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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Louisiana Tech fought back from a two touchdown deficit and pulled within three on an improbable touchdown catch by Paul Turner but the Bulldogs couldn't get over the hump in a 41-38 loss at WKU Thursday night.

Turner's improbable catch came as the snap to quarterback Jeff Driskel went awry, sending the Bulldog signal caller scrambling. Driskel picked up the ball, rolled left and flung it to the back left corner of the end zone where Turner caught it before falling out of bounds. With multiple WKU players rushing him, Driskel saw the score on the videoboard at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

Driskel finished the night with a career-best 357 yards in a 28-for-48 performance. Trent Taylor (9 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD) and Paul Turner (seven catches, 109 yards, 1 TD) led the Bulldogs (1-1, 0-1 Conference USA) in receiving.

Kenneth Dixon ran for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries marking his 19th career game with 100 yards or more on the ground.

The need to rally for the Bulldogs was due to a slow start as WKU scored on its opening drive and rushed out to a 21-3 lead. The Hilloppers had a chance an even greater lead early but fumbled going into the end zone which was recovered by Kentrell Brice.

Louisiana Tech fought back and pulled within a touchdown on Dixon's six-yard touchdown run with 4:26 left in the half before a Garrett Schwettman extended the lead to 10 with a 25-yard field goal before halftime.

But the ability to bounce back gave the Bulldogs hope entering the second half. Dixon and Driskel would each score on a one-yard run but Louisiana Tech could never overcome the early deficit in full.

Brandon Doughty threw for 441 yards and one touchdown for the Hilltoppers (2-0, 1-0) a year after getting picked off four times against the Bulldogs. He did not commit any turnvoers in the game, ending LA Tech's streak of 10 consecutive games with an interception.

Louisiana Tech returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Kansas State. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. with the game being televised by FSN.

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