Aug. 11, 2010
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RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech's offense took flight Wednesday as the offense put together several big plays during the practice's "team" portion. The Bulldogs worked out in helmets and will put on shoulder pads for the first time this fall on Thursday.
The offensive highlight of the day was a pair of back-to-back plays put together on a drive led by quarterback Ross Jenkins, throwing a 50-yard reception to Tim Molton before throwing a 40-yard touchdown reception to Phillip Livas.
"I thought today was a really solid day," said head coach Sonny Dykes. "Both sides competed at a really high level. The offense was vastly improved today over yesterday; they competed at a higher level and they were more consistent. You can see the quarterbacks starting to get more comfortable and the receivers start to get more comfortable and as a result, they are starting to play a little bit faster. Anytime you play faster, it puts more pressure on the defense. I thought they did some good things today."
The offense, motivated by a strong showing by the defense on Tuesday, put several big plays together throughout the course of the practice. However the defense still put together a good day as two talented groups of players kept challenging each other to be better.
"Defensively, I thought we still competed hard," Dykes said. "The cornerbacks did a good job and the linebackers stood out today. I thought Ramone Randle had a really good day today on the defensive line. I've been happy with those guys. We're getting good, solid competition and guys are fighting hard for jobs and we're being real productive."
The spark in the offense comes as the quarterbacks and receivers continue to learn and tune an offensive system that was brand new to them only a few months ago.
"We did a good job and we got the ball down the field more today than we have," explained Dykes. "I think, again, that's a byproduct of those receivers and quarterbacks starting to get on the same page and starting to get some things figured out. I like what I'm starting to see. We're progressing; all the quarterbacks are vastly improved over where they were in the spring. We're getting better every day."
Louisiana Tech will practice in shells (helmets and shoulder pads) on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on the Tech practice fields, the first time this fall that Tech will don shoulder pads.
Bulldog fans are reminded that season tickets are still on sale and can be purchased at LATechSports.com or by calling the ticket office at 318-257-3631 or emailing techtickets@latech.edu. Single game tickets are also on sale for all home games as well as the Port City Classic sponsored by Community Trust Bank when Tech takes on Grambling at Shreveport's Independence Stadium on Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.
For complete coverage of Bulldog Football, please visit the official home of Louisiana Tech Athletics at LATechSports.com.
