DALLAS - The Louisiana Tech football team shed its pads for Tuesday's practice, donning shorts and helmets as preparation for the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl continued at Highland Park High School.

Although the Bulldogs spread out between the high school's indoor and outdoor facilities, head coach Skip Holtz kept a watchful eye during the team's second Dallas-based practice.

"They've been focused and dialed in ever since we came to the bowl site," Holtz said. "Their focus, attention to detail, excitement, energy and the way they're out here working has really been a positive the past two days."

That energy was evident during a lift session in the closing minutes of practice when the lights briefly flickered off in the indoor facility, only to induce excited battle-like yells from several members of the Bulldog squad. Holtz credits such enthusiasm to the superb leadership evident in this year's team.

"On a really good football team, you've got to have this type of leadership," Holtz said. "As coaches, you can only push so far, but when you've got guys on the inside working and pulling and motivating and being vocal the way these guys are, I think it makes a huge difference with your football team."

Some Bulldogs, though, tend to lead more by example. Safeties Xavier Woods and Kentrell Brice have combined for seven interceptions and seven forced fumbles to anchor a Tech defense that leads the nation in creating turnovers.

"They bring a workman attitude wherever they go," safeties coach Blake Baker said. "They're not a big rah rah group back there. They lead by example. Toughness and knowing what you're going to do is going to earn the respect of the locker room, and both those guys bring that to the table."

The Bulldogs look to showcase their leadership Friday as they take on the Illinois Fighting Illini for a Noon kickoff at the Cotton Bowl.

For complete coverage of bowl week, fans can log onto LATechSports.com. Fans can also follow through social media avenues, including Twitter (@LATechSports, @LATechFB), Facebook (/LATechAthletics, /LATechFB) and Instagram (@LATechSports).