and in-game score updates. To follow them, simply find them on www.twitter. com.

@LATechFB – Direct reports from football practices and games

@LATechSports – General athletic department information

CollegePressBox.com is the official media website for Conference USA and Louisiana Tech Football. Access and download weekly game notes, quotes, statistics, media guides, headshots, logos and more for Louisiana Tech, Conference USA and each of its member schools. Login information will be distributed to accredited media or you can apply for a password by sending an email to password@collegepressbox.com

OFFENSE

2023 LOUISIANA TECH DEPTH CHART GAME

SPECIAL TEAMS

Sharp AHC / ST (Field)

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

2022 NCAA TEAM RANKINGS

2022 LEADERS

LOUISIANA TECH LEADERS (2022)

SERIES / MATCHUP NOTES

>> Saturday’s matchup will be the sixth meeting between LA Tech and Florida International. The Bulldogs lead the series 4-1, including a 2-0 record against the Panthers in Ruston.

>> FIU took last year’s matchup 42-34 in double overtime on Oct. 28, 2022 in Miami. RB Marquis Crosby rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns in the contest. Smoke Harris recorded his 200th career reception, becoming just the seventh wide receiver in program history to accomplish the feat.

>> LA Tech is 2-0 all-time at The Joe against FIU. The Bulldogs took the last matchup 43-31 on Sept. 20, 2019. Current Las Vegas Raider Amik Robinson returned an FIU onside-kick attempt 30 yards for a touchdown. Running back Justin Henderson ran for three touchdowns and placekicker Bailey Hale connected on five field goals.

>> Saturday’s matchup marks the 14th time that Louisiana Tech will open its season with a conference opponent. The last time the Bulldogs opened their slate with a conference opponent was in 2004 when they were member of the WAC and defeated Nevada 38-21 on Sept. 6 at Joe Aillet Stadium in a nationally televised matchup on ESPN. Running back Ryan Moats rushed for 257 yards on 33 carries which is still the fourth-best single-game rushing total in program history.

>> LA Tech is 46-33 in CUSA play since joining the conference in 2013 and holds a 40-13 all-time record against current CUSA member schools.

>> LA Tech is 43-9-1 all-time in home openers at Joe Aillet Stadium.

ON THIS DATE

>> Lousiana Tech is 1-0 all-time during games played on August 26th. The Bulldogs’ lone prior matchup on this date was a 63-10 thumping of Mississippi Valley State to open the 2000 season. Tech generated 552 yards of total offense in the win. Brian Stallworth threw for 332 yards and four touchdowns while John Simon hauled in seven passes for 141 yards and a touchdown.

Sean Cangelosi caught two passes for touchdowns as nine of the Bulldogs' 15 drives ended in points.

REDSHIRT SENIOR WIDE RECEIVER

CYRUS ALLEN

• Preseason All-Conference USA (Athlon Sports and Phil Steele).

• Allen averaged 22.73 yards per catch in 2022 which were the second-most nationally.

• On the season, he totaled 22 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns.

• The New Orleans native ranked sixth nationally among all FBS freshman in receiving yards (500) last season.

CECIL SINGLETON JR.

• Preseason All-Conference USA (C-USA, Athlon Sports and Phil Steele).

• Led LA Tech and ranked 13th nationally with three forced fumbles in 2022.

• Ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 56 (35 solo, 21 assisted) in 2022.

• Transferred to Louisiana Tech from Miami of Ohio prior to the 2022 season.

SMOKE HARRIS

• Preseason All-Conference USA (Athlon Sports and Phil Steele).

• Has recorded a reception in 32-straight games which is the 7th-longest streak nationally.

• Ranks among the NCAA Active Career Leaders in punt return average (3rd, 11.2), receptions (3rd, 224), punt return yards, (4th, 605), TD receptions (6th, 19) and receptions per game (6th, 4.57).

• CUSA Preseason Special Teams POTY.

HANK BACHMEIER

• Preseason All-Conference USA (Athlon Sports and Phil Steele).

• Threw for over 6,600 yards and 41 touchdowns during his four seasons at Boise State.

• Career average of 227.8 passing yards a contest ranks 14th nationally and leads all CUSA quarterbacks.

• He holds a 20-9 career record as a starting quarterback while completing 62% of his passes.

PLAYER NOTABLES

WILLIE ROBERTS

• Preseason All-Conference USA (C-USA, Athlon Sports and Phil Steele).

• Led the Bulldogs and ranked 22nd nationally with four interceptions in 2022.

• 2023 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List selection.

• Recorded multiple tackles in eight of the Bulldogs' 12 games in 2022.

DESHON HALL

• Preseason All-Conference USA (C-USA, Athlon Sports and Phil Steele).

• Appeared and started in 19 of his last 24 games on the LA Tech defensive line.

• Has tallied 101 total tackles (54 solo, 47 assisted), including 13.5 for loss and four sacks in addition to an interception and a forced fumble during his Bulldog career.

HUGH DAVIS

• Made an immediate impact during his first season in Ruston after transferring from Boston College in 2022.

• Led LA Tech with 79 total tackles, including four for loss, three pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery.

• Led Tech in tackles in two games last season and has started 12-straight games.

JACOB BARNES

• Lou Groza Award Semifinalist in 2020.

• Has made 110 of his 111 extra point attempts in his career (99.1%) while making 42 field goals in 53 career attempts (79.2%)

Where He Ranks in the LA Tech Record Books

• Extra Points Made 7th (110)

• Extra Point Attempts 7th (111)

• Career Scoring 8th (111)

• Field Goals Made 8th (42)

REDSHIRT SENIOR QUARTERBACK

REDSHIRT SENIOR DEFENSIVE BACK

REDSHIRT SENIOR DEFENSIVE BACK

SENIOR DEFENSIVE LINE

REDSHIRT JUNIOR KICKER

NUMERICAL ROSTER

0 Myles Heard DB 5-11 201 R-Sr. Houston, Texas / Fort Bend Dulles HS / SFA

1 Cyrus Allen WR 6-0 177 So. New Orleans, La. / Landry-Walker HS

1 Willie Roberts DB 5-11 190 Sr. Fort Worth, Texas / Martin HS / SFA

2 Solo Lewis WR 5-10 166 R-So. Lake Charles, La. / Lake Charles College Prep

2 Cecil Singleton Jr. DB 6-2 210 R-Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio / Princeton HS / Miami (OH)

3 Jeslord Boateng LB 6-2 228 R-Sr. Dublin, Ohio / Dublin Coffman HS / Akron / Michigan State

3 Marquis Crosby RB 5-10 201 R-So. Hattiesburg, Miss. / Presbyterian Christian School

4 Jhamal Shelby Jr.

4 Tyre Shelton

5 Blake Baker

5 Deshon Hall Jr.

6 Smoke Harris WR 5-7

New Orleans, La. / St. Augustine HS

Douglasville, Ga. / Chapel Hill HS / Miami (Ohio)

Fr. Cypress, Texas / Cypress Ranch HS

Sr. Gonzales, La. / East Ascension HS

R-Sr. St. Francisville, La. / West Feliciana HS

32 Jacob Fields RB 5-11 184 Fr. Melissa, Texas / Melissa HS

33 Tavis Williams WR 5-8 150 Fr. New Orleans, La. / Edna Karr HS

34 Joshua Cobbs DB 6-2 210 R-So. West Monroe, La. / West Monroe HS

34 Ryan Rivera TE 6-3 234 R-Sr.

6 Brevin Randle

Marshall, Texas / Marshall HS / SFA 7

Anna, Texas / Anna HS

Fort Worth, Texas / V.R. Eaton / Iowa State

Fluker, La. / Amite HS / LSU 8 Demarcus Griffin-Taylor

Riverside, Calif. / El Camino HS / Houston 9

9 Kyle Maxwell WR

Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral HS / Boston College

Amite City, La. / Amite HS

Round Rock, Texas / Cedar Ridge HS / Navarro JC 11 Cedric Woods DB 5-11 184

10 Jack Turner QB

11 Decoldest Crawford WR 6-0 193

Monroe, La. / Carroll HS

Shreveport, La. / Green Oaks HS / Nebraska

13 Michael Richard DB 5-11 180 Fr. New Orleans, La. / Edna Karr HS

13 Brendon Strickland QB 6-1 210 Jr. Princeton, Texas / Princeton HS / Navarro JC

14 Cam Hill DB 6-2 195 Fr. Farmerville, La. / Union Parrish HS

14 Matthew McCallister WR 5-11 190 R-So. West Monroe, La. / West Monroe HS

15 Buck Buchanan P/K 5-11 190 So. Longview, Texas / Marshall HS

15 Jessie Evans DL 6-2 248 Jr. Houston, Texas / CE King HS / Prairie View A&M

16 Kobe Byrd DB 5-9 182 R-So. Shreveport, La. / Calvary Baptist

16 Tru Edwards WR 6-3 200 R-Jr. Shreveport, La. / Mansfield Legacy HS / Hawaii

17 Zion Hopes DB 6-3 192 R-So. Jefferson, Texas / Jefferson HS / Tulsa

17 Nate Jones TE 6-3 221 Jr. Malakoff, Texas / Malakoff HS / Trinity Valley CC

18 Julien Lewis WR 6-2 193 R-So. Buford, Georgia / Buford HS

18 Ezekiel Durham-Campbell DL 6-6 245 So. Atlanta, Ga. / Marietta HS / Lenoir Rhyne University

19 Hank Bachmeier

Murrieta, Calif. / Murrieta Valley HS / Boise State

Royse City, Texas / Royse City HS / SMU

Texas / C.E. King HS

Sugar Land, Texas / Fort Bend HS / Arkansas

Texas / Muenster HS 25 Kolbe Fields LB

222

New Orleans, La. / Archbishop Rummel HS / LSU

San Jose, Calif. / Valley Christian HS / San Diego State

Oak Grove, La. / Oak Grove HS

Monroe, La. / Carroll High School

Donajz Dunn DB

Dallas, Texas / South Oak Cliff HS / Trinity Valley CC

31 Blake Oschendorf P 6-6 220 R-Sr. Savage, Minn. / Prior Lake HS / Eastern Michigan

32 Patrick Rea P 6-3 189 R-Fr. Melbourne, Australia / St. Patrick's College Ballarat

COACHING STAFF

Sonny Cumbie - Head Coach

Dan Sharp - Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams

Jake Brown - Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers

Scott Parr - Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends

Scott Power - Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Cortez Carter- Linebackers

Teddy Veal - Running Backs

Nate Johnson - Safeties

Myles Carelock - Cornerbacks

Nathan Young- Offensive Line

Jacori Greer - Defensive Line

Dave Scholz - Director of Sports Performance

Daniel Johnson - Assistant Director of Sports Performance

Jacob Martinez - Director of Football Operations

James Roberson - Defensive Analyst

Ty Barrett - Offensive Analyst

Tyler Kelley - Graduate Assistant

Marquez Gollman - Graduate Assistant

Trey Nunez - Graduate Assistant

Gary Cioffi - Offensive Analyst

Kimo von Oelhoffen - Defensive Assistant

Jay Gafford - Special Teams Assistant

New Orleans, La. / Landry-Walker HS 77 Keystone Allison

1 Cyrus Allen

Texas / Carthage HS 19 Hank Bachmeier

Murrieta, Calif. / Murrieta Valley HS / Boise State 5 Blake

/ Calvary Baptist 67 Brett Canis

Hayden Christman OL

Midland, Texas / Midland HS / Texas Tech

Fr. Bossier City, La. / Airline HS

Fr. Tioga, La. / Tioga HS

Fort Worth, Texas / Crowley HS

Shreveport, La. / Huntington HS 34 Joshua Cobbs DB

West Monroe, La. / West Monroe HS

Shreveport, La. / Green Oaks HS / Nebraska

Hattiesburg, Miss. / Presbyterian Christian School

Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral HS / Boston College

Muenster, Texas / Muenster HS

Plaquemine, La. / Plaquemine HS

So. Atlanta, Ga. / Marietta HS / Lenoir Rhyne University

Dallas, Texas / South Oak Cliff HS / Trinity Valley CC

Diamond Bar, Calif. / San Diego State / McNeese State

Shreveport, La. / Mansfield Legacy HS / Hawaii

Houston, Texas / CE King HS / Prairie View A&M

R-So. New Orleans, La. / Archbishop Rummel HS / LSU

Fr. Melissa, Texas / Melissa HS

Heath, Texas / Rockwall Heath HS

Baton Rouge, La. / Dunham HS

Lake Charles, La. / Sam Houston HS

Texas

Riverside, Calif. / El Camino HS / Houston

La. /

R-Sr. Houston, Texas / Fort Bend Dulles HS / SFA

ROSTER BREAKDOWN

/ E. Forsyth HS / NC State

13 Michael Richard DB 5-11 180 Fr. New Orleans, La. / Edna Karr HS

34 Ryan Rivera TE 6-3 234 R-Sr. Tracy, Calif. / Kimball HS / Cal Poly

19 Roderick Roberson DB 6-0 190 Sr. Royse City, Texas / Royse City HS / SMU

1 Willie Roberts DB 5-11 190 Sr. Fort Worth, Texas / Martin HS / SFA

91 Charlie Robinson DL 6-3

Fr. Monroe, La. / Sterlington HS

ALABAMA (1)

Gabe Pugh Tuscaloosa

ARKANSAS (1)

Biron Rossell West Memphis

AUSTRALIA (1)

