:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65153137/usa_today_13291767.0.jpg)
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs were outmatched by the Texas Longhorns Saturday night, falling 45-14.
Texas scored on its opening drive and never looked back. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs failed to score until the fourth quarter.
Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger completed 28/39 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns before giving way to backup Casey Thompson in the fourth quarter.
Throughout the first three quarters, Louisiana Tech’s offense was able to move the ball fairly well. However, they couldn’t finish their drives, and Bailey Hale missed two field goals.