EL PASO, Texas – Louisiana Tech used a dominant defensive effort and two interception returns for touchdowns to defeat UTEP 30-11 on Saturday night at the Sun Bowl.
 
LA Tech (4-1, 2-0 CUSA) was able to overcome four turnovers (came into the game with only one this season) by picking off UTEP (1-4, 0-1 CUSA) quarterbacks five times, scoring twice to stay perfect in league play.
 
LA Tech struck first midway through the opening quarter as Blake Baker connected with Marques Singleton Jr. on a 5-yard touchdown pass to cap a 10-play, 60-yard drive, giving the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead at the 6:14 mark of the first quarter.  This TD was set up by an interception by Sifa Leota followed a tipped ball from Mekhi Mason.
 
After a scoreless second quarter, LA Tech stretched the margin to double digits late in the third. Following a Miner turnover, Drew Henderson drilled a 37-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 5:47 to play in the third period.
 
UTEP finally got on the board early in the fourth quarter on a 38-yard field goal from Tanner Cragun, trimming the deficit to 10-3 at the 14:55 mark.
 
But the Bulldogs' defense immediately took control.  Less than five minutes later, Jakari Foster stepped in front of a pass and sprinted 67 yards up the sideline for a pick-six, pushing the lead to 17-3 with 10:22 remaining.
 
LA Tech extended the advantage on its next possession, grinding out a 42-yard march that ended with Clay Thevenin's 4-yard touchdown run, making it 24-3 with 4:58 left.
 
UTEP answered quickly when Skyler Locklear hit Wondame Davis Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass to Josh Schuchts, cutting the score to 24-11 at the 3:34 mark.
 
But any hopes of a Miner comeback were dashed just two plays later.  Alonzo Jackson Jr. skied in the air for the ball and returned an interception 23 yards to the end zone, diving across the goal line to seal the 30-11 victory.
 
Behind the two defensive touchdowns and five total interceptions, LA Tech's defense controlled the game, holding UTEP to just 145 passing yards and one score through the air.  Baker finished 18-of-26 for 137 yards and a touchdown, while Singleton led the Bulldogs with five receptions.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Sonny Cumbie
 
On the win…
"Great team win.  Your first road trip where you take a plane, the guys were locked in.  I think they had a great maturity about how they handled the trip.  Defensively, I continue to be amazed by our guys.  Coach Olson and that staff do a great job preparing.  They are playing fast.  Excited to be 4-1 and 2-0 in conference.  There are not going to be any easy games in this conference."
 
On the linebacker depth…
"Those three guys were ready to play.  Unfortunately, with Mekhi and Kolbe, Alonzo was ready.  WE are deep at that position.  They made the most of their opportunity."
 
On five interceptions…
"There are playmakers on the back end.  They are football smart.  They have great anticipation.  It is a huge relief when that happens.  When we needed a play, those guys elevated and made the plays.  Their confidence is very high."
 
NOTABLES

• With the win, LA Tech now owns an 18-3-1 advantage in the series versus UTEP.  The Bulldogs have won 12 of the last 13 meetings against the Miners. 
• LA Tech improved to 9-1 all-time against UTEP at the Sun Bowl.
• LA Tech is now 4-1 on the season (first time since 2019).
• This marks the fifth time the Bulldogs have started 2-0 in CUSA play.
• The Bulldogs have allowed 11 or fewer points in three straight meetings against the Miners (just three total touchdowns).
• LA Tech shutout UTEP in the first half, marking the first time the Miners have not scored in the first half at home since 2017.
• The LA Tech defense recorded a season-high five turnovers, the most in a single game since 2022 against Middle Tennessee.  It was the most by the Bulldogs in a road game since 2012 at Illinois.
• The nine combined turnovers are the most in a single game since 2012 at Illinois.
• The Bulldogs recorded two defensive touchdowns, bringing their season total to five through five games.  That is already the most since the 2019 season.
• This was LA Tech's first win when committing at least four turnovers since the 2024 season opener against Nicholls (had five that game).

NEXT UP
LA Tech will travel to take on Kennesaw State on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at Fifth Third Stadium.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT and will be nationally televised on ESPNU.
 
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