Patrick Rea Melbourne

CALIFORNIA (6)

Hank Bachmeier Murrieta

Koby Duru Diamond Bar

Demarcus Griffin-Taylor Melbourne

Reggie Jones

Chatsworth

Isaiah McElvane San Jose

Ryan Rivera Tracy

FLORIDA (1)

Keyshawn Paul Melbourne

Georgia (4)

Ezekiel Durham-Campbell Atlanta

Marlion Jackson Flowery Branch

Julien Lewis Buford

Tyre Shelton Douglasville

INDIANA (1)

Hugh Davis Indianapolis

IOWA (1)

Landon Nelson Underwood

LOUISIANA (51)

Cyrus Allen New Orleans

Kenneth Bannister New Orleans

Jacob Barnes

Baton Rouge

Caleb Billiot Houma

DeMardrick Blunt Monroe

Roy Brackins III

Baton Rouge

Jakobe Brock Pineville

Russell Brown Ruston

Carson Bruno Shreveport

Ean Burch Shreveport

Kobe Byrd Shreveport

Daxton Chavez Bossier City

Hayden Christman Tioga

Zyion Claville Shreveport

Joshua Cobbs West Monroe

Decoldest Crawford Shreveport

Tru Edwards

Kolbe Fields

Collin Franta

Shreveport

New Orleans

Baton Rouge

Jerren Gilbert Lake Charles

Bert Hale Epps

Deshon Hall Jr. Gonzales

Smoke Harris St. Francisville

Cam Hill Farmerville

Bud Holloway Oak Grove

Ray Kelly Ruston

Ja’Marion Kennedy Shreveport

Dedrick Latulas New Iberia

Devonta Lee Fluker

Solo Lewis Lake Charles

Kyle Maxwell Amite City

Matthew McCallister West Monroe

Keldric Moody Benton

Michael Richard New Orleans

Charlie Robinson Monroe

Judd Rouyea Baton Rouge

Kendrick Rucker Shreveport

Jhamal Shelby Jr. New Orleans

Logan Smith Benton

Jadon Smith Jennings

Troy Smith III New Orleans

Charvis Thornton

Baton Rouge

Qua'veon Turner Ferriday

David Webb III

Matthew Weiner

New Orleans

Baton Rouge

Delvin Whitaker St. Francisville

Tavis Williams New Orleans

Dakota Williams Hahnville

Cedric Woods Monroe

Jacall Wynder New Orleans

MINNESOTA (2)

Blake Oschendorf Savage

Charles Thorson Edina

MISSISSIPPI (3)

Marquis Croaby Hattiesburg

Zion Nason Canton

Omar Pew Horn Lake

NORTH CAROLINA (1)

Zyun Reeves Winston-Salem

OHIO (3)

Jeslord Boateng Dublin

Cecil Singleton Jr. Cincinnati

Arlind Bengu Avon

PENNSYLVANIA (1)

David Blay Levittown

TEXAS (44)

Keystone Allison Carthage

Blake Baker Cyrpess

Devin Bell DeSoto

Elijah Bowser Cedar Hill

Jonah Brewster Frisco

Buck Buchanan Longview

Evan Bullock Anna

J'Dan Burnett Fort Worth

Brett Canis Midland

Mykol Clark Fort Worth

Colton Deckard Muenster

Donajz Dunn Dallas

Jesse Evans Houston

Jacob Fields Melissa

Eli Finley Heath

Jayden Gray Fort Worth

Myles Heard Houston

Drew Henderson Granbury

Zion Hopes Jefferson

Mykel Janise Beaumont

Nate Jones Malakoff

John Locke Helotes

Adem Madise Dallas, Texas

Obinna Okeke Houston

Brevin Randle Marshall

Reed O'Dell Tomball

Roderick Roberson Royse City

Willie Roberts Fort Worth

Cecil Singleton Jr. Cincinnati

Brendon Strickland Princeton

Jack Turner Round Rock

Dakota White Katy

Jay Wilkerson Midlothian

Rason Williams Houston

Keith Willis Jr. Houston

Zach Zimos Sugar Land

WASHINGTON (1)

Kenyatta McNeese Olympia

Abraham Delfin Palquemine

SITUATION

SITUATIONALLY BULLDOG NOTES

2022 Cumbie

NOTABLE STREAKS/TRENDS ENTERING THE SEASON

>> Smoke Harris has tallied a reception in the each of the last 32 games.

>> The Bulldogs have won their last eight home openers. Their last such loss came on Sept. 20, 2014 in a 30-27 loss to Northwestern State.

>> LA Tech has scored in 187 straight games.

>> The Bulldogs have rushed for over 100 yards in six-consecutive games.

>> Nate Jones has caught a pass in seven-straight games.

ALL EYES ON THE DOGS

>> Louisiana Tech landed four players on the Conference USA Preseason Watchlist.

>> PR/KR Smoke Harris

>> WR Smoke Harris

>> OL Carson Bruno

>> DL Deshon Hall

>> DB Willie Roberts

AMONG THE BEST

>> Louisiana Tech ranks seventh among all Group of Five programs in all-time wins with 638.

>> The mark leads all CUSA schools as Tech has 32 more wins than the next closest school (Western Kentucky).

NEW FACES

Louisiana Tech added a total of 31 transfers this offseason.

OFFENSE

>> Tyre Shelton (Running Back / Miami (Ohio)

>> Decoldest Crawford (Wide Receiver / Nebraska)

>> Brendon Strickland (Quarterback / Navarro JC)

>> Hank Bachmeier (Quarterback / Boise State)

>> Ryan Rivera (Tight End / Cal Poly)

>> Mykel Janise (Offensive Line / Wyoming)

>>Koby Duru (Wide Receiver / McNeese State)

>> Jacall Wynder (Running back / LSU)

>> Jay Wilkerson (Wide Receiver / Washington State)

DEFENSE

>> Myles Heard (Defensive Back / Stephen F. Austin)

>> Jeslord Boateng (Linebacker / Akron)

>> Brevin Randle (Linebacker / Stephen F. Austin)

>> Jayden Gray (Defensive Line / Iowa State)

>> Demarcus Griffin-Taylor (Defensive Back / Houston)

>> Zion Hopes (Defensive Back /Tulsa)

>> Roderick Roberson (Defensive Back / SMU)

>> Zach Zimos (Linebacker / Arkansas)

>> Kolbe Fields (Linebacker / LSU)

>> Ezekiel Durham-Campbell (Defensive Line/ Lenoir Rhyne)

>> David Blay (Defensive Line / West Chester)

>> Kells Bush (Defensive Line / LSU)

>> Donajz Dunn (Defensive Back / Trinity Valley CC)

>> Isaiah McElvane (Defensive Back / San Diego State)

>> Omar Pew (Defensive Line / NW Mississippi CC)

>> Rason Williams (Defensive Line / Stephen F. Austin)

>> Reggie Jones (Defensive Line / Temple)

>> Zyun Reeves (Defensive Line / NC State)

>> Jesse Evans (Defensive Line / Prairie View A&M)

SPECIAL TEAMS

>> Gabe Pugh (Long Snapper / Alabama)

>> Blake Oschendorf (Punter / Eastern Michigan)

WHERE IS THE FULLBACK

>> The Louisiana Tech offense operates almost exclusively out of the shotgun therefore it does not have a designated fullback on the roster.

PROTECTING THE JOE

>> In their 54 seasons at Joe Aillet Stadium, the Bulldogs have posted a winning record in 40 of them. Tech has a 174-74-2 all-time record since the facility opened in 1968.

FROM DEFENSE TO OFFENSE

>> Offensive linemen Carson Bruno and Bert Hale both played defensive line in high school before switching to the offensive line once arriving at LA Tech.

HANK CAN SLING IT

>> Head Coach Sonny Cumbie bolstered his offense and quarterback room with the addition of Boise State transfer Hank Bachmeier this past offseason.

>> Bachmeier arrives in Ruston after throwing for 6,605 yards and 41 touchdowns during his four seasons as a Bronco.

>> Bachmeier's career average of 227.8 passing yards a contest ranks 14th nationally and leads all CUSA quarterbacks.

>> He holds a 20-9 career record as a starting quarterback while completing 62% of his passes.

Bachmeier left Boise State ranked in the career top-10 in six seperate offensive categories.

>> Total Offense (8th, 6,622 yards)

>> Passing Yards (7th, 6,605 yards)

>> Passing Attempts (7th, 870)

>> Passing Completions (7th, 536)

>> Completion Percentage (9th, .616)

>> Touchdown Passes (8th, 41)

BRINGIN' THE SMOKE

>> WR Smoke Harris is one of the most decorated active FBS players in the country entering the 2023 season.

>> Harris has tallied 224 career receptions for 2,112 yards and 19 touchdowns during his five years at LA Tech while appearing in 49 games with 27 starts.

>> His streak of 32 games with a reception is the seventh-longest streak nationally.

>> He is one of two returning FBS players with 500+ kickoff return yards and 200+ punt return yards in 2022

Harris ranks among the NCAA active career leaders in numerous categories.

>> Receptions (3rd, 224)

>> Receptions per game (6th, 4.57)

>> Receiving Touchdowns (6th, 19)

>> Punt Return Average (3rd, 11.2)

>> Punt Return Yards (4th, 605)

HITTING THE HOME RUN

>>Louisiana Tech had a knack for executing big plays in 2022 as the Bulldogs were among the FBS leaders in plays that yielded large gains.

>> Plays of 30+ yards (8th, 39)

>> Plays of 40+ yards (9th, 20)

>> Plays of 60+ yards (10th, 7)

SOPHOMORE SUCCESS LOADING...?

>> WR Cyrus Allen burst onto the scene during the 2022 season opener with a 121-yard, two-touchdown performance at Missouri, giving Bulldog fans and opposing defenses a glimpse of what was to come.

>> Allen averaged 22.73 yards per catch in 2022 which were the second-most nationally.

>> On the season, he totaled 22 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns.

>> The New Orleans native ranked sixth nationally among all FBS freshman in receiving yards (500).

CROSBY (STILLS) AND DASH

>> RB Marquis Crosby broke onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2022, rushing for 918 yards and nine touchdowns on 183 carries.

>> The Hattiesburg, Miss., product, ranked sixth nationally among all freshmen in total rushing (918) and fourth among CUSA backs in yards per rush (5.0).

>> He eclipsed the century mark in rushing during four games, highlighted by a 197-yard rushing performance during the Dogs' 52-17 win over Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 10.

>> As a result of his efforts, he earned honorable mention Freshman All-American honors from College Football News, becoming just the fifth player in program history to achieve the honor.

SHRINE BOWL 1000

>> QB Hank Bachmeier, WR Smoke Harris, DB Willie Roberts and DL Deshon Hall were recently named to the Shrine Bowl 1000. The Shrine Bowl 1000 is a comprehensive list of the top-1,000 all-star game eligible players at the FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA levels. The aim for the Shrine Bowl 1000 is to look into the scouting process and preview college players who are currently all-star game eligible for the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl and 2024 NFL Draft class.

A LOT OF PEOPLE GO TO COLLEGE FOR 7 YEARS

>> Offensive lineman Abraham Delfin was granted a medical redshirt last offseason, ensuring his seventh season of collegiate football.

>> The Plaquemine, La. native has started 25 games and made 51 appearances as a Bulldog.

>> In the classroom, Delfin has made the most of his time in Ruston. Delfin has a bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering and Technology with a minor in Business Administration. He also has a Master's of Business Administration and a Master of Science Engineering and Technology Management.

>> Delfin was recently selected as a Preseason Conference USA All-Academic Performer. He has made the CUSA Commissioner's Honor Roll the past five season and is a five-time CUSA Academic Medalist.

TAKING IT AWAY

>> Since joining Conference USA in 2013, Louisiana Tech leads the league with 238 turnovers.

Turnovers Gained Since 2013

>>

GAME NOTES

QUARTERBACKS BEWARE

>> Since joining Conference USA in 2013 Louisiana Tech leads the league with 275 total sacks.

Most Sacks Since 2013

>> LA Tech ....................................................... 275

>> Middle Tennessee 266

>> Western Kentucky 243

PICK SIX U

>> Since 2017, 12 Bulldogs have combined to record 17 pick-sixes. The 17 pick-sixes are the most in the country during that time span.

2017 Darryl Lewis (2) Ezekiel Barnett Amik Robertson L'Jarius Sneed DaMarion King James Jackson

Trey Spencer

2018 L'Jarius Sneed 2020 Ezekiel Barnett

2019 Amik Robertson (2) Khalil Ladler

2021 Trey Baldwin BeeJay Williamson

2022 Myles Brooks Willie Roberts

IT'S PICKED

>> LA Tech has recorded an interception in 27 of its last 36 games.

>> DB Willie Roberts led the Bulldogs and ranked 22nd nationally with four interceptions in 2022.

DAVIS KNOWS DEFENSE

>> LB Hugh Davis made an immediate impact during his first season in Ruston after transferring from Boston College in 2022.

>> Davis led LA Tech with 79 total tackles, including four for loss, three pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery.

>> Davis led Tech in tackles in two games last season and has started 12-straight games.

BY WAY OF SFA

>> LB Brevin Randle, DB Myles Heard and DL Rason Williams all transferred to Louisiana Tech from Stephen F. Austin this past offseason, taking the same path that DB Willie Roberts and current Dallas Cowboy Myles Brooks took a year ago, joining former SFA Defensive Coordinator Scott Power in Ruston.

