RUSTON, La. (Sept. 17, 2019) – Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz spoke with the media Tuesday in advance of Tech's Conference USA opener vs. FIU on Friday evening.
 
Head Coach Skip Holtz
 
On last week's game vs. Bowling Green
"Looking back and breaking down the game a week ago – first of all it's always nice to win, especially on the road. Secondly, there was a lot of good in this game – some of the big plays on offense, having the ability to score on defense and what we're doing in the red zone both on offense and defense. So there's a lot of positive things to build on from this game. There are also some things we need to clean up and address. One of the frustrating parts for me was the two turnovers at our end of the field, putting our defense in a bad spot twice. We ended up with nine penalties for 85 yards which is very uncharacteristic of our team.
 
There was definitely some good, bad and ugly from last week, which for us is probably a good thing. It helps us keep our players' attention and show them that we're not where we want to be yet. Three games into the season, we are just one fourth of the way into the year, so there's still a ways to go. We've got to get a lot better.
 
I thought the three guys up front in Ka'Derrion Mason, Courtney Wallace and Milton Williams really played a solid game for us. We were in a lot of four down looks because we were playing predominately a run-first team, and I thought those guys really stepped up. Our linebackers were very active and I thought played a great game for us.
 
Offensively, I thought J'Mar Smith continued to do some really good things and showed a lot of poise and patience in this game. He didn't put the ball in danger, and at one time actually took a sack before cutting it loose and potentially putting it out there in danger. He's making some really good decisions overall.
 
One of the unsung heroes of game in my eyes was Malik Stanley. I thought he played outstanding and blocked the point and the perimeter better than he had all season. He was really a physical presence out on the edge and gave us an opportunity to turn some of our bubble screens into 8-10 yard gains because of the job he did blocking on the perimeter.
 
On the challenges facing FIU
"When you look at FIU, I think Butch Davis has done a great job as a head coach there. When you look at the things he's done along with his pedigree and his experience, it's impressive. He's very knowledgeable, he knows how to coach, and his team reflects that. They're playing really well right now.
 
Their special teams are electric. Their punter is averaging over 45 yards per punt. Their kickoff return has some very explosive athletes on the back end and I think they're leading the league in kickoff coverage as well. It's a very talented group top to bottom.
 
Offensively, the question is which quarterback are we going to see? I think they're both very talented in their own right. I know that Morgan went down a couple weeks ago and have heard a lot of different things about his health. Where the reality lies in that, I'm not sure, but right now we are looking at it like we could face either quarterback. If Morgan is back, he's got a great arm. He can pinpoint his passes and has a big league arm. I think he's one of the better draft-eligible prospects coming out of Conference USA this year.
 
Wiggins went in for him after the injury and didn't disappoint. He rushed for 190 yards as a quarterback and helped them win the game. He brings a different dimension to their team and to their offense. We are planning for both of them.
 
Defensively, it all starts with (Ricardo) Lewis in the middle – one of the better linebackers in our league. He's physical, active and runs sideline to sideline. He leads their team in tackles and was a first team all-conference player last year. They rotate in eight or nine defensive linemen and keep them fresh. That's probably the strength of their team is the depth they have up front. Their secondary is as expected with a Florida team – a lot of speed and athleticism.
 
This is a team that was picked win the East by a lot of people. They return 15 starters from last year's team that won a bowl game. This is a very talented team and will be great challenge for us this Friday.
 
On opening C-USA play at home for the first time since 2013
"I am very excited about having the opportunity to open conference play this week. It seems like there's a different gait in everyone's step this week around the facility. Practice yesterday was one of the better ones we've had this year. I think everyone is excited about opening conference play at home. This is our 7^th year in C-USA and this is just the second time we're opening league play at home, which is crazy, but it is what it is and I think our players are excited about it. This is a different week. Every time you play a conference game, there's a residual effect that carries throughout the year and right now we're taking these non-conference opportunities to gain experience for our young players.
 
On RB Jaqwis Dancy
"Jaqwis practiced on what would be our normal Tuesday last night, which would be his first "Tuesday" practice in quite a while. We've struggled trying to keep him healthy. Hopefully we can get a full week of practice this week, so he can feel comfortable with what he's doing and continue to put some of his weight back on. He had a viral thing where he had trouble keeping his weight up so on game day his plays have been limited. Hopefully he can continue to play more of a prominent role. I would love to see him carry the ball 20 times a game. We just need to make sure he gets the appropriate work during the week to be prepared for those moments. 
 
Video highlights and footage will be available through Conference USA Box for media outlets to download and use.
 
To access video of today's LA Tech press conference, go to: https://conferenceusa.box.com/v/2019-20Video
Password: 2019-20Video
 
Click on Conference USA File Share > Video > Football > then the week of highlights you are seeking > then the school you are seeking.
 
Audio from today's press conference can be accessed on SoundCloud by clicking on the links below.
 
HC Skip Holtz audio: soundcloud.com/latechathletics/skip-holtz-week-4
 
WR Isaiah Graham: soundcloud.com/latechathletics/isaiah-graham-week-4
 
CB Amik Robertson: soundcloud.com/latechathletics/amik-robertson-week-4