FACTS & STATS: Site: Joe Aillet Stadium (28,019) — Ruston, Louisiana.
Television: FSN. Home Record: UTSA 1-2, LTU 1-1. Away Record: UTSA 1-2, LTU
2-2. Neutral Record: UTSA 0-0, LTU 0-0. Conference Record: UTSA 1-1, LTU 2-0.
Series Record: Series is tied, 1-1.
GAME NOTES: The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs take aim at a third league win in as
many tries when they host the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners in a Conference
USA clash on Saturday.
The Roadrunners picked up their first conference win of the season last
weekend, escaping with a 16-13 home victory over FIU. It was an ugly victory
for UTSA, which won the game on a 39-yard field goal from Sean Ianno following
a fumble recovery, one of five forced turnovers for the Roadrunners on the
day. Even with the victory they are still just 2-4 overall, with a 1-1 split
in league play.
The Bulldogs have had a much easier run in their first two league contests.
They doubled up North Texas (42-21) on Sept. 11, and then routed UTEP (55-3)
on Oct. 4. They have been off since that victory, giving them extra time to
prepare as they attempt to improve on their 3-3 overall mark.
Last season, the Roadrunners hosted the Bulldogs and rolled to a 30-10
victory. It made up for a 51-27 loss they suffered the previous season in the
first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Offense has not been an area of strength for the Roadrunners, who rank next-
to-last in the league in total offense (314.8 ypg) and scoring (20.8 ppg).
They certainly didn’t help themselves against FIU, finishing with 318 yards of
total offense and 16 points.
Tucker Carter missed last week’s game with a shoulder injury that still has
him questionable for this contest. Blake Bogenschutz made the start instead,
but suffered an injury to his hand, which forced him out. That left the job to
Austin Robinson, who completed 14-of-17 pass attempts for 144 yards.
Bogenschutz is also questionable for the Louisiana Tech game, so Robinson will
likely get the start.
Obviously that is bad news for an offense that has already been sluggish. It
is also bad news for the receiving corps. Tight end David Morgan II leads the
team in receiving yards (196) on only 14 receptions. Kam Jones (17 receptions,
130 yards) has the most catches of anyone on the roster, but he averages fewer
than eight yards per reception.
David Glasco II (260 yards, four TDs) and Jarveon Williams (241 yards, three
TDs) share the rushing duties, although Robinson (73 yards) can pick up a few
yards on the ground himself.
On defense, the Roadrunners have been much more potent, ranking third in
points allowed (25.2 ppg) and fourth in total defense (362.8 ypg). The unit’s
ability to slow down FIU was the team’s saving grace, as the Panthers only
averaged 3.5 yards per play en route to an effort of 259 total yards.
Triston Wade (42 tackles, two INTs) has been a strong playmaker for the unit,
leading the way in tackles and interceptions, as well as passes defended
(eight). Robert Singletary (33 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks) has forced four
fumbles.
Louisiana Tech, normally one of the more potent offenses in the conference,
has been solid but not as effective as usual. The Bulldogs rank fifth in the
league in scoring (34.2 ppg) and seventh in total yards (385.3 ypg).
Cody Sokol calls the shots from under center, and he had a strange game
against UTEP, finishing with 173 yards and three touchdown passes, but on
only 6-of-16 passing. He has connected on just under 60 percent of his throws
this season for 1,398 yards and 13 scores, although he has been picked off
seven times.
Trent Taylor (23 receptions, 301 yards, two TDs) may lead the team in
receptions and receiving yards, but he was limited to only 14 yards on a
single catch against UTEP. Carlos Henderson (11 receptions, 185 yards, TD) was
extremely productive, tallying 100 yards and a score on only two grabs.
Sterling Griffin (20 receptions, 291 yards, TD) and Hunter Lee (20 receptions,
248 yards, three TDs) are also important parts of the equation.
Kenneth Dixon’s work out of the backfield has been the most consistent
part of the Bulldogs’ offense. Dixon has rushed for 519 yards and eight
touchdowns already and is coming off an 86-yard effort, which included a
score against UTEP.
The Bulldogs are doing a bit better than the Roadrunners defensively, ranking
third in the league in yards allowed (355.7 ypg), although they have been
slightly less effective in keeping foes off the scoreboard, allowing 27.8
points per game.
Electric play in the secondary from Xavier Woods has really helped the cause,
with the sophomore defensive back snagging four interceptions, which ties him
for the league lead.
For how effective it has been on defense, UTSA just hasn’t had the touch on
offense. With the top two options at quarterback likely out once again, the
Roadrunners aren’t going to be much better, especially on the road with Woods
lurking.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Louisiana Tech 28, Texas-San Antonio 24