>> Heard tallied 211 total tackles, including nine tackles for loss, one sack, eight pass breakups and three interceptions during his four-year career as a Lumberjack.

>> Randle tallied 181 tackles during four seasons at SFA, including 16 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and one pass breakup.

2023 HONOR ROLL

ATHLON SPORTS (Preseason All-Conference USA)

First Team

RB Marquis Crosby, DB Cecil Singleton Jr., WR Smoke Harris, WR Cyrus Allen.

Second Team

QB Hank Bachmeier, OL Abraham Delfin, DL Deshon Hall, LB Hugh Davis, DB Willie Roberts, K Jacob Barnes

Third Team

OL Bert Hale

Fourth Team

OL Carson Bruno, OL Dakota White

PHIL STEELE (Preseason All-Conference USA)

First Team

RB Marquis Crosby, OL Dakota White, DB Willie Roberts, WR Smoke Harris.

Second Team

WR Smoke Harris, DB Cecil Singleton Jr.

Third Team

QB Hank Bachmeier, DL Deshon Hall, DB Cedric Woods, K Jacob Barnes

Fourth Team

OL Carson Bruno, DB Brevin Randle, DB Myles Heard

SHRINE BOWL 1000

QB Hank Bachmeier, WR Smoke Harris, DL Deshon Hall, DB Willie Roberts

CONFERENCE USA PRESEASON WATCHLIST

WR Smoke Harris, DL Deshon Hall, DB Willie Roberts, OL Carson Bruno

CONFERENCE USA SPECIALTY AWARDS

Smoke Harris - Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year

WEURFFEL WATCHLIST

OL Abraham Delfin

PAUL HORNUNG AWARD WATCHLIST

WR/RS Smoke Harris

DOAK WALKER AWARD WATCHLIST

>>

>>

Since joining CUSA LA Tech has...

>> Forced a turnover in 107 of 125 games (86%)

>> Forced multiple turnovers in 67 of 125 games (54%)

>> Forced 3+ turnovers in 39 of 125 games (31%)

>> Forced 4+ turnovers in 19 of 125 games (15%)

>> 24 pick-sixes

>> 31 defensive touchdowns

PROTECTING THE BALL IN OUR HOUSE

>> The Bulldogs have dominated the turnover margin battle under Sonny Cumbie at Joe Aillet Stadium. Last season Tech posted a +10 turnover margin in its five home games which was the third-best among all FBS programs.

>> Williams collected 27 total tackles including six for loss while at Stephen F. Austin.

KNOCKING IT LOOSE

>> The Bulldog defense had a knack for knocking the ball loose from opposing ball carriers last season as they ranked third nationally with 16 forced fumbles.

>> Of the Bulldogs 16 forced fumbles 11 came at Joe Aillet Stadium.

>> Tech recovered 11 of their 16 forced fumbles which ranked 19th nationally.

>> Defensive back Cecil Singleton Jr. led LA Tech and ranked 13th nationally with three forced fumbles in 2022.

>> The Bulldogs' 16 forced fumbles were the most since joining Conference USA in 2013.

RB Marquis Crosby

PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD WATCHLIST

DB Willie Roberts

EARL CAMPBELL TYLER ROSE AWARD WATCHLIST

TE Nate Jones

BIG BOYS BRING EXPERIENCE

>> LA Tech has a combined 228 career games played on their offensive line which leads Conference USA and ranks sixth nationally among all FBS programs.

>> The Bulldogs return a combined 34 starts from 2022 and a combined 77 games started on the offensive line in 2023, both of which lead Conference USA.

>> Abraham Delfin leads the Bulldog offensive lineman with 51 games played and 25 career starts.

BURNETT'S GOT THE BALL!!!

>> Defensive lineman J'Dan Burnett ranked third nationally with three fumble recoveries in 2022.

>> Burnett arguably had one of the most impressive defensive performances of any Bulldog in a 52-17 win over Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 10, 2022. Burnett returned a fumble 30 yards for a touchdown while forcing and recovering two fumbles.

HALL AND NOTES

>> Deshon Hall has appeared and started in 19 of his last 24 games on the LA Tech defensive line. The senior has tallied 101 total tackles (54 solo, 47 assisted), including 13.5 for loss and four sacks in addition to an interception and a forced fumble during his Bulldog career.

RENOVATING THE LINEBACKERS ROOM

>> The Louisiana Tech linebackers room was overhauled this past offseason as Hugh Davis is the lone returner from a year ago. Tech added seven new linebackers, including four portal additions and three freshmen.

Newcomers Previous School/HS

>> Jeslord Boateng (R-Sr.) Akron

>> Brevin Randle (R-Sr.) Stephen F. Austin

>> Kolbe Fields (R-So.) LSU

>> Zach Zimos (R-Jr.) Arkansas

>> Matthew Weiner (Fr.) Dunham HS

>> DeMardrick Blunt (Fr.) Carroll HS

>> Colton Deckard (Fr.) Muenster HS

>> In addition to new linebackers they will also be led by a new coach as Cumbie announced the hiring of Cortez Carter on March 20, 2023. Carter comes to LA Tech from Florida State where he served as a defensive analyst the previous three seasons. As a player, Carter was a four-year letterman at Marshall and appeared in 51 games during his collegiate career. He helped the Herd win 35 games, including the 2014 Conference USA championship, and play in three bowl games.

BARNES CAN BOOT

>> Kicker Jacob Barnes is making his way towards the top of the LA Tech Record Books as one of the best kickers in program history.

>> Barnes has made 110 of his 111 extra point attempts in his career (99.1%) while making 42 field goals in 53 career attempts (79.2%).

>> Last season, he appeared in all 12 games as the Bulldogs primary kicker, making 13 of 18 field goal attempts and was 38-39 in PATs. In a 40-24 win over Middle Tennessee he tied his career-high with four made field goals, becoming just the fifth kicker in program history to have multiple games with four made FGs.

Where He Ranks in the Record Books

>> Extra Points Made 7th (110)

>> Extra Point Attempts 7th (111)

>> Career Scoring 8th (111)

>> Field Goals Made 8th (42)

BUCK HAS

RANGE

>> Kicker Buck Buchanan made an immediate impact in his freshman season at LA Tech. Buchanan took over the long-range field goal kicking duties and kickoff duties for the Bulldogs.

>> Buchanan was 5-6 on field goal attempts of more than 40 yards in 2022.

>> His 52-yard field goal in the win over UTEP (10/8) was the 10th-longest in school history.

>> He led all CUSA freshman in kickoff yards (4,199) and touchbacks (34). In addition to ranking third among all NCAA freshman in kickoff yards and fourth among all freshman in touchbacks

SPECIAL TEAMS SUCCESS

>> Louisiana Tech led Conference USA and ranked 17th nationally, averaging 12.42 yards per return.

>> Smoke Harris had two kickoff returns of 60 yards and above last season with a 65-yard return against Rice and a 60-yard return at UTSA.

REJECTED

>> Louisiana Tech was one of just 35 schools nationally to block a punt and a field goal attempt last season.

EGGING EM' ON

>> The Bulldogs opponents last season averaged 72.1 penalty yards per contest which was the thirdmost nationally.

BETTER BE SECURE AROUND SINGLETON

>> Louisiana Tech defensive back Cecil Singleton Jr. ranked 13th nationally with three fumbles forced in 2022.

NATE THE GREAT

>> Louisiana Tech tight end Nate Jones has recorded a reception in seven-consecutive games dating back to last season. Jones totaled 16 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown in 2022.

BULLDOG BLOODLINES

>> Redshirt junior Tru Edwards transferred to LA Tech from Hawaii this offseason. Edwards is the son of former LA Tech standout and 1998 Biletnikoff Award winner Troy Edwards who spent seven-years in the NFL with the Steelers, Rams, Jaguars and Lions.

>> Julien Lewis is the grandson of former Louisiana-Monroe Head Coach Jerry Baldwin. Baldwin also served as an assistant at Louisiana Tech (19821991) and LSU (1992-1998).

ATHLETICISM RUNS IN THE FAMILY

>> Quarterback Hank Bachmeier is not the only athlete in his family. Bachmeier's brother Tiger is a wide receiver at Stanford and his younger brother Bear is a four-star quarterback in the class of 2025 and holds offers from both Notre Dame and Alabama. In addition to his brothers, his sister Ella runs track at the University of the Redlands and competed in the Division III national championships in hurdles.

GAME NOTES

BULLDOGS IN THE NFL

PRO DOGS

As of Aug. 22, 2023 LA Tech currently has nine former Bulldogs on NFL rosters.

Vernon Butler New York Giants

Myles Brooks Dallas Cowboys

Jeff Driskel ....................................... Arizona Cardinals

Justin Ellis Atlanta Falcons

Elijah Hamilton ............................ Green Bay Packers

Griffin Hebert ................................. Seattle Seahawks

Amik Robertson Las Vegas Raiders

Boston Scott ............................... Philadelphia Eagles

L'Jarius Sneed Kansas City Chiefs

Trent Taylor Cincinnati Bengals

Milton Williams .......................... Philadelphia Eagles

Xavier Woods Carolina Panthers

BULLDOGS DRAFTED

The Bulldogs' 13 players drafted is tied with Western Kentucky for the most by any CUSA team since joining the league in 2013.

PRODUCING THE LEGENDS

The Bulldogs' three Pro Football Hall of Famers lead all Conference USA programs while ranking third among all Group of Five programs and 10th among all FBS schools.

Player Induction Year

Terry Bradshaw ....................................................... 1989

Fred Dean 2008

Willie Roaf................................................................. 2012

MOLDING THE MVP

Louisiana Tech is one of seven universities with MVPs in both the NFL (Terry Bradshaw, 1978) and the NBA (Karl Malone, 1997 and 1999). Only Auburn, Louisville, LSU, Michigan State, North Carolina and Texas have also produced MVPs in both the NFL and NBA.

PREPPED SOME OF THE BEST

>> Before arriving in the college ranks, Offensive Coordinator Jake Brown coached on the high school level in Texas at Arlington Martin, Lake Travis and Midlothian where he worked with a number of Division I players, including a pair of No. 1 overall draft picks in Myles Garrett and 2017 Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield.

MORE THAN FOOTBALL

>> Kicker Jacob Barnes is a licensed pilot and currently has plans to be a commercial pilot after his playing days are over.

>> Defensive lineman Deshon Hall enjoys cooking in his free time and operates a catering business.

COMING TO AMERICA

>> Punter Patrick Rea is the Bulldogs only international player. The sophomore hails from Melbourne, Australia.

DEGREE DOGS

>> 18 Bulldogs have already obtained their bachelor's degree on this year's roster.

>> Hank Bachmeier

>> Jacob Barnes

>> Jonah Brewster

>> Jeslord Boateng

>> Mykol Clark

>> Abraham Delfin

>> Smoke Harris

>> Myles Heard

>> Kyle Maxwell

>> Keldric Moody

>> Ryan Rivera

>> Roderick Roberson

>> Biron Rossell

>> Tyre Shelton

>> Cecil Singleton Jr.

>> Charvis Thornton

>> Rason Williams III

>> Zach Zimos

SHARP BRINGS SUCCESS

>> Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Dan Sharp is a seasoned veteran going into his 34th year at the FBS level.

>> During his first season in Ruston, Sharp helped lead Tech to rank 17th nationally in punt return average at 12.42 yards per return.

>> Sharp arrived in Ruston prior to the 2022 season after spending 29 of the previous 33 years at TCU.

>> As a special teams’ coordinator, Sharp coached numerous award-winning kickers, punters and returners at TCU, including the likes of Jaden Oberkrom (2012 Freshman All-American; Lou Groza semifinalist), Ethan Perry (2012 Freshman All-American), Greg McCoy (2011 All-American, Mountain West Special Teams POY), Jeremy Kerley (2010 All-American, Paul Hornung Award finalist), Nick Browne (2002 All-American, Lou Groza Award semifinalist, C-USA Special Teams POY) and Joey Biasatti (Ray Guy Award semifinalist).

FROM

TEAMMATES TO COACH AND PLAYER

>> Running backs coach Teddy Veal played at Louisiana Tech from 2016-2018. During his playing career Veal was teammates with current Bulldogs Smoke Harris (WR) and Abraham Delfin (OL).

>> As a player, Veal was named the Conference USA Co-Newcomer of the Year after transferring from Tulane in 2017. He also earned honrable mention All-CUSA honors in 2018.

WHEN DOES CLASS START?

>> Louisiana Tech is the only university in Conference USA on a quarter system and one of just seven FBS schools that are currently on the quarter system schedule.

FBS Schools on Quarter System Conference

>> Louisana Tech CUSA

>> Northwestern Big 10

>> Oregon PAC-12

>> Oregon State PAC-12

>> Stanford PAC-12

>> UCLA PAC-12

>> Washington PAC-12

IT'S BEEN 84 YEARS...

>> Louisiana Tech will play Jacksonville State for the first time since 1939 when they finish the regular season on Nov. 18 at JSU stadium. The 84-year drought is the second longest span of any team's schedule nationally this season. Only Nevada has a longer drought when they visit USC for the first time in 94 years this season.

ARE YOU STALKING US?

>> With New Mexico State joining Conference USA in 2023 it marks the third different conference that the schools have been members of together.

Conference Years

>> Big West 1993-1995

>> WAC 2005-2012

>> Conference USA 2023-present

THEY COULD PLAY IN THEIR DAY

>> The Bulldogs’ coaching staff features eight coaches who played collegiately at the FBS level, including three who also played in the NFL.

