LA Tech Shuts Down UTEP

Louisiana Tech used an aggressive defense and a balanced offense to steamroll UTEP on Saturday night. Much like they did against North Texas and Louisiana-Lafayette, the Bulldogs used heavy pressure up the middle to stop the run and force the Miners into quick throws.

Tech opened the game by forcing UTEP into a three and out and the offense followed that up with a scoring drive capped off by a Kenneth Dixon touchdown run. Cody Sokol would follow that up with a touchdown run of his own and then a touchdown pass to Carlos Henderson that went for 69 yards.

UTEP finally got in field goal range in the second quarter, but Lloyd Grogan blocked it, Adarius Barnes picked it up, then Barnes pitched it to Levander Liggins for a 54 yard touchdown return. UTEP kicked a field goal just before halftime for their one points.

Sokol threw touchdown passes to Hunter Lee and freshman Marcus Gaines in the third quarter, and both receivers made difficult catches. Jonathan Barnes added two field goals in the quarter and the Bulldogs led 48-3 after three quarters.

Freshman Jared Craft added a 18 yard touchdown run with 3:20 left in the game to,finish the scoring at 55-3.

UTEP led the time of possession with 32:35, but they were unable to mount a rushing attack and 5 turnovers helped lead to the lopsided score.

Sokol finished 6-16 for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Henderson had 2 catches for 100 yards and a score and Dixon added 86 yards on 21 carries and a score.

LA Tech (3-3, 2-0) heads into a bye week in first place in the western division. Tech hosts UTSA on Ocotober 18th. The Roadrunners have lost four straight and host FIU next week before heading to Ruston.