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Start Time: 2:30 pm CST, Saturday, Oct. 21
Location: Joe Ailliet Stadium, Ruston, Louisiana
TV: American Sports Network (ASN)
Radio: KXKZ 107.5, LA Tech Sports Network
Series Record: LA Tech leads 3-1.
Live Stats: Link
Betting Line: LATech -7
Louisiana Tech:
With Kenneth Dixon sidelined the last two games, the Bulldogs have relied on quarterback Jeff Driskel. The fifth year senior has already thrown for over 2,000 yards this season with 13 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. In his last three games, Driskel has thrown for 944 yards with 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions while rushing for 80 yards and a score.
Trent Taylor has caught 23 passes in the last two games for 173 yards. Carlos Henderson and Paul Turner have been dinged up in recent weeks, so Taylor has been Driskel's top target. Turner did get in the game against Mississippi State last week and came up with a touchdown reception.
Turner, Henderson, and Dixon all are expected back soon and Skip Holtz is hopeful that they will be on the field against MTSU.
LA Tech ranks 22nd in the nation in Total Offense with 482 yards per game. Getting starters back healthy should help the offensive numbers, but there is rain predicted for Saturday that could put a damper on the air attack.
LA Tech ranks 53rd in the nation in total defense, giving up 352 yards per game. The Bulldogs rushing defense is tied for 16th nationally with just 109 yards per game allowed on the ground.
Middle Tennessee:
MTSU stopped a three game losing streak with a win against FIU last week. With close losses to Illinois and Vanderbilt, the Blue Raiders have suffered a little of the same tough luck that LA Tech saw against Kansas State.
Brent Stockstill has put up impressive numbers this season with over 2,000 yards passing to go with 16 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. In his last three games, the freshman has 4 touchdowns with 3 interceptions and he has not quite hit the 300 yard plateau in that stretch.
If the Blue Raiders fall to LA Tech and Marshall in their next two games, MTSU would be facing a 3-6 record and would have to win out to be bowl eligible. Road games against FAU and UTSA are also on the schedule, so bowling is not a certainty to say the least. A win in Ruston would go a long way for MTSU's postseason hopes.
MTSU ranks 70th in total defense, with 394 yards allowed and they are 41st against the rush as they allow just under 140 yards on the ground. If the weather does factor in to Saturday's game, MTSU matches up pretty well with the Bulldogs.
Conclusion:
Just like MTSU, this is a turning point for Louisiana Tech. Last season, the Bulldogs lost at Auburn and then ran off 5 straight wins in conference play. LA Tech had similar runs in 2011 and 2012 after losses to Mississippi State and Texas A&M. This is the stretch of games that will make the Bulldog's season.
The Bulldogs should get most of their starters back this week and they have been pretty strong at home the last two seasons.
Louisiana Tech 31, MTSU 20