RUSTON – The Louisiana Tech football returns to Joe Aillet Stadium to host UTEP on Tuesday evening. Both teams come into tomorrow's matchup looking for their second Conference USA win of the season. The Bulldogs come in at 2-4 (1-2), while the Miners sit at 1-6 (1-3 CUSA). The game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 22
Time: 7 p.m. (CT)
Location: Ruston, La. (Joe Aillet Stadium)
TV: CBS Sports Network
Live Stats: LATechSports.com/Stats
Radio: LA Tech Sports Network | LA Tech Athletics App
SERIES HISTORY
Series: LA Tech leads 16-3-1
In Ruston: 8-1
In EL Paso: 8-2-1
Neutral: 0-0
Tuesday will mark the 21st meeting all-time between LA Tech and UTEP on the gridiron. The Bulldogs have dominated the series, holding a 16-3-1 advantage. Since the two teams became CUSA foes, LA Tech has won 10 of the 11 matchups.
The series between LA Tech and UTEP is very spread out. The two programs met four consecutive seasons from 1939-42, then again in a season finale matchup in El Paso during the 1991 season. The next matchups came from 2001-04 when the Bulldogs and Miners were league foes in the Western Athletic Conference. The series kicked back up in 2013 when LA Tech joined CUSA.
ABOUT LA TECH
LA Tech dropped its first CUSA game of the season last Tuesday, falling 33-30 on the road to New Mexico State in double overtime. The Bulldogs will look to get back on track as they return to Joe Aillet Stadium, where they are 2-1 this season.
The Bulldog offense has found more of a rhythm as of late, combining for 78 points over the last two games after scoring a combined 75 points during the first four games. LA Tech's 48 points versus Middle Tennessee was the most in a CUSA game since Nov. 9, 2019 (ninth most in a CUSA game in program history).
The LA Tech defense currently ranks first in CUSA and 30th in the country in total defense, allowing just 316.3 yards per game. The Bulldogs also rank first in the league and 24th in the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 104.2 yards on the ground.
Wide receiver
Tru Edwards recorded his third 100+ yard game of the season and his second straight after finishing with a career-high nine catches for 110 yards against the Aggies. Edwards logged two touchdowns catches, marking his first multi receiving touchdown game of his career. He leads the team with 32 grabs for 445 yards and four scores.
ABOUT UTEP
The Miners (1-6, 1-3 CUSA) enter Tuesday night's game coming off the heels of their first win of the season, which also marked their first CUSA win. UTEP was able to pull out a 30-21 win over FIU in front of their hometown fans. The win marked first year head coach Scotty Walden's first victory as a Miner.
Walden, who comes from Austin Peay, brought many of his former players with him to run his offense. UTEP's top quarterback, running back and wide receiver all hail from Austin Peay. They are leading the Miners to 18 points per game, while giving up 32.57 per outing. They are averaging 330.3 yards per game, while giving up 421.0.
Skyler Locklear commands the offense and has gone 91-of-144 through the air for 953 yards and four touchdowns. Cade McConnell has also seen time under center, passing for 540 yards and four scores. Kenny Odom leads the team with 510 yards and four scores on 22 receptions. Kam Thomas leads the team with 38 grabs for 375 yards and one score. Jevon Jackson is the team's top rusher, logging 387 yards and one score on 91 attempts.
