Nov. 14, 2008
RUSTON--The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will try to remain undefeated at home this season as they take on conference foe Utah State (2-8, 2-4 WAC) at Joe Aillet Stadium Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CT.
Louisiana Tech (5-4, 3-2 WAC) has been unbeatable so far this year at home in the friendly confines of Joe Aillet Stadium posting a perfect 4-0 record. The Bulldogs are averaging nearly 37 points per game at home and are coming off one of the most dominating defensive performances in Louisiana Tech history as the Bulldogs shut out San Jose State 21-0 last week in San Jose, Calif.
The shutout was the first shutout by a Tech team since 1996, a span of 148 games and also marked the first time San Jose State had been shutout at home since 1968.
The Bulldogs allowed just 148 total yards to the Spartans offense while also holding San Jose State to only six first downs. San Jose State crossed midfield one time all game on a 62-yard pass in the fourth quarter that put the Spartans on the Tech seven-yard line before the Bulldogs held on downs.
"It was just an incredible performance by our defense," Tech head coach Derek Dooley said. "I think our defense really took the challenge to out perform their defense which is phenomenal. We knew the turnover margin was going to be the difference and we were plus two with one for a score."
With a win Louisiana Tech would become bowl eligible for the first time since the 2005 season when the Bulldogs went 7-4, but did not receive a bowl bid. However, a win may not come easy as Utah State will be looking to play the spoiler as they have already beaten Hawaii this season as well as nearly defeating Fresno State.
"They thumped Hawaii and would have beat Fresno State if it weren't for a 58 yard field goal on the last play," said Dooley. "They could whip us just as well as anybody. They didn't have a great game against Boise, but nobody has."
Utah State comes into this weekend with a balanced offense averaging 124.8 yards per game rushing and 198.5 yards passing. The Aggies will be lead on offense by their quarterback, sophomore Diondre Borel. Borel leads the team in rushing with 523 yards and two touchdowns as well as passing, completing 110 of 200 passes for 1,383 yards and 11 touchdowns with seven interceptions.
"They have a quarterback that will give you grey hairs on defense," said Dooley. "With him the play doesn't require perfect execution. Having a guy with the mobility he has allows him to make something happen and he's done that. He's very elusive, the defensive line can't catch him and he buys time and can make big plays."
The Bulldogs will look to counter the Aggie offense with one of the best rush defenses in the nation as Tech ranks 10th in the nation surrendering 100 yards per game on the ground.
On offense Louisiana Tech will hope to continue to have success on the ground as the Bulldogs are averaging 192.11 yards rushing yards per game ranking them 27th in the nation in rushing yards.
Tech's Daniel Porter has had the hot hand on offense for the Bulldogs lately. After rushing for only 36 yards in Tech's first two games this year, Porter has now rushed for 756 yards in the last seven games.
Sitting at 5-4 on the season the Bulldogs are now on the brink of qualifying for a bowl with a win this week and Dooley hopes to have the support of the home crowd behind the team for this weekend's game.
"We're really trying to encourage the students to stay in town even though school is out so we're going to keep the dorms open," said Dooley. "We need the support from them this weekend. They bring great energy and they're right behind us. We need to have a good crowd so hopefully the students will stay through the weekend."
Regardless of what kind of impact this weekend's game has on Tech's bowl future, Dooley believes his team will stay focused.
"It's a big game because it's the next game," said Dooley. "I think its ok to talk about bowls as long as you still prepare for your opponent. I know the kids are thinking about it so I feel fine talking about it, but we also need to know how to be mature and put aside the talk and prepare for the team we are playing. The last time we were in this position we lost 49-10 last year. Hopefully we learned from last year."
"We're going to be learning something new every week. We just got past addition and now we are on subtraction this week. I think we passed basic addition in the last two games. It's step by step and we just need to come out and play this week."
Game Info
What: Louisiana Tech vs. Utah State
When: 1:30 p.m. CT Saturday
Where: Joe Aillet Stadium- Ruston, La.
TV: streaming www.latechtv.com
GameTracker: www.latechsports.com
Radio Stations: KXKZ 107.5 FM (Ruston), KLKL 95.7 FM (Shreveport)
Internet: www.z1075fm.com
Talent: Dave Nitz, Steve Davison, Benny Thornell