Coaches College Playing Career

>> Sonny Cumbie Texas Tech (2000-2004)

>> Dan Sharp TCU (1981-84)

>> Teddy Veal Louisiana Tech (2016-18)

>> Cortez Carter Marshall (2011-2014)

>> Ty Barrett ............... TCU/Sam Houston State (2015-18)

>> Jacori Greer New Mexico (2009-2013)

>> Kimo von Oelhoffen .................. Boise State (1992-93)

Coaches NFL Playing Career

>> Dan Sharp Atlanta Falcons (1987)

>> Kimo von Oelhoffen ..... CINC, PITT, NYJ, PHI (1994-2007)

KIMO HAS BEEN THERE

>> Defensive analyst Kimo von Oelhoffen joins the Tech coaching staff in 2023. Oelhoffen had an impressive 14year NFL career, in which he tallied 351 total tackles and 26.5 total sacks. He helped lead Pittsburgh to a World Championship in Super Bowl XL in 2005.

CONFERENCE LEADERS

>> LA Tech has the most all-conference players (first or second team) in CUSA since 2013 with 62. In the 2022 season, Tre Harris, Keivie Rose and Smoke Harris were first team selections, while Myles Brooks and Smoke Harris earned second team honors for the Bulldogs.

COLLECTING THE CUSA AWARDS

>>Louisiana Tech and Houston are the only two teams that have garnered every individual award in Conference USA history. The Bulldogs have had at least one specialty award winner in six of the last nine seasons.

Player Specialty Award

Luke Anthony 2020 | Newcomer of the Year

J'Mar Smith 2019 | Offensive Player of the Year

Jaylon Ferguson 2018 | Defensive Player of the Year

Teddy Veal 2017 | Newcomer of the Year

Skip Holtz 2016 | Coach of the Year

Carlos Henderson 2016 | Offensive Player of the Year 2016 | Special Teams Player of the Year

Ryan Higgins 2016 | Most Valuable Player

Jeff Driskel 2015 | Newcomer of the Year

Cody Sokol 2014 | Newcomer of the Year

VISUAL LOGOS

>> Louisiana Tech is the only FBS program that has the state they are located in as part of its primary logo.

BRINGING THE POWER

>> Defensive Coordinator Scott Power has been very successful at all of his previous coaching stops. In 2021 at Stephen F. Austin, Power’s defense ranked 15th nationaly in total defense (311.14) 17th nationally in scoring defense (19.3) and 19th nationally in rushing defense (113.2).

>> While at Marian (Ind.) in 2015 Power was named the NAIA Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop. Power’s defense allowed just 14.35 points per game on their way to winning the NAIA National Championship. In his coaching career the Fowler Ind. native has had nine All-Americans and 63 all-conference selections.

HONORING THE LEGENDS

>> Louisiana Tech Athletics will be honoring Terry Bradshaw, Fred Dean, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Rolf and Teresa Weatherspoon with the unveiling of their statues as part of Champions Plaza on Aug. 25 at 5:45 p.m.

>> Named in honor of former Louisiana Tech student-athlete and football coach A.L. Williams and his wife Sarah, the plaza includes recognition of the most highly-decorated student-athletes and teams in the University's history. Former Louisiana Tech football standout Chris Richardson, who is the nephew of A.L. and Sarah Williams, provided the philanthropic gift to fund the plaza.

2022 CUSA STANDINGS

FIU

KNOW THE FOES

SMU Mustangs

THIS WEEK IN CUSA

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

UTEP at Jax State (CBSSN) 4:30 p.m.

UMass at New Mexico State (ESPN) 6 p.m.

FIU at LA Tech (CBSSN) 8 p.m.

North Texas

NEXT WEEK IN CUSA

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

LA Tech at SMU (ESPNU) 11 a.m.

Bowling Green at Liberty (CBSSN) 11 a.m.

ETSU at Jax State (ESPN+) 1 p.m.

South Florida at WKU (CBSSN) 2:30 p.m.

Maine at FIU (ESPN+) 5:30 p.m.

MTSU at Alabama (SEC Net) 6:30 p.m.

WIU at NM State (ESPN+) 8 p.m.

Incarnate Word at UTEP (ESPN+) 8 p.m.

Sam Houston at BYU (FS1) 9:15 p.m.

AGAINST CUSA OPPONENTS

THE LAST TIME THAT...

LA TECH INDIVIDUAL

OFFENSE

OPPONENT INDIVIDUAL

15, Tyler Grubbs at Clemson (9/18/22)

Had 20 tackles 20, Quincy Stewart at Texas A&M (9/12/98)

Had 3 tackles for loss

3, Tyler Grubbs vs. Southern Miss (11/19/21)

Had 4+ tackles for loss 5.0, Willie Baker at Hawai’i (12/22/18)

Returned an interception for a TD Willie Roberts vs. Middle Tennessee (11/5/22)

Returned a fumble for a TD J'Dan Burnett (30 yards) vs. SFA (9/10/22)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Amik Robertson (30 yards) vs. FIU

Returned a blocked punt for a TD Alex Anderson (2 yards) vs. New Mexico State

Returned a blocked field goal for a TD Le’Vander Liggins

OPPONENT TEAM

LOUISIANA TECH HEAD COACH

HEAD COACH SONNY CUMBIE

TEXAS TECH, 2004 CAREER RECORD (YEARS): 5-12 (2)

SCHOOL RECORD (YEARS): 3-9 (1)

Louisiana Tech President Les Guice and VP and Director of Athletics Eric Wood introduced one of the most innovative offensive minds in college football when Sonny Cumbie was welcomed to Ruston as the 34th head football coach in Bulldog history on December 1, 2021.

In his inaugural season in Ruston, he led Tech to a 3-2 record at home in 2022, marking the first time since 2007 that a firstyear head coach finished with a winning home record when Derek Dooley accomplished the feat.

Cumbie garnered his first win as head coach at Louisiana Tech with a dominant 52-17 triumph over Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 10, 2022 at Joe Aillet Stadium. A win in which Tech accumulated a season high in total offense (516 yards) and rushing (300 yards).

The Bulldogs garnered two wins in Conference USA play with a 41-31 win over UTEP in the CUSA opener (Oct. 8) and a 40-24 shellacking of Middle Tennessee (Nov. 5). Despite finishing the inaugural campaign with a 3-9 record Tech fell in overtime twice and had four losses by 10 points or less, including three by a single possession.

Tech garnered a total of 15 all-conference selections in 2022. Wide receiver Tre Harris, defensive lineman Keivie Rose and wide receiver/return specialist Smoke Harris all earned First-Team All-Conference USA honors while defensive back Myles Brooks was named second-team all-conference. Tre Harris was named a semifinalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award and Brooks was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl and NFL Combine following the conclusion of the season. Redshirt freshman running back Marquis Crosby was named Honorable Mention Freshman All-American by College Football News after a breakout season in which he rushed for 918 yards and nine touchdowns on 183 carries. His 918 rushing yards ranked sixth nationally among all FBS freshman.

Under his tutelage, Cumbie’s quarterbacks ranked 32nd nationally in passing yards per game with 267.2 a contest. Quarterback Parker McNeil threw for a season-high 424 yards in a loss at North Texas which was the most by a Bulldogs since Ryan Higgins in 2016.

On the recruiting trail, the Bulldogs' 21-member signing class was the highest-rated class in Conference USA and ranked fifth among all Group of Five schools. Tech ranked 70th nationally in the Rivals 2023 Team Recruiting Rankings, edging out its 2020 signing class by a spot for the best slot in program history.

Cumbie has spent the past 12 years as an assistant coach in the Big 12, including two stints at Texas Tech (200913, 2021) and one at TCU (2014-2020). He has served as offensive coordinator the past nine years for the Red Raiders and Horned Frogs and worked under some of the top coaches in college football, including Mike Leach, Tommy Tuberville, Kliff Kingsbury and Gary Patterson.

His offensive philosophy should fit in well with the Bulldog faithful. High-octane football is craved at Joe Aillet Stadium on Saturdays in the fall.

“Sonny Cumbie is the perfect fit for our program, our department, our University, and our community,” said Wood. “Culture. Class. Competitive Excellence. He exemplifies all of these things. As our student-athletes, staff, and fans get an opportunity to know Sonny, they will see what we saw during the interview process.

“I’ve heard so much in the last year about the history of high-scoring offenses and hard-hitting defenses. Our fan base wants an exciting brand of football. They want to win conference titles. They want to continue to build upon the success we have had over the past decade. Sonny will bring all of that to Ruston.”

Cumbie came to Tech after serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech in 2021, including serving as the interim head coach over the final four games of the season. This was his second stint in Lubbock, after beginning his college coaching career with the Red Raiders in 2009.

He also served as the quarterbacks coach and the offensive coordinator at TCU during his seven seasons in Ft. Worth. And everywhere he has been, his offenses have been innovative and entertaining.

“Sonny Cumbie is a strong young coach who impressed us all with his depth of understanding and focus on the

game,” Guice said. “His ability to recruit promising student-athletes and maximize their talents will help us continue to take our football program to a higher level of competitiveness. I look forward to seeing Sonny be the next in line of so many great Louisiana Tech coaches, and I know he and his family will be a great addition to our Tech Family.”

During his tenure at TCU, Cumbie oversaw the Horned Frogs’ quarterbacks and served as the sole offensive play caller each of the final four years. TCU boasted the Big 12’s second-best conference record (38-25) and its third-best overall mark (58-30) over his seven seasons, which coincided with six bowl appearances.

His impact was felt immediately at TCU as the program broke the Big 12 record with a 21.4 points per game improvement, the largest by any team nationally since 1999-2000 (Northwestern). TCU ranked No. 2 in scoring (46.5) and No. 5 in total offense (533.0) on the way to a 12-1 record.

The 2015 Horned Frogs once again lit up the scoreboard, ranking No. 3 in total offense (562.8) and No. 7 in scoring (42.1) on the way to an 11-2 record and a win over Oregon in the Valero Alamo Bowl (rallying from a 31-0 halftime deficit).

Cumbie helped push TCU to the Big 12 Championship game and a top-10 ranking in his first year as sole play caller in 2017 as the Horned Frogs closed the year at 11-3 overall following a 39-37 victory over No. 13 Stanford in the Valero Alamo Bowl.

“My family and I are extremely excited and honored to be the head coach at Louisiana Tech University,” Cumbie said. “We look forward to many successful seasons in Ruston with an exciting brand of football. I cannot wait to assemble our staff and get to building relationships with our players and the coaches across this great state.”

During his first stint with the Red Raiders, Texas Tech threw for more than 4,000 yards each of the four years while averaging more than 35 points per game.

His 2012 Texas Tech offense boasted a pair of 1,000-yard receivers, making the pair the first teammates to each eclipse 1,000-yard seasons since 2007 when future NFL stars Michael Crabtree and Danny Amendola did so. In 2013, he coached a pair of freshman quarterbacks and still boasted an offense that finished second in the FBS in passing yards per game (392) and eighth in total offense (511). On the recruiting trail, Cumbie helped land arguably one of the game's most talentaed quarterbacks in two-time NFL MVP and five-time Pro Bowler Patrick Mahomes.

“I’ve gotten a chance not only to experience first-hand the tremendous coaching ability of Sonny Cumbie, but also to understand how exceptional a person and leader he is,” said Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury. “Coach Cumbie is one of the bright young offensive minds in football. This opportunity is a great one, and I am excited to watch the success he will have at Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs are getting a good one.”

His passion for high-octane offenses comes from his playing days at Texas Tech.

After walking on for the Red Raiders in 2000, he earned the starting role his senior season and led the country in passing yards (4,742 yards) and total offense (4,575 yards) with 32 touchdowns. Texas Tech went 7-4 in the regular season and earned a berth to face Top 5 Cal in the Holiday Bowl, where the Red Raiders were huge underdogs. Cumbie completed 39 of 60 passes for 520 yards (still a Holiday Bowl record) and three TDs in the win over the Bears.

Cumbie twice led the Red Raiders to 70-point games that season on the way to garnering honorable mention All-Big 12 accolades as well as Academic All-Big 12 first team honors.

He spent time playing for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League, earning a spot on the AFL All-Rookie Team in 2006 as well as being a finalist for the AFL Rookie of the Year. Upon completion of the 2006 season, Cumbie was signed by the Baltimore Ravens. He was back in the AFL for the 2007 season, leading the Avengers to their first playoff victory in franchise history while throwing for 83 touchdowns.

LOUISIANA TECH HEAD COACH

Following his time in the AFL, he served time as a head coach in the Indoor Football League where he also played some quarterback during the 2009 season. Following the IFL stint, he joined Mike Leach’s staff as a graduate assistant at his alma mater.

Cumbie and his wife, Tamra, are both natives of Snyder, Texas, and graduates of Texas Tech. They are parents to two sons, Grey and Hays.

