Louisiana Tech faces stern test against Mississippi State
RUSTON, La. - After opening the season with a win over Northwestern State, Louisiana Tech will welcome SEC rival Mississippi State this week.
Former Junction City standout Jaqwis Dancy made his return to the gridiron, scoring a touchdown.
“The feel good story of the day obviously was Jaqwis Dancy," said Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz. "From standing here talking about his diagnosis with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a year ago to a year later him being out there on the field, not only carrying the ball, but having the opportunity to score a touchdown was an emotional time for me and I know for him.
"To see the excitement and enthusiasm in him with having the opportunity to get out there and play, especially with so much adversity he had to overcome in order to get there. It was a huge landmark for Jaqwis to have the opportunity to get out there and play, and certainly excited he is back with us and cancer free.”
Fresh off of beating Charleston
Southern last week, Mississippi State will provide a stern test for the Bulldogs.
“I think we will have our players’ focus this week as we get ready for Mississippi State. Getting ready for Mississippi State this week will be an incredible challenge," Holtz said. "An SEC team coming into Ruston I know is not an event that happens every year, so it is one we are really excited about and having the opportunity to host such a talented football team with such a great reputation."
Chief among the concerns for Holtz is trying to slow down quarterback Nick Fitzgerald.
"When I look at this football team and especially the opener, everyone asks how do you defend Nick Fitzgerald," Holtz said. "I am not sure. I have watched 11 games from a year ago. I have watched this year. I think a lot of people have tried a lot of different things, but he is so good with his feet. He is their leading ball carrier and had 46 touchdowns a year ago. He is big, physical, he can run, he can throw.
"I think he is going to present quite a challenge for our defense on that side of the ball this week. Their offensive line is big. Their receivers have size and speed.
"I think their running backs are very, very talented as you would expect SEC-caliber running backs to be. I think they have a very sound offensive football team.
"They are very solid in what they do. They don’t make a lot of mistakes or turn the ball over. They are very hard to beat because they have so many weapons on the offensive side of the ball.”
Holtz also had plenty of praise for Mississippi State's defense.
“Defensively, wow," Holtz said. "They have a new defensive coordinator. "In week one, they played a Charleston Southern team that people can say it was 49-0 and they beat an FCS team. But they didn’t just beat them. It was as dominating of a defensive performance as I have ever seen in college football.
"They gave up a total of two first downs and 33 yards on the night, which is unheard of in a game. I think that goes down as the best alltime in Mississippi State history. They are big and athletic. Their front seven is impressive.
"They are fundamental, violent, big, strong, fast. I was really, really impressed with what they did.
"They have a lot of new faces and a new scheme with a new defensive coordinator, but I think the strength of that football team is the front seven.”
Given Mississippi State's success under coach Dan Mullen, Holtz knows his team must be ready to play.
“They are a very complete team," Holtz said. "Dan Mullen has done a great job with that program. They have been to seven bowl games in a row, which is really impressive for the league they play in year in and year out.
"I think looking at it, this could be one of the stronger football teams he has had there when I look at their defensive talent and what they are able to do right now.
“It is going to be a great challenge for us as a football team. We are excited to play them here and excited for the opportunity and challenge ahead of us. I know it is going to take a much greater effort than what we put forward in the opening game, but I think we will have our players’ attention and hopefully we can have a great week of practice and get ready for an unbelievable game this weekend.”