Seasoned Bulldogs chase C-USA title
After a bumpy exit from USF, coach Skip Holtz has molded Louisiana Tech into a consistent winner in the Conference USA West Division.
The Bulldogs have won four consecutive bowl games and generally are in the mix for the division crown. A first-year starting quarterback and injuries limited Louisiana Tech to seven wins last season, but the talented Bulldogs remain among the top teams in the talented C-USA West.
Louisiana Tech is No. 49 in Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel’s preseason 2018 college football rankings. Murschel ranked all 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 129 to our projected No. 1 team.
Louisiana Tech
Skip Holtz (38-28, entering sixth season, 126-99 overall)
7-6, 4-4 in Conference USA; fourth in West Division
J’Mar Smith stepped into the starting quarterback role and needed time before finding his rhythm. Injury issues and growing pains on defense led to three one-point losses that cost Louisiana Tech a division title. The Bulldogs closed the season on a three-game win streak, including a 51-10 victory over SMU in the Frisco Bowl.
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RB Boston Scott, RB Jarred Craft, DB Secdrick Cooper
QB J’Mar Smith, WR Teddy Veal, OL O’Shea Dugas, OL Ethan Reed, DL Jaylon Ferguson, DB Amik Robertson
Smith got stronger as the 2017 progressed and returns to lead the offense. He’ll get help from top receiver Teddy Veal and a loaded offensive line that features All-CUSA selections O’Shea Dugas and Ethan Reed.
Defensive back Amik Robertson is the star playmaker on defense. Defensive lineman Jaylon Ferguson should provide solid help up front.
Louisiana Tech lost its top two rushing threats, leaving their talented but untested backups to help fill the void. The defense has typically thrived during Holtz’s tenure, but it took a step back the past two seasons. The group will need to make strides in order to extend the Bulldogs’ bowl streak.
Louisiana Tech plays just five home games and faces tough competition in the C-USA West Division, but the Bulldogs return enough experience and talent to once again vie for a league crown.