What Others are Saying About Sonny Cumbie

“I’ve gotten a chance not only to experience first-hand the tremendous coaching ability of Sonny Cumbie, but also to understand how exceptional a person and leader he is. Coach Cumbie is one of the bright young offensive minds in football. This opportunity is a great one, and I am excited to watch the success he will have at Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs are getting a good one.” – Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals Head Coach

“Sonny is one of the up-and-coming coaches in our profession. He showed his potential on how he handled the Texas Tech situation.” – Gary Patterson, former TCU Head Coach

“I am so happy for Coach Cumbie to be named head coach at Louisiana Tech. I have known for a long time that he was destined to be a successful head coach. Over the past month, I have witnessed Coach Cumbie lead our football team at Texas Tech and inspire and instill a level of confidence within a locker room that has elevated our team. His genuine approach builds trust and his passion motivates young men to be their very best. The Louisiana Tech family has a great man leading their football program.” – Kirby Hocutt, Texas Tech Director of Athletics

“Sonny is a fantastic choice for Louisiana Tech. He will connect with both players and recruits. His energy and optimism will be contagious and create excitement within the football program. Also, he’s a perfect fit in Ruston and will embrace and serve the community. I have no doubt he will be highly successful.” – Sonny Dykes, TCU Head Coach

“Sonny is a rising star. He is well prepared to be a successful head coach. He’s an innovative offensive coach. More importantly, he is a great motivator and he connects with players. Sonny is a relationship builder that will build LA Tech into a championship program.” – Neal Brown, West Virginia Head Coach

“Sonny is a longtime friend of hundreds of coaches in the state of Texas. He is a great coach and a better man. He will go to great lengths to spend time with every coach he is in contact with, no matter the size of the school or the success they have experienced. Every player’s parent will love him coaching their kid.” –Glen West, Assistant Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association.

COACHING

PLAYING

PLAYING

EDUCATION

PERSONAL

Full Name: Sonny Jack Cumbie

Born: August 8, 1981 in Abilene, Texas

Wife: Tamra Cumbie

Children: Grey and Hays Cumbie

SONNY CUMBIE FILE

JOE AILLET IS A TOUGH PLACE TO PLAY

It’s always nice to be home and Louisiana Tech has experienced recent success in the confines of Joe Aillet Stadium. LA Tech has posted a 105-43 record at home since joining the ranks of Division I-A/FBS in 1988, a winning percentage of 71.4 percent.

WINNING AT THE JOE

Louisiana Tech won eight straight games inside The Joe between the 2019 and 2020 seasons after defeating Houston Baptist (66-38) and UTEP (21-17) during the 2020 campaign. LA Tech was undefeated at Joe Aillet Stadium in the 2019 season after posting wins over Grambling State (2014), FIU (43-31), UMass (69-21), Southern Miss (45-30), North Texas (52-17) and UTSA (41-27).

JOE AILLET STADIUM FUN FACT

NFL Hall of Famer and four-time Super Bowl Champion Terry Bradshaw threw the first touchdown pass in the history of Joe Aillet Stadium connecting with Buster Herren from five yards out against East Carolina on Sept. 28, 1968. Tech went on to win the game 35-7.

HOME OPENERS AT THE JOE

JOE AILLET STADIUM

TOP DOG WATCHERS AT THE JOE

Since Joe Aillet Stadium opened in 1968, Louisiana Tech has won 45 home openers at “The Joe” with a record of 45-8-1 over that span. If you go back to 1988 when the Bulldogs made the transition to Division I, LA Tech has dominated when playing on its home turf with a record of 30-4 in home openers.

ATTENDANCE HISTORY AND RECORDS

Note: Joe Aillet Stadium has hosted 52 games with crowds over 20,000.

2022 STATISTICS

RECORD

RESULTS

TEAM STATISTICS

*- indicates Conference USA game

RUSHING

RECEIVING

PUNT RETURNS

KICK RETURNS

INTERCEPTIONS

FUMBLE RETURNS

SCORING

|---------------- PATs ----------------|

PUNTING

KICKOFFS

ALL-PURPOSE

TOTAL OFFENSE

FIELD GOALS

FIELD GOAL SEQUENCE

2022 DEFENSIVE LEADERS

2022 GAME-BY-GAME STATS

GAME-BY-GAME SUMMARIES

DEFENSIVE GAME-BY-GAME SUMMARIES

2022 SUPERLATIVES

LA

2022 INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

RUSHING GAME-BY-GAME

RECEIVING GAME-BY-GAME

PASSING GAME-BY-GAME

2022 INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME STATS

PUNT RETURNS GAME-BY-GAME

KICK RETURNS GAME-BY-GAME

INTERCEPTION RETURNS GAME-BY-GAME

FUMBLE RETURNS GAME-BY-GAME

ALL-PURPOSE YARDS GAME-BY-GAME

2022 DEFENSIVE GAME-BY-GAME STATS

TOTA L TACKLES GAME-BY-GAME

2022 DEFENSIVE GAME-BY-GAME STATS

TOTAL TACKLES FOR LOSS GAME-BY-GAME

GAME-BY-GAME

FUMBLES FORCED GAME-BY-GAME

F UMBLES RECOVERED GAME-BY-GAME

20-YARD PLUS PLAYS

Yards Type Player(s)

Opponent

*75 Pass HEBERT, G. from DOWNING, M. Missouri

74 Pass MAGEE, T. from MCNEIL, P. UNT

68 Rush CROSBY, Marquis SFA

64 Pass HARRIS, T. from MCNEIL, P. UTEP

65 KR HARRIS, Smoke Rice

*64 Pass ALLEN, C. from MCNEIL, P. Missouri

*63 Pass HEBERT, G. from MCNEIL, P. SFA

*63 Rush THORNTON, Charvis UAB

60 KR HARRIS, S. UTSA

*58 Pass HARRIS, T. from MCNEIL, P. UNT

*57 Pass HARRIS, S. from MCNEIL, P. South Alabama

57 Pass ALLEN, C. from MCNEIL, P. Middle Tennessee

50 INT BOOKS, Myles Middle Tennessee

49 Rush CROSBY, Marquis Rice

46 Pass HEBERT, G. from MCNEIL, P. Clemson

44 Pass HARRIS, T. from MCNEIL, P. Middle Tennessee

43 PR HARRIS, Smoke Missouri

43 Pass HARRIS, T. from MCNEIL, P. South Alabama

*42 Rush CROSBY, Marquis SFA

*41 Pass ALLEN, C. from MCNEIL, P. Middle Tennessee

41 Pass HARRIS, T. from LYDDY, L. FIU

40 Rush TURNER, Jack UAB

39 Pass ALLEN, C. from LYDDY, L. Charlotte

38 Pass CROSBY, M. from LYDDY, L. UAB

*38 Pass HARRIS, T. from MCNEIL, P. UTEP

38 Pass LEWIS, J. from MCNEIL, P. Clemson

*37 Pass ALLEN, C. from MCNEIL, P. Missouri

36 KR HARRIS, Smoke Charlotte

36 Pass ALLEN, C. from LYDDY, L. Charlotte

36 Rush THORNTON, Charvis UAB

36 Pass HARRIS, T. from MCNEIL, P. Middle Tennessee

36 Pass HARRIS, S. from MCNEIL, P. South Alabama

*34 Pass MAGEE, T. from MCNEIL, P. UNT

34 Rush CROSBY, Marquis Middle Tennessee

33 KR LEWIS, Solo SFA

32 KR HARRIS, S. FIU

32 Pass HARRIS, Smoke from LYDDY, Landry UTSA

31 Pass ALLEN, C. from DOWNING, M. Rice

31 Pass ALLEN, C. from MCNEIL, P. UNT

31 Pass HEBERT, G. from MCNEIL, P. Clemson

31 Pass JONES, N. from LYDDY, L. FIU

31 Pass ALLEN, C. from MCNEIL, P. Clemson

30 Rush CROSBY, Marquis Middle Tennessee

*30 FR BURNETT, J'Dan SFA

29 Pass JONES, N. from LYDDY, L. Charlotte

29 KR LEWIS, Solo SFA

*29 Rush CROSBY,

2022 LONG PLAYS

LONG PLAYS BY THE

PLUS BY PLAYER

LONGEST PLAYS OF THE YEAR

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

CAREER STARTS AT LA TECH

GAMES PLAYED AT LA TECH

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME ONE: MISSOURI 52, LA TECH 24 Memorial Stadium | Columbia, Mo. | September 1, 2022

Columbia, Mo. – Louisiana Tech held the lead through the first 15 minutes, but Missouri tacked on double-digit points in each of the last three quarters to pull away in a 52-24 win on Thursday night at Memorial Stadium.

LA Tech (0-1) had the upper hand in the early going, taking a 3-0 advantage into the second quarter thanks to a 33-yard field goal by Jacob Barnes.

However, Missouri (1-0) broke through on its first play of the second stanza with a 5-yard touchdown run by Cody Schrader and quickly added another touchdown off a 29-yard pick-six.

That ended up being the theme of the night as the Tigers racked up 328 yards on the ground and nabbed three interceptions thrown by the Bulldogs' starting quarterback Matthew Downing.

Downing was able to get a big play in the game, finding Griffin Hebert over the middle who outran everyone for a 75-yard touchdown catch. Sandwiched in between that though was another 5-yard TD run by Missouri and an end-of-half 31-yard field goal to make it, 24-10.

While the Bulldogs could not get the ground game going, the Tigers rushed for four more scores in the second half to put the game out of reach. Parker McNeil came in at quarterback and delivered two touchdown strikes to Cyrus Allen – one for 64 yards and another for 37 yards. The freshman wide receiver ended with five catches for a game-high 126 yards.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score

LA Tech 3 7 0 14 24 Record: 0-1

Missouri 0 21 14 14 52 Record: 1-0

Scoring Summary:

1st 05:48 LAT - #35 J.Barnes 33 yd FG, 10-37, 04:20 3-0

2nd 14:56 MIZ - #20 C.Schrader 5 yd rush (#92 H.Mevis kick)

14:25 MIZ - #28 J.Charleston 29 yd interception return (#92 H.Mevis kick)

07:05 MIZ - #3 L.Burden 5 yd pass from #12 B.Cook (#92 H.Mevis kick)

06:53 LAT - #5 G.Hebert 75 yd pass from #7 M.Downing (#35 J.Barnes kick)

00:04 MIZ - #92 H.Mevis 31 yd FG, 5-53, 00:25 10-24

3rd 08:18 MIZ - #3 L.Burden 1 yd rush (#92 H.Mevis kick), 7-74, 02:46 10-31

00:40 MIZ - #12 B.Cook 20 yd rush (#92 H.Mevis kick), 6-50, 01:51 10-38

4th 13:52 LAT - #85 C.Allen 64 yd pass from #17 P.McNeil (#35 J.Barnes kick)

10:49 MIZ - #8 N.Peat 34 yd rush (#92 H.Mevis kick), 7-72,

Johnny Crawford Line

Paul Schardein

Michael Taylor Back

Raymond Tate III Side

Bryan Murphy

Eddie Allbritton

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME TWO: LA TECH 52, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 17 Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La. | September 10, 2022

RUSTON – Louisiana Tech racked up 300 yards on the ground, anchored by Marquis Crosby who amassed 196 in the first half alone, as the Bulldogs routed Stephen F. Austin by a final score of 52-17 on Saturday night inside Joe Aillet Stadium.

LA Tech (1-1) and SFA (1-2) were tied up at 7-7 in the early going, but the home team proceeded to score 45 unanswered points in route to Sonny Cumbie's first career victory as head coach of the Bulldogs.

While the 'Dogs were putting up points left and right, the defense was keeping the Lumberjacks at bay with forcing three turnovers and allowing just four third-down conversions out of 15.

Smoke Harris gave the Bulldogs their first points of the game, capping off an opening drive with a 7-yard touchdown reception that he snuck into the end zone at the right pylon.

The Lumberjacks evened things up though three minutes later, utilizing special teams and defense to get on the scoreboard. After a 56-yard punt pinned the Bulldogs at their own 4-yard line, SFA picked off Parker McNeil on the very first play. Ja'Terious Evans snagged the INT and returned it 17 yards down to the goal line. Quarterback Trae Self punched it in on the keeper on the very next play.

The tie was short-lived though as the Bulldogs scored on the ensuing drive, needing just two plays to get it done. First, Crosby took the handoff 68 yards down to the 11-yard line. On the next possession, fellow running back Charvis Thornton went the remaining 11 yards off the left side for the touchdown.

After the LA Tech defense forced a three-and-out, the squad tacked on another quick score as McNeil found Tre Harris up the left sideline for a 40-yard touchdown to put the Bulldogs up 21-7 with 5:24 to go in the first quarter.

Crosby continued his running ways in the second quarter, producing back-to-back touchdown runs of three and 42 yards. Capping off the first half was Jacob Barnes who converted a chip shot from 18 yards to give LA Tech a 38-7 advantage at halftime.

The Bulldogs were not done offensively in the third quarter as McNeil hooked up with Griffin Hebert for a 63-yard touchdown. It was the defense's turn to put up points next as Myles Brooks forced a fumble and J'Dan Burnett did a scoop and score for 30 yards to make it a 52-7 lead with 6:46 remaining in the stanza.

Gordon Everett

Josh Larson

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME THREE: LA TECH 20, No. 5 CLEMSON 48 Memorial Stadium | Clemson, S.C. | September 17, 2022

CLEMSON S.C. – The Louisiana Tech Football team continued to produce explosive plays offensively, but four turnovers was too much to overcome as the Bulldogs fell, 48-20, to the No. 5-ranked Clemson Tigers on Saturday night inside Memorial Stadium.

LA Tech (1-2) had seven plays of 20+ yards, all through the air by Parker McNeil who finished with 311 passing yards. And the Bulldogs found themselves down just one score, 13-6, at halftime, but the game shifted in the third quarter because of turnovers.

