2008 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Football Preview

Louisiana Tech2007 Record: (5-7, 4-4 WAC)

2007 Bowl: none

Louisiana Tech Head Coach: Derek Dooley (5-7 at Louisiana Tech, 5-7 overall)

Offensive Coordinator: Frank Scelfo

Defensive Coordinator: Tommy Spangler

Returning Leaders for Louisiana Tech:

• Rushing: Patrick Jackson, RB, 940 yards
• Passing: Michael Mosley, QB, 101 yards
• Receiving: Phillip Livas, WR, 504 yards
• Tackles: Antonio Baker, S, 118
• Sacks: Quin Harris, LB, 3.5; D’Anthony Smith, DT, 3.5
• Interceptions: Antonio Baker, S, 3

Other Key Returnees: WR Philip Beck, CB Weldon Brown, TE Anthony Harrison, G Rob McGill, G Jared Miles, TE Dustin Mitchell, RB Daniel Porter, C Lon Roberts, S Deon Young

Key Losses: QB Zac Champion, OT Ryan Considine, LB Anthony Crosby, LB Mark Dillard, DE Ben McGilton, OT Tyler Miller CB Tony Moss, DT Josh Muse, DE Chris Pugh

Louisiana Tech had a surprisingly decent opening year under Coach Derek Dooley. Five wins is a great start for a relatively young team and the goal this year will be to build on that success and reach a bowl game. The Bulldogs have not been to a bowl game since 2001 and the buzz is building under Coach Dooley that this team could reach a bowl this year and aim for a WAC championship sooner than later.

Louisiana Tech's Strengths:

With running back Patrick Johnson back, the offense has its workhorse. Jackson rushed for 940 yards last year and reached the endzone eight times. Junior Daniel Porter is more than just a back-up to Jackson. Porter has the potential to go the distance every time he touches the ball and scored six rushing touchdowns on just 99 carries last season. Despite the absence of tackles Ryan Considine and Tyler Miller, the line should help the backs have a great season. The three returning starters to the line were all freshmen last year and that year of experience should make the line better. On the defensive side of the ball, the secondary is the obvious strength. The pass defense gave up over 287 yards per game last year, which is horrendous, but now they have some experience led by safety Antonio Baker.

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Louisiana Tech's Weaknesses:

But if the new front four cannot get pressure on the quarterback, the secondary could be in for another long year. Tackle D’Anthony Smith is the only starter back on the line and finding a couple ends to get into the backfield will be crucial to the success of the defense. Wes Day has some experience and Randy Grigsby is full of potential, but it is junior college transfer Kwame Jordan who is carrying the burden of the front line. Without linebackers Anthony Crosby and Mark Dillard, the run defense could be in for a surprise if some quality replacements are not found. The biggest issue surrounding Louisiana Tech is finding a new quarterback. Zac Champion was not great, but he was an experienced signal caller. His back-up, Michael Mosley, will get the first crack at being his successor, but transfers Al Hawkins and Steve Ensminger will be in the mix as well.

The Bottom Line for the Bulldogs:

Even with a new quarterback, the offense has the ability to be better. The passing game was not very good under Champion and has plenty of potential to be drastically improved. If it is, the Bulldogs will suddenly have a well balanced offense and a defense that has enough stars to take the team to a bowl.

2007 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Team Stats:

Rushing Offense: 155.25 (56th in nation, 5th in conference)

Passing Offense: 195.67 (88, 7)

Total Offense: 350.92 (86, 6)

Scoring Offense: 20.75 (99, 7)

Rushing Defense: 137.08 (46, 3)

Pass Defense: 287.08 (111, 9)

Total Defense: 424.17 (91, 7)

Scoring Defense: 30.67 (84, 5)

Turnover Margin: .08 (47, 3)

Sacks: 2.00 (64, 4)

Sacks Allowed: 2.58 (92, 8)

By Joel Welser
CollegeSports-fans.com Senior Guest Writer

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