El Dorado News-Times

Bulldogs look to bounce back against Lions

- By Louisiana Tech Sports Informatio­n

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech (0-1) opens its 2021 home campaign on Saturday, as the Bulldogs host the Southeaste­rn Louisiana Lions (1-0) at 6 p.m. inside Joe Aillet Stadium.

ABOUT LOUISIANA TECH

Louisiana Tech will look to bounce back from its 35-34 loss at Mississipp­i State.

The Bulldogs from Ruston trailed, 14-0, early, but struck back with big plays to score 34 unanswered points.

MSU countered with 21 unanswered points to go up 35-34. Tech had a chance for a potential game-winning field goal from 46 yards away, but the ball was tipped at the line of scrimmage and fell short.

Louisiana Tech graduate quarterbac­k Austin Kendall completed 20-of36 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns in the season-opener at Mississipp­i State.

Kendall also led the Ruston Bulldogs in rushing with 68 total yards and one touchdown. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Bub Means led Tech with 94 receiving yards on two receptions, including a 72-yard touchdown to end the first quarter.

Defensivel­y, graduate defensive back Baylen Buchanan and junior defensive back Jaiden Cole led Tech with eight tackles each. Senior linebacker Trey Baldwin was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Associatio­n (LSWA) Defensive Player of the Week after registerin­g six total stops, one forced fumble and a 35-yard pick six.

Head coach Skip Holtz is in his ninth season at the helm of the LA Tech football program. Holtz has led Tech to seven straight bowl games and is one win away from his 150th career win as a FBS head coach.

ABOUT SOUTHEASTE­RN LOUISIANA

Southeaste­rn enters Saturday’s game ranked No. 13/14 in the FCS. The Lions won their season opener at North Alabama, 49-28, on Sept. 4. Reigning Walter Payton Award winner Cole Kelley led a Lion offense that finished with 495 total yards and converted 10-of-15 of its third-down opportunit­ies.

Head coach Frank Scelfo is in his fourth year at the helm of the Southeaste­rn where he has accumulate­d a 17-15 overall record.

 ?? Associated Press ?? Back to pass: Louisiana Tech quarterbac­k Austin Kendall (10) looks for an open receiver against Mississipp­i State EVSJOH UIF mSTU IBMG PG BO /$"" DPMMFHF GPPUCBMM HBNF MBTU XFFLFOE JO 4UBSLWJMMF .JTT
Associated Press Back to pass: Louisiana Tech quarterbac­k Austin Kendall (10) looks for an open receiver against Mississipp­i State EVSJOH UIF mSTU IBMG PG BO /$"" DPMMFHF GPPUCBMM HBNF MBTU XFFLFOE JO 4UBSLWJMMF .JTT

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