RUSTON, (Oct. 18, 2022) – Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie and select players spoke with the media on Tuesday in advance of Tech's matchup with Rice at Joe Aillet on Saturday.

Sonny Cumbie

Opening Statement...
"It is an opportunity and a challenge for us this week against a really good Rice football that is good on defense and does a great job with their front and coverages to keep you off balance. They are playing realy good defense and they play together. Offensively they do a really good job with their identity and they are going to make you stop the run. I do not know why they wouldn't with how we defended it this past week. We are looking forward to homecoming and being back at Joe Aillet Stadium and having a great crowd." 

On difference in road games...
"I have been thinking about that a lot but haven't quite put my finger on it yet. We have been analyzing everything we do from the trips to the time we spent at the hotel to the demeanor of our players. We have to figure it out because we have a lot of games left on the road this season. From a mentality standpoint the last two road games our team and staff came out flat. We have to get out ready to go and play all four quarters."

On Smoke Harris...
"We have a better understanding of who he is as a player and now we are putting him in a position to be successful. Him just relaxing and not forcing it, letting him get comfortable and getting the ball in his hands to take over has made a difference. He wants to make every play for the team and get every touchdown but when he relaxes and lets his ability take over that is really where he can make plays. We are making a conscious effort to get him the ball to give him the chance to be successful."

On Team…   
"We have some playmakers on offense with Tre (Harris), Smoke (Harris) and Griffin (Hebert) those are guys that have really been making an impact. I have been impressed with Parker's (McNeil) resiliency and how he has improved. Joshua Mote has been really consistent and steady on the offensive line. From a defensive standpoint BeeJay Williamson has battled every game and Jaiden Cole. Myles (Brooks) and Willie (Roberts) are goof corners… Collectively as a team we play hard but we have to execute better. What I want to find out about our program at this point of the season is our toughness and our ability to push through resistance and obstacles. Are we going to tap out or fight back? We will find that out."

Parker McNeil

Tahj Magee