The 'Dogs first three possessions of the second half resulted in two interceptions (one in the red zone) and a turnover on downs that was turned into three touchdowns by Clemson (3-0) to quickly make it a 34-6 deficit for the visitors.

LA Tech refused to go away quietly though. After being limited to two made field goals by Jacob Barnes (35 and 36 yards) in the first half, the Bulldogs found the end zone on back-to-back drives to get to within 14 with still 11:05 to play in the game.

The first TD was an 8-play, 79-yard drive that was capped off by a 3-yard rushing touchdown (the first allowed by the Tigers this season) from Marquis Crosby. The second TD took only five plays, set up by a 20-yard reception by Griffin Hebert and then finished off with a 13-yard pass play to Tre Harris for the score.

Clemson put an end to LA Tech's upset hopes though as DJ Uiagelelei connected with Antonio Williams for a touchdown on the following possession. The Tigers tacked on another score late after recovering a fumble, LA Tech's fourth turnover of the game.

The Bulldog wide receivers had a good night with Hebert registering a career-high 122 receiving yards, Julien Lewis having a career game with seven receptions for 76 yards, Tre Harris catching five balls for 56 yards and Smoke Harris cracking into the top 10 in program history for career receptions.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4

CLEMSON 10 3 21 14 48

LA Tech 0 6 0 14 20

Scoring Summary:

1st 11:44 - CLE - Potter,B.T. 22 yd field goal 9 plays, 70 yards, TOP 03:16

Record: 3-0

Record: 1-2

06:24 - CLE - Shipley,Will 2 yd run (Potter,B.T. kick), 6 plays, 79 yards, TOP 02:27

2nd 12:46 - LAT - Barnes,Jacob 35 yd field goal 6 plays, 34 yards, TOP 01:39

09:36 - CLE - Potter,B.T. 36 yd field goal 9 plays, 56 yards, TOP 03:10

03:18 - LAT - Barnes,Jacob 27 yd field goal 9 plays, 74 yards, TOP 06:12

3rd 14:40 - CLE - Shipley,Will 32 yd run (Potter,B.T. kick), 1 plays, 32 yards, TOP 00:07

05:25 - CLE - Mafah,Phil 4 yd run (Potter,B.T. kick), 14 plays, 90 yards, TOP 06:46

03:37 - CLE - Collins,Beaux 32 yd pass from Uiagalelei,DJ (Potter,B.T. kick) 1 plays, 32 yards, TOP 00:09

4th 12:52 - LAT - Crosby,Marquis 3 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 8 plays, 79 yards, TOP 03:36

09:30 - LAT - Harris,Tre 13 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 5 plays, 44 yards, TOP 01:35

06:21 - CLE - Williams,Antonio 19 yd pass from Uiagalelei,DJ (Potter,B.T. kick) 6 plays, 65 yards, TOP 03:09

04:53 - CLE - Pace,Kobe 3 yd run (Potter,B.T. kick), 3 plays, 12 yards, TOP 01:01

Stadium: Memorial Stadium Attendance: 80, 452

Kickoff time: 8:11 p.m. End of Game: 11:34 p.m. Total elapsed time: 3:23

Referee: Timothy Hedgepeth

Umpire: Tom Laverty

Linesman: Steve Clein

Line judge: Deon Lawrence

Back judge: Barry Hendon

Field judge: Conor Clougherty

Side judge: Richard Wilborn

Center judge: Jeff Pumphrey

Replay Official: Jack Cramer

Weather: Clear 78 F

Wind: NE 0 mph

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME FOUR: LA TECH 14, SOUTH ALABAMA 38 Hancock Whitney Stadium | Mobile, Ala. | September 24, 2022

MOBILE, Ala. – Turnovers proved costly again for Louisiana Tech as they fell 38-14 to South Alabama on Saturday night at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

LA Tech (1-3) coughed the ball up five times (four interceptions and one fumble), including on four straight possessions.

Despite three of those turnovers coming in the first half and USA (3-1) jumping out to a quick 14-0 lead within the first four minutes due to a fast 6-play, 80-yard drive and a punt return for a touchdown, the Bulldogs found themselves down just 17-7 at halftime.

Getting the ball first to start the second half, LA Tech was looking for more big plays to slice into the deficit like the first score of 52 yards in the air from Parker McNeil to Smoke Harris. However, the 'Dogs quickly dug themselves too deep a hole by throwing a pick-six and then losing a fumble that was turned into another touchdown for the Jaguars.

What was a 17-7 deficit turned into a 31-7 deficit just four minutes into the third quarter.

The two teams traded passing touchdowns in the fourth with the one from the Bulldogs being a 4-yard score on fourth down from McNeil to Griffin Hebert.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score

South Alabama 14 3 14 7 38 Record: 3-1

LA Tech 0 7 0 7 14 Record: 1-3

Scoring Summary:

1st 12:46 - USA - Sefcik,Lincoln 3 yd pass from Bradley,Carter (Guajardo,Diego kick) 6 plays, 80 yards, TOP 02:01

11:10 - USA - Lacy,Caullin 57 yd punt return (Guajardo,Diego kick)

2nd LAT - Harris,Smoke 52 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 6 plays, 96 yards, TOP 03:27

08:54 - USA - Guajardo,Diego 24 yd field goal 8 plays, 85 yards, TOP 04:03

3rd 14:02 - USA - Banks,Yam 24 yd interception (Guajardo,Diego kick)

11:06 - USA - Lacy,Caullin 19 yd pass from Bradley,Carter (Guajardo,Diego kick) 3 plays, 21 yards, TOP 01:09

4th 14:51 - USA - Webb,La'Damian 28 yd pass from Bradley,Carter (Guajardo,Diego kick) 6 plays, 77 yards, TOP 02:37

10:59 - LAT - Hebert,Griffin 4 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 8 plays, 80 yards, TOP 03:43

Stadium: Memorial Stadium Attendance: 17,939

Kickoff time: 6:02 p.m. End of Game: 9:23 p.m. Total elapsed time: 3:20

Referee: Patrick Foy

Umpire: Antonio Barrial

Linesman: Matt Mount

Line judge: Joe Stahmer

Back judge: Andy Lebo

Field judge: Chris Cockrell

Side judge: Maurice Pierre

Center judge: Dan Lewis

Replay Official: Brad Smith

Weather: Sunny 81 F

Wind: East 3 mph

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME FIVE: LA TECH 41, UTEP 31 Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La. | October 11, 2022

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech started its "new" season off with a victory on Saturday night as the Bulldogs claimed their Conference USA opener by way of a 41-31 win over the UTEP Miners inside Joe Aillet Stadium.

It was all LA Tech (2-3, 1-0 C-USA) in the first half, building a 30-10 advantage midway through the game. However, UTEP (3-4, 1-1 C-USA) chipped away with a pair of touchdowns to make it a one-possession game at 30-24.

The Bulldog offense had lost all of its rhythm in the second half, going 3-and-out on their first three offensive drives. It was close to being four straight with about nine minutes left in the game as they were facing a 3rd-and-2 on their own 21-yard line.

Arguably the play of the game happened on the next possession as Parker McNeil and Tre Harris hooked up for a 64-yard reception. Then on the very next play, McNeil found Smoke Harris all alone in the end zone for a 15-yard score to put the game out of reach.

LA Tech was cruising early, scoring on four of its first five drives of the game. Tahj Magee was the recipient of an 8-yard touchdown reception to open the contest. That was followed by a 38-yard touchdown by Tre Harris to put the 'Dogs on top, 14-0, just five minutes into the contest.

Smoke Harris caught his first receiving TD of the afternoon with two seconds left in the first quarter to make it 20-3. In the second quarter, UTEP got a 5-yard rushing score from Deion Hankins while LA Tech got a 44-yard pick six by Myles Brooks and a 28-yard field goal from Jacob Barnes to make a 30-10 lead.

The Bulldog defense continued to keep the Miners at bay, recovering a fumble in the end zone and then stopping the visitors on back-to-back 4th-down plays. However, UTEP punched through a pair of touchdowns in the span of three minutes to make it 30-24 with 10:18 still to go.

Then came the 4-play, 87-yard touchdown drive for the Bulldogs, which included the long reception to Tre Harris, to push the lead out to 38-24 after a converted 2-point conversion.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score

UTEP 3 7 0 21 31

LA Tech 20 10 0 11 41

Scoring Summary:

Record: 3-4

Record: 2-3

1st 13:26 - LAT - Magee,Tahj 8 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 6 plays, 74 yards, TOP 01:27

09:47 - LAT - Harris,Tre 38 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 4 plays, 47 yards, TOP 01:35

04:00 - UTE - Baechle,Gavin 31 yd field goal 10 plays, 63 yards, TOP 05:39

00:02 - LAT - Harris,Smoke 9 yd pass from McNeil,Parker ( ) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:58

2nd 06:59 - UTE - Hankins,Deion 5 yd run (Baechle,Gavin kick), 9 plays, 68 yards, TOP 04:31

02:53 - LAT - Barnes,Jacob 28 yd field goal 7 plays, 56 yards, TOP 03:59

02:33 - LAT - Brooks,Myles 44 yd interception (Barnes,Jacob kick)

4th 13:20 - UTE - Flores,Reynaldo 3 yd run (Baechle,Gavin kick), 7 plays, 49 yards, TOP 02:14

10:18 - UTE - Thompson,Trent 44 yd pass from Hardison,Gavin (Baechle,Gavin kick) 2 plays, 48 yards, TOP 00:54

08:54 - LAT - Harris,Smoke 15 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Harris,Tre pass) 4 plays, 87 yards, TOP 01:24

04:28 - LAT - Buchanan,Buck 52 yd field goal 4 plays, -6 yards, TOP 00:29

02:08 - UTE - Bellon,Marcus 52 yd pass from Hardison,Gavin (Baechle,Gavin kick) 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:20

Stadium: Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston La: 16,375

Kickoff time: 6:03 p.m. End of Game: 9:42 p.m. Total elapsed time: 3:39

Referee: Scott Hardin

Umpire: Jeremy Epps

Linesman: Jeff Mikus

Line judge: Jonathan May

Back judge: Michael Defee

Field judge: Dannye Fowler

Side judge: Jermaine Livingston

Center judge: Nate Jastram

Replay Official: Jim Campbell

Weather: Sunny

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME SIX: NORTH TEXAS 47, LA TECH 27 Apogee Stadium | Denton, Texas | October 15, 2022

DENTON, Texas – Louisiana Tech suffered its first conference loss of the season, falling 47-27 to North Texas on Saturday afternoon at Apogee Stadium.

LA Tech (2-4, 1-1 C-USA) got behind 21-3 just 17 minutes into the game. However, behind the arm of Parker McNeail, the Bulldogs managed to claw their way back in by making it a one-possession game at 34-27 with one quarter to go.

However, North Texas (4-3, 2-0 C-USA) continued to pound the ball on the ground in route to outscoring the 'Dogs 17-0 in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.

The Mean Green scored early and scored fast, taking just 10 total plays to amass 21 points (included a 51-yard touchdown reception and a 92-yard rush).

While a 46-yard field goal by Buck Buchanan were the only points LA Tech could muster in the first stanza, McNeil started carving up the UNT defense. He found Tahj Magee for a 34-yard grab as well as a 74-yard catch-and-run by Smoke Harris that set up a 1-yard rush up the gut from Greg Garner to make it a 27-17 game at halftime.

Jacob Barnes converted a 23-yard chip shot to make it a seven-point deficit at 27-20. The Bulldogs would get back to within a touchdown again after they converted a fourth-down conversion that resulted in a 58-yard TD by Tre Harris, making it 34-27 with 1:19 to go in the third quarter.

That was all the points LA Tech could register as North Texas tallied four sacks in the fourth quarter while also getting a pair of field goals and another long rushing touchdown.

LA Tech did not turn the ball over and was able to record 504 yards of total offense, 424 of that through the air by McNeil. Smoke Harris (156 yards) and Tre Harris (129) did much of the damage from the skill position.

Meanwhile, UNT racked up 671 total yards of offense with 475 of that coming on the ground. The Mean Green were a perfect 3-for-3 on fourth-down conversations and 5-for-5 in the red zone.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score

UNT 14 13 7 13 31

LA Tech 3 14 10 0 41

Scoring Summary:

Record: 4-3

Record: 2-4

1st 11:54 UNT - Ragsdale,Ikaika 1 yd run (Cayton,Chris kick), 3 plays, 67 yards, TOP 00:45

06:35 LTU - Buchanan,Buck 46 yd field goal 10 plays, 46 yards, TOP 05:19

04:00 - UTE - Baechle,Gavin 31 yd field goal 10 plays, 63 yards, TOP 05:39

03:52 UNT - Shorter,Jyaire 51 yd pass from Aune,Austin (Cayton,Chris kick) 6 plays, 82 yards, TOP 02:37

2nd 13:15 UNT - Adeyi,Ayo 92 yd run (Cayton,Chris kick), 1 plays, 92 yards, TOP 00:07

10:10 LTU - Magee,Tahj 34 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:05

04:34 UNT - Adaway III,Oscar 1 yd run ( ), 15 plays, 75 yards, TOP 05:36

02:11 LTU - Garner,Greg 1 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 5 plays, 90 yards, TOP 02:19

3rd 09:47 LTU - Barnes,Jacob 23 yd field goal 9 plays, 62 yards, TOP 03:54

04:59 UNT - Aune,Austin 20 yd pass from Aune,Austin (Mooney,Ethan kick) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:48

01:19 LTU - Harris,Tre 58 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 8 plays, 86 yards, TOP 03:36

4th 13:02 UNT - Mooney,Ethan 30 yd field goal 8 plays, 62 yards, TOP 03:17

10:18 - UTE - Thompson,Trent 44 yd pass from Hardison,Gavin (Baechle,Gavin kick) 2 plays, 48 yards, TOP 00:54

10:18 UNT - Horton,Kaylon 66 yd run (Mooney,Ethan kick), 1 plays, 66 yards, TOP 00:11

01:18 UNT - Mooney,Ethan 20 yd field goal 8 plays, 71 yards, TOP 04:23

Stadium: Apogee Stadium, Denton, Texas: 16,590 Kickoff time: 6:02 p.m. End of Game: 6:28 p.m.

