RUSTON, La. (Sept. 3, 2019) – Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz spoke with the media Tuesday in advance of the 2019 home-opener vs. Grambling State.
 
Head Coach Skip Holtz

Recapping Last Week at #10 Texas:
"What a great opportunity we had last week as a program. What a great venue and atmosphere for football. It was just unfortunate that we didn't do some of the things we needed to do in order to win the game. I was proud of our team and the way that they prepared and competed. I thought they belonged on that field. Statistically we were nearly even in yards and first downs. But we did some things you just can't do against Top 10 football teams. We turned the ball over three times at our end. At one point they had 70 yards of offense and 17 points to show for it. Unfortunately, we made some mistakes, gave up some uncontested deep balls and made mistakes you just can't make against a team like Texas. Overall it was a great learning experience for our team. Our players desire to play at that level, and it was a great opportunity for them to grow and learn from their mistakes.
 
Looking ahead to Grambling:
"We're getting into our practice schedule and Grambling scouting reports today through the end of this week. We have great respect for Grambling. When you look at their winning history and the tradition of their program – I have nothing but respect for Coach (Broderick) Fobbs and their program. He came in and resurrected a very proud program and has multiple coach of the year accolades to show for his work there. They're used to winning. I'm excited to play the game – first game between these two schools in Lincoln Parish. It has ramifications in the community and geographical implications. It has a chance to be a great venue. This is the first regular-season college football game aired live by the NFL Network. It's great to be part of a nationally televised event. It will be phenomenal exposure for both universities. It's rare to be able to play an in-town rival in college football.
 
Their quarterback is big and very athletic. He's a dual-threat player. I've been really impressed with him. He's very poised and I don't think the moment is too big for him. I think he's a special player. We're going to have our hands full. They have a great left tackle, receivers that can really run and just an overall solid offensive ball club. On defense, they play their system very well. They create a lot of confusion and play a lot of man. Their safeties are very active and fly to the ball. They play very aggressive and try to put a lot of pressure on you. Offensively we're going to have our challenges, but we're looking forward to it.
 
Another hurdle is the weather. It's probably going to be close to 102 degrees around kick and 120 degrees on that turf. I recommend for everyone involved to hydrate, because it will certainly be a special occasion and a special day.
 
On the impact of Buddy Davis & coining this game the "Buddy Bowl":
"I was fortunate and blessed to be able to spend a little time with Buddy when I first got here. The guy bled for of the local community – whether it be Louisiana Tech or Grambling. He loved the area and loved the community. He was a home run for both schools from a PR standpoint. I thought he was honest and fair, but at the same time, he homered his hometown teams. Having the opportunity to nickname it the "Buddy Bowl" is very fitting. It's a shame he's not here to see it, but I'm thankful and fortunate I had the opportunity to get to know him a little bit before he passed. I think the world of him and think this is an awesome way to honor his name and legacy in this community."
 
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: https://soundcloud.com/latechathletics/coach-skip-holtz-week-2-presser
 
QB J'Mar Smith audio: https://soundcloud.com/latechathletics/jmar-smith-week-2-presser
 
S Darryl Lewis audio: https://soundcloud.com/latechathletics/darryl-lewis-week-2-presser