Bulldogs receive awards
RUSTON, La. – The Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, has named eight quarterbacks as its “Stars of the Week,” including Louisiana Tech graduate student Luke Anthony.
Louisiana Tech fans can now go to the Allstate Sugar Bowl Facebook page to vote for Anthony after his three second-half touchdown passes helped lift the Bulldogs to a 31-30 victory over conference-rival Southern Miss on Saturday night.
When voting closes on Thursday at 11 a.m., the top vote-getter will be announced as the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week.
In his Louisiana Tech debut, Anthony threw three second-half touchdown passes, including the game-winning 4-yard pass to junior wide receiver Griffin Hebert, to help Louisiana Tech overcome a 17-point deficit to top Southern Miss. Anthony led the Bulldogs in passing against the Golden Eagles after completing 13-of-21 passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns.
Joining Anthony on this week's eight Manning Award Stars of the Week are SMU's Shane Buechele, UCF's Dillon Gabriel, Boston College's Phil Jurkovec, Miami's D'Eriq King, Navy's Dalen Morris, Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett and Texas State's Tyler Vitt.
While the Manning Award selected 30 quarterbacks for its preseason Watch List, additional quarterbacks
are expected to be added later in the season.
Ten finalists will be selected and the winner is scheduled to be announced following the College Football Playoff National Championship.
BARNES, GRUBBS HONORED
Louisiana Tech redshirt freshman kicker/punter Jacob Barnes was named the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week, it was announced by the league office on Monday.
Barnes was a perfect 4-for-4 in extra point attempts in Louisiana Tech's victory over Southern Miss on Saturday, including the game-winning PAT to lift the Bulldogs over the Golden Eagles.
The Baton Rouge, La., native also made a 28-yard field goal in his only attempt of the night.
Louisiana Tech freshman linebacker Tyler Grubbs was named the Athlon Sports Freshman of the Week (defense) after recording 16 tackles in his collegiate debut in the victory over conference-rival Southern Miss.
The New Orleans, La., native's 16 tackles, including four solo and one for loss, were the most by a Bulldog in a single game since Thomas McDonald had 16 at NC State in 2013.
Louisiana Tech (1-0, 1-0 C-USA) returns to action on Sept. 26 when the Bulldogs host Houston Baptist (0-2, 0-0 SLC) inside Joe Aillet Stadium.
Game time is 6 p.m.