Referee: Patrick Foy

Umpire: Antonio Barrial Linesman: Matt Mount

Line judge: Joe Stahmer

Back judge: Andy Lebo

Field judge: Chris Cockrell

Side judge: Maurice Pierre

Center judge: Dan Lewis

Replay Official: Bead Smith

Weather: Sunny 92 F

Wind: North 7 mph

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME SEVEN: RICE 42, LA TECH 41 Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La. | October 22, 2022

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech suffered a heartbreaking loss on Saturday, falling 42-41 in overtime to Rice inside Joe Aillet Stadium.

LA Tech (2-5, 1-2 C-USA) had as much as a 10-point advantage, leading throughout the first three quarters. However, Rice (4-3, 2-1 C-USA) jumped out on top with back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth to go up 35-27.

With both Bulldog quarterbacks – Parker McNeil and Matthew Downing – having suffered injuries in game, Landry Lyddy came in with 37 seconds left and threw a dime to Cyrus Allen who made the acrobatic catch, getting a foot down for the score. An even better catch was made on the two-point conversion by Tre Harris who brought in the one-handed grab to tie it up 35-all and send it to overtime.

It only took the Owls three plays to drive 25 yards for a touchdown in the first OT period to make it 42-35. With the 'Dogs facing a 4th-and-3, Lyddy found T. Harris in the corner for his third TD reception. The two tried to hookup again, going for the win on another two-point conversion, but the ball was overthrown.

McNeil and the Bulldogs were rolling early on, jumping out to a 10-0 lead thanks to an 8-yard strike to T. Harris and a 48-yard field goal by Buck Buchanan. McNeil suffered an injury on his next offensive play, taking a big hit on a 3-yard scramble, making way for Downing to come in.

After the Owls had three turnovers on their first five offensive possessions – one turnover on downs and two lost fumbles – they finally found the end zone with just 2:06 remaining in the first half.

The score would remain 10-7 in favor of the Bulldogs heading into halftime. In the second half, the scoring ramped up for both teams. Rice scored two touchdowns in the third quarter while LA Tech put up 17 in the stanza to cling to a 27-21 lead.

That was until the Owls took the lead when quarterback TJ McMahon broke off a 64-yard touchdown run. Sticking to the ground game, they extended their lead with a 17-yard rush by Luke McCaffrey who also racked up 171 receiving yards.

LA Tech's three quarterbacks combined for 229 passing yards and five touchdowns, each with at least one. T. Harris tallied a team-high eight catches for 92 yards and three scores and Marquis Crosby picked up 87 yards on the ground.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 OT Score

Rice 0 7 14 14 7 42

LA Tech 10 0 17 8 6 41

Scoring Summary:

Record: 4-3

Record: 2-5

1st 06:26 - LAT - Harris,Tre 8 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 4 plays, 64 yards, TOP 01:32

01:48 - LAT - Buchanan,Buck 48 yd field goal 8 plays, 13 yards, TOP 03:33

2nd 02:06 - RIC - McCaffrey,Luke 32 yd pass from McMahon,TJ (VanSickle,Christian kick) 4 plays, 43 yards, TOP 01:41

3rd 11:49 - LAT - Jones,Nate 13 yd pass from Downing,Matthew (Barnes,Jacob kick) 4 plays, 28 yards, TOP 01:24

08:24 - RIC - Rozner,Bradley 12 yd pass from McMahon,TJ (VanSickle,Christian kick) 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:21

05:38 - LAT - Harris,Tre 32 yd pass from Downing,Matthew (Barnes,Jacob kick) 6 plays, 33 yards, TOP 02:36

01:58 - RIC - McCaffrey,Luke 9 yd pass from McMahon,TJ (VanSickle,Christian kick) 7 plays, 89 yards, TOP 03:32

00:00 - LAT - Barnes,Jacob 41 yd field goal 7 plays, 64 yards, TOP 01:52

4th 10:30 - RIC - McMahon,TJ 64 yd run (VanSickle,Christian kick), 1 plays, 64 yards, TOP 00:10

03:57 - RIC - McCaffrey,Luke 17 yd run (VanSickle,Christian kick), 9 plays, 70 yards, TOP 05:27

00:37 - LAT - Allen,Cyrus 19 yd pass from Lyddy,Landry (Harris,Tre pass) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:20

4th 00:00 - RIC - Otoviano,Juma 4 yd run (VanSickle,Christian kick), 3 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00

00:00 - LAT - Harris,Tre 18 yd pass from Lyddy,Landry ( ) 4 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00

Stadium: Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston La: 18,300

Kickoff time: 2:03 p.m. End of Game: 6:07 p.m. Total elapsed time: 4:04

Referee: Joe Lehring

Umpire: Anthony Britt

Linesman: Hugo Cruz

Line judge: Jeremiah Harris

Back judge: Aaron Hochuli

Field judge: Leroy Jones Jr.

Side judge: Kirk Wisnewski

Center judge: Sarah Fleming

Replay Official: Mike Sams

Weather: Sunny 80 F

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME EIGHT: FIU 42, LA TECH 34

Riccardo Silva Stadium | Ruston, Fla. | October 28, 2022

RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech lost in heartbreaking fashion for the second game in a row, falling 42-34 to FIU in double overtime on Friday night at Ricardo Silva Stadium.

With LA Tech (2-6, 1-3 C-USA) starting true freshman Landry Lyddy at quarterback and short two of their top receivers (Griffin Hebert out for a second straight game and Tre Harris leaving early due to injury), the Bulldogs still came from behind in the fourth quarter to take a 27-24 lead.

FIU (4-4, 2-2 C-USA) managed to drive the ball 69 yards with no timeouts, kicking a 28-yard field goal to send the game into overtime.

The Bulldogs got the ball first in OT and it was back-to-back rushes of nine and five yards by Marquis Crosby that got them into the end zone. The Panthers matched though, sending the game into a second OT period.

The home team needed just two plays and a converted two-point conversion to make it 42-34. After one first down gained by the 'Dogs on an 11-yard catch by Nate Jones, four straight incompletions ended the contest.

LA Tech was clicking on all cylinders early, scoring on drives of 75, 61, and 75 on its first three offensive possessions – 1-yard QB sneak by Lyddy, 36-yard FG by Jacob Barnes and 29-yard rushing TD by Crosby.

The Bulldogs held a 17-7 advantage early in the second quarter, but the momentum shifted in favor of the Panthers. The home team took advantage of short field position, mainly by winning the special teams battle (blooped onside kick recovered, 17-yard punt by LA Tech, and blocked field goal).

FIU ended up scoring 17 consecutive points, taking a 24-17 advantage into the fourth quarter. LA Tech ended up totaling 184 yards on the ground, nine of which came on a speedy rush to the outside by Charvis Thornton to even things up at 24-all with 13:01 remaining. Another short FG by Barnes, this one from 32 yards, allowed by the Bulldogs to retake the lead until the Panthers countered with a short FG of their own.

In his first collegiate start, Lyddy went 28-of-40 for 256 passing yards, distributing the ball to nine different receivers. Smoke Harris totaled a team-high nine catches while Jones registered a team-high 72 receiving yards.

Score by Quarters

FIU 7 14 0 3 15 42 Record: 4-4

LA Tech 10 7 3 10 7 41 Record: 2-6

Scoring Summary:

1st 10:40 - LTU - Lyddy,Landry 1 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:20

03:54 - LTU - Barnes,Jacob 36 yd field goal 8 plays, 61 yards, TOP 03:48

00:46 - FIU - Mitchell,Kris 34 yd pass from James,Grayson (Gabriel,Chase kick) 7 plays, 59 yards, TOP 03:00

2nd 13:18 - LTU - Crosby,Marquis 29 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 7 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:28

07:19 - FIU - Bracey,Jalen 16 yd pass from James,Grayson (Gabriel,Chase kick) 7 plays, 48 yards, TOP 03:08

06:41 - FIU - Chambers,Tyrese 18 yd pass from James,Grayson (Gabriel,Chase kick) 2 plays, 29 yards, TOP 00:36

3rd 04:25 - FIU - Gabriel,Chase 45 yd field goal 6 plays, 10 yards, TOP 01:53

4th 13:01 - LTU - Thornton,Charvis 9 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 12 plays, 68 yards, TOP 06:18

05:31 - LTU - Barnes,Jacob 32 yd field goal 12 plays, 52 yards, TOP 05:56

00:16 - FIU - Gabriel,Chase 28 yd field goal 13 plays, 69 yards, TOP 01:45

OT 00:00 - LTU - Crosby,Marquis 5 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 6 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00

00:00 - FIU - Joseph,Lexington 1 yd run (Gabriel,Chase kick), 5 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00

2OT 00:00 - FIU - Joseph,Lexington 1 yd run (Mitchell,Kris pass), 2 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00

Stadium: Riccardo Silva Stadium, Miami Fla.: 12,478

Kickoff time: 8:02 p.m. End of Game: 11:53 p.m.

Referee: Ed Ardito

Umpire: Dongray (DJ) Johnson

Linesman: Bob Pritchett

Line judge: Jake Osgood

Back judge: Sean Woodson

Field judge: Lark Jones

Side judge: Dustin Drawhorn

Center judge: Tyrone Fort II

Replay Official: Randy Smith

Weather: Clear 79 degrees

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME NINE: LA TECH 40, MIDDLE TENNESSEE 24 Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La. | October 22, 2022

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech dominated on offense, defense, and special teams to put an end to its three-game losing skid, defeating Middle Tennessee by a final score of 40-24 on Saturday afternoon inside Joe Aillet Stadium.

LA Tech (3-6, 2-3 C-USA) got 100-yard games on the ground (Marquis Crosby) and in the air (Tre Harris and Cyrus Allen), five takeaways and four sacks by the defense (including a pick six), and four made field goals by Jacob Barnes in picking up their second league win.

Middle Tennessee (4-5, 1-4 C-USA) got on the scoreboard first, cashing in on a 69-touchdown run after both teams went three-and-out on their opening possession.

Then came the big plays for the Bulldogs. Parker McNeil, after missing last week's game due to injury, connected on back-to-back throws of 36 yards to T. Harris and 41 yards to Cyrus Allen which knotted things up at 7-7.

The two squads traded touchdowns again, LA Tech getting there's on a 10-yard reception by T. Harris and MTSU pounding in a 2-yard run, making things even again at 14-14 early in the second quarter.

Then the defense and special teams started to take over.

The 'Dogs got their first field goal from Jacob Barnes of the 40-yard variety. The kicker tacked on another from 36 yards after the kick return team recovered a fumble.

T. Harris continued to be unstoppable, reeling in a 27-yard touchdown to cap a drive which included back-to-back one-handed grabs by the standout wide receiver.

The Blue Raiders did not go away though, slicing the deficit to six at 27-21 after scoring a TD with 11 seconds remaining in the first half. They got the ball first to start the second half, but the visitors could only muster three second-half points.

LA Tech picked off Chase Cunningham on three straight possessions, two by Myles Brooks and one by Willie Roberts that was returned for an 18-yard pick six. Barnes tacked on two more field goals in the third quarter for good measure to put the game away.

Score

Scoring Summary:

1st 06:36 - MID - Wilkins,Terry 69 yd run (Rankin,Zeke kick), 3 plays, 80 yards, TOP 01:37

05:40 - LAT - Allen,Cyrus 41 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 3 plays, 77 yards, TOP 00:51

01:48 - LAT - Harris,Tre 10 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 9 plays, 60 yards, TOP 03:04

2nd 12:49 - MID - Cunningham,Chase 2 yd run (Rankin,Zeke kick), 12 plays, 80 yards, TOP 03:53

10:48 - LAT - Barnes,Jacob 40 yd field goal 5 plays, 59 yards, TOP 00:55

08:44 - LAT - Barnes,Jacob 36 yd field goal 6 plays, 9 yards, TOP 01:59

01:02 - LAT - Harris,Tre 27 yd pass from McNeil,Parker (Barnes,Jacob kick) 8 plays, 85 yards, TOP 03:04

00:11 - MID - Lane,Jaylin 3 yd pass from Cunningham,Chase (Rankin,Zeke kick) 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 00:51

3rd 10:51 - LAT - Roberts,Willie 18 yd interception (Barnes,Jacob kick)

03:05 - LAT - Barnes,Jacob 32 yd field goal 4 plays, -2 yards, TOP 02:14

01:12 - LAT - Barnes,Jacob 36 yd field goal 4 plays, -8 yards, TOP 01:23

4th 09:25 - MID - Rankin,Zeke 26 yd field goal 21 plays, 66 yards, TOP 06:47

Stadium: Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston La: 14.298

Kickoff time: 2:02 p.m. End of Game: 5:37 p.m. Total elapsed time: 3:35

Referee: Patrick Foy

Umpire: Anthonio Barrial

Linesman: Matt Mount

Line judge: Joe Stahmer

Back judge: Andy Lebo

Field judge: Chris Cockrell

Side judge: Maurice Pierre

Center judge: Dan Lewsi

Replay Official: Brad Smith

Weather: Sunny 65 F

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME 10: UTSA 51, LA TECH 7

Alamodome | San Antonio, Texas | November 12, 2022

RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech lost in heartbreaking fashion for the second game in a row, falling 42-34 to FIU in double overtime on Friday night at Ricardo Silva Stadium.

