RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz spoke with the media Monday in advance of LA Tech's rematch versus WKU in the 2016 Dynacraft Conference USA Football Championship Game at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Head Coach Skip Holtz

Opening comments:

"Going back last week to Southern Miss, it was certainly disappointing for us. We really could have capped off a tremendous season and to play the way that we did, I certainly want to congratulate Southern Miss for doing what they needed to do to become bowl eligible. It was a game full of highs and lows. In a lot of aspects it was similar to the game a year ago, in that it was a seven point game in the third quarter and with the number of interceptions and field position, it kind of got away from us. I thought it was a hard fought game on both sides. It was a game that was going to be played with a lot of emotion on both sides. The bottom line of the game was our turnovers, our inability to run the ball and our inability to stop the pass. I thought those were the three things that really hurt us in that football game."

"I hate that we lost an opportunity to host, which is something we were all looking forward to. At the same time, I am excited that we have an opportunity to play in the championship game. When you look at the body of work that this team has put together, I am proud of what they have been able to do. This is two of the past three years that they have been able to represent the West and play in the conference championship game. There is a lot of excitement and a lot of energy. The best thing for us is to take the game from Friday, learn from it, evaluate it and when the players come in today, we have to watch and correct the mistakes. We have to move on and get ready for this week. That is the thing about sports, you do not have time to sit around and have pity parties. You have to get up wash yourself off and get ready to move forward. That is what we are doing today with our football team. Getting ready for Western Kentucky this week, this week's schedule is a little bit different with us not being in school. Players had Saturday off and then had Sunday off this week. Players report back today, where we will practice on Monday and Tuesday. We will start winter quarter on Wednesday, travel on Friday and play the game Saturday."

"What a game this has an opportunity to be. On paper, statistically it is two of the better offenses, not just in the league but in the country. These two teams have found their way into the championship game. It will be a replay from earlier in the year, which is hard, because you put so much of your game plan into that week. Most of the film you are watching is from your first meeting. I think Western Kentucky has been on a roll. They have won six straight since our game. They have not lost since our game. They have been playing really good football and their last couple of games have been dominating. I think they have given up 37 points in the last four games, where we gave up 39 on Saturday. They are playing really well, averaging 44 points a game as an offense. They are top 10 in passing, 13th in total offense and they are a big play offensive football team. They have a lot of explosive plays and I believe they are number one in the country in plays of thirty yards or more, so it will be a challenge for us as a defense to try and contain them. They have one of the better offensive lines in Conference USA. They are really playing well and at a high level."

"Defensively, it starts with their front four. They are really playing well. They have one of the better front fours in our league. They played the game six weeks ago without two of their starters, the defensive end and an outside linebacker. I am sure they will be healthy for this game, so I know they feel better about what they can do to rush the passer. They are sixth in the country in rushing defense. They are number one in our conference in scoring defense. They are a really good football team."

"By the way, they have the number one kick returner in the country. He has since taken over punt returning duties, so they are explosive on special teams."

"It has all the makings to be a great game. The first game finished 55-52 and I do not know. It depends on what kind of fireworks are going to be in this game. I think everyone is really excited about having the opportunity to play in this game."