With LA Tech (2-6, 1-3 C-USA) starting true freshman Landry Lyddy at quarterback and short two of their top receivers (Griffin Hebert out for a second straight game and Tre Harris leaving early due to injury), the Bulldogs still came from behind in the fourth quarter to take a 27-24 lead.

FIU (4-4, 2-2 C-USA) managed to drive the ball 69 yards with no timeouts, kicking a 28-yard field goal to send the game into overtime.

The Bulldogs got the ball first in OT and it was back-to-back rushes of nine and five yards by Marquis Crosby that got them into the end zone. The Panthers matched though, sending the game into a second OT period.

The home team needed just two plays and a converted two-point conversion to make it 42-34. After one first down gained by the 'Dogs on an 11-yard catch by Nate Jones, four straight incompletions ended the contest.

LA Tech was clicking on all cylinders early, scoring on drives of 75, 61, and 75 on its first three offensive possessions – 1-yard QB sneak by Lyddy, 36-yard FG by Jacob Barnes and 29-yard rushing TD by Crosby.

The Bulldogs held a 17-7 advantage early in the second quarter, but the momentum shifted in favor of the Panthers. The home team took advantage of short field position, mainly by winning the special teams battle (blooped onside kick recovered, 17-yard punt by LA Tech, and blocked field goal).

FIU ended up scoring 17 consecutive points, taking a 24-17 advantage into the fourth quarter. LA Tech ended up totaling 184 yards on the ground, nine of which came on a speedy rush to the outside by Charvis Thornton to even things up at 24-all with 13:01 remaining. Another short FG by Barnes, this one from 32 yards, allowed by the Bulldogs to retake the lead until the Panthers countered with a short FG of their own.

In his first collegiate start, Lyddy went 28-of-40 for 256 passing yards, distributing the ball to nine different receivers. Smoke Harris totaled a team-high nine catches while Jones registered a team-high 72 receiving yards.

Score by Quarters

FIU 21 13 10 7 51

LA Tech 7 0 0 0 7

Scoring Summary:

Record: 8-2

Record: 3-7

1st 10:35 - UTS - Cephus,Joshua 9 yd pass from Harris,Frank (Sackett,Jared kick) 7 plays, 49 yards, TOP 02:55

09:30 - UTS - Barnes,Kevorian 46 yd run (Sackett,Jared kick), 1 plays, 46 yards, TOP 00:10

03:48 - UTS - Brady,Brenden 1 yd run (Sackett,Jared kick), 4 plays, 62 yards, TOP 00:56

00:08 - LaT - Harris,Smoke 32 yd pass from Lyddy,Landry (Barnes,Jacob kick) 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:40

2nd 12:35 - UTS - Barnes,Kevorian 27 yd run (Sackett,Jared kick), 7 plays, 78 yards, TOP 02:25

07:48 - UTS - Sackett,Jared 29 yd field goal 8 plays, 28 yards, TOP 03:26

00:00 - UTS - Sackett,Jared 22 yd field goal 13 plays, 86 yards, TOP 04:08

3rd 11:35 - UTS - Brady,Brenden 26 yd run (Sackett,Jared kick), 2 plays, 38 yards, TOP 00:36

02:29 - UTS - Sackett,Jared 46 yd field goal 10 plays, 51 yards, TOP 05:12

4th 00:41 - UTS - Rodriguez,Justin 1 yd run (Sackett,Jared kick), 19 plays, 80 yards, TOP 11:27

Stadium: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas.: 25,409

Kickoff time: 2:32 p.m. End of Game: 5:39 p.m.

Referee: Ed Ardito

Umpire: Dongray Johnson

Linesman: Bob Pritchett

Line judge: Jake Osgood

Back judge: Sean Woodson

Field judge: Lark Jones

Side judge: Dustin Drawhorn

Center judge: Anthony Perez

Replay Official: Randy Smith

Weather Indoor: 74 degrees

elapsed time: 3:06

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME 11: Charlotte 26, LA TECH 21 Jerry Richardson Stadium | Charlotte, N.C. | November 19, 2022

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Louisiana Tech's late comeback effort fell short as they suffered a 26-21 loss to the Charlotte 49ers on Saturday afternoon at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

Trailing by double-digits in the fourth quarter, LA Tech (3-8, 2-5 C-USA) cut it to a one-possession game on two occasions, the last one being after Marquis Crosby pounded his third rushing touchdown of the game with 3:05 to go.

However, Charlotte (3-9, 2-6 C-USA) managed to run the clock out thanks to a questionable pass interference call and a big 3rd-down conversion by Calvin Camp who got 11 yards in the ground when he needed just five to move the chains.

The 49ers were the first to get on the scoreboard. After a scoreless first quarter (included a blocked FG attempt by LA Tech), Antonio Zita connected on a 22-yard chip shot after the Bulldog defense had a goal line stand inside the 10-yard line.

LA Tech took its first and only lead on the next drive, going 75 yards in 15 plays to go up 7-3 with 8:04 to go in the second quarter. The drive included a 39-yard pass and catch by Cyrus Allen and a 3-yard score up the gut on 4th-down by Crosby.

The lead was short-lived as Charlotte went 79 yards on 10 plays, capped off by a 4-yard rushing TD by Camp to give the home team a 10-7 edge. They closed out the half with another chip shot by Zita, a score that was setup by an interception in the red zone from Landry Lyddy.

The lone score in the third quarter came from the 49ers Camp who found his way through traffic up the middle for a 25-yard scamper to make it 19-7.

The 'Dogs fought back in the fourth quarter though, slicing the deficit down to 19-14 thanks to the ground game. Crosby and Charvis Thornton combined for 10 carries, ending it with a 6-yard rushing TD by No. 33.

It took only two plays though for the 49ers to push their lead back to double-digits at 26-14, but the 'Dogs countered again thanks to a deep reception by Nate Jones up the sideline and an 11-yard TD by Crosby.

Down 26-21 and with all three timeouts, LA Tech was not able to get the ball back to have a chance to win it.

LA Tech had 137 yards on the ground (105 of those by Crosby). Six different Bulldogs caught passes from Lyddy who was 23-of-31 for 213 passing yards. Smoke Harris caught nine of those balls, a game high, for 51 yards.

Stadium: Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte, N.C..: 7,905

Kickoff time: 3:32 p.m. End of Game: 6:41 p.m. Total elapsed time: 3:09

Referee: Joe Lehring

Umpire: Anthony Britt

Linesman: Hugo Cruz

Line judge: Jeremiah Harris

Back judge: Aaron Hochuli

Field judge: Leroy Jones, Jr.

Side judge: Kirk Wisnewski

Center judge: Sarah Fleming

Replay Official: Mike Sams

Weather: Cloudy 56 F

Wind: SW 10 MPH

Scoring Summary:

2nd 14:47 - CLT - Zita,Antonio 22 yd field goal 16 plays, 70 yards, TOP 06:46

08:04 - LT - Crosby,Marquis 3 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 15 plays, 75 yards, TOP 06:43

03:53 - CLT - Camp,Calvin 4 yd run (Zita,Antonio kick), 10 plays, 79 yards, TOP 04:11

00:00 - CLT - Zita,Antonio 23 yd field goal 6 plays, 59 yards, TOP 01:00

3rd 04:24 - CLT - Camp,Calvin 25 yd run ( ), 4 plays, 46 yards, TOP 01:26

4th 12:36 - LT - Crosby,Marquis 6 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 12 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:24

05:58 - CLT - Camp,Calvin 33 yd run (Zita,Antonio kick), 2 plays, 58 yards, TOP 00:52

03:05 - LT - Crosby,Marquis 11 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 7 plays, 64 yards, TOP 02:53

2022 GAME RECAPS

GAME 12: Charlotte 26, LA TECH 21 Jerry Richardson Stadium | Charlotte, N.C. | November 19, 2022

RUSTON - The Louisiana Tech football team concluded its season with a 37-27 loss in a steady downpour at Joe Aillet Stadium on Senior Day.

The Bulldogs eclipsed the century mark on the ground with 220 yards for the sixth consecutive game and eighth time this season. Redshirt sophomore running back Charvis Thornton had a career day rushing for 132 yards on eight carries for one touchdown. Thornton's touchdown came on a 63-yard dash at the 9:39 mark in the third quarter.

The Blazer's (6-6, 4-4 C-USA) two-back rushing attack of DeWayne McBride and Jermaine Brown Jr. proved to be the difference maker as they accounted for 391 of their 406 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

LA Tech (3-9, 2-6 C-USA) got on the board in the first half courtesy of true freshman kicker Buck Buchanan nailing a field goals from 46 and 49 yards.

After Buchanan's first field goal, UAB answered back with a 29-yard touchdown dash from Jermaine Brown Jr. to take the lead, 7-3, with 9:17 left in the first quarter.

The Blazers then extended their lead with a blocked punt return for a touchdown and a 39yard field goal to make it 17-3 in favor of the visitors.

Buchanan's second field goal came as time expired in the second quarter to make it 17-6 heading into intermission.

McBride, the nation's second-ranked rusher opened the second half scoring with a nineyard rush to put UAB ahead 24-6.

Thornton gave Tech its first touchdown of the game at the 9:39 mark in the third quarter to make it 24-13 UAB, courtesy of his 63-yard run, which was the longest touchdown rush by a LA Tech player this season.

Brown Jr. then found the end zone again from 23 yards out to extend the UAB lead to 17 points.

Tech struck back when Jack Turner connected with Tre Harris for his first career passing touchdown on a 17-yard pass with 2:27 left in the third quarter to bring the Dogs within 10. Harris led the Dogs with 63 yards receiving and six receptions.

Turner was solid in his relief of Landry Lyddy, completing 15 of 25 passes for 167 yards while tossing a touchdown and interception.

Two plays later, UAB answered when Dylan Hopkins threw a 74-yard touchdown pass to Tre Shropshire, increasing the visitors' lead to 37-20.

Marquis Crosby found the end zone from a yard out for the game's final touchdown with 6:10 remaining to make it 37-27 UAB.

Prior to kickoff LA Tech will honored its 14-member senior class of Tristan Allen (Defensive Lineman / Atlanta, Texas) Jaiden Cole (Defensive Back / Monroe, La.), Abraham Delfin (Offensive Lineman / Plaquemine, La.), Griffin Hebert (Tight End / Lafayette, La.), DJ Jackson (Defensive Lineman / Dallas, Texas), Myles Mason (Defensive Back, Trussville, Ala.), Parker McNeil (Quarterback / Austin, Texas), Joshua Mote (Offensive Lineman / Oak Grove, La.), Praise Okorie (Wide Receiver / Houston, Texas), Calvin Rhines (Defensive Lineman / Gonzales, La.), Steven Shaw (Defensive Lineman / Houston, Texas), Marquallius Turner Jr. (Defensive Back / Shreveport, La.), Noah White (Holder/ Ruston, La.), BeeJay Williamson (Defensive Back / Dallas, Texas).

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score

UAB 0 17 20 0 37

LA Tech 3 3 14 7 27

Scoring Summary:

1st 14:47 - LAT - Buchanan,Buck 46 yd field goal 7 plays, 51 yards, TOP 03:12

Record: 6-6

Record: 3-9

08:04 - UAB - Brown Jr.,Jermaine 29 yd run (Quinn,Matt kick), 3 plays, 92 yards, TOP 01:16

03:53 - UAB- Percer,Luke 14 yd punt return (Quinn,Matt kick)

00:00 - UAB - Quinn,Matt 39 yd field goal 6 plays, 54 yards, TOP 03:16

0:00 - LAT - Buchanan,Buck 49 yd field goal 7 plays, 54 yards, TOP 00:43

3rd 11:07 - UAB - McBride,DeWayne 9 yd run (Quinn,Matt kick), 7 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:53

09:39 - LAT - Thornton,Charvis 63 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 3 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:22

05:22 - UAB - Brown Jr.,Jermaine 23 yd run ( ), 7 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:17

02:27 - LAT - Harris,Tre 17 yd pass from Turner,Jack (Barnes,Jacob kick) 7 plays, 83 yards, TOP 02:50

01:52 - UAB - Shropshire,Trea 74 yd pass from Hopkins,Dylan (Quinn,Matt kick) 2 plays, 75 yards,TOP 00:35

4th 06:10 - LAT - Crosby,Marquis 1 yd run (Barnes,Jacob kick), 7 plays, 35 yards, TOP 02:19

Stadium: Joe Aillet Satdium, Ruston, LA...: 10,342

Kickoff time: 2:37 p.m. End of Game: 6:01 p.m. Total elapsed time: 3:23

Referee: Rory Benard

Umpire: Jim Vangeffen

Linesman: Walter Sloan

Line judge: Derek Rasler

Back judge: Tom Healey

Field judge: Victor Sanchez

Side judge: Jonathan Bullock

Center judge: Chris Bordelon

Weather: Cloudy 59 F

Wind: SW 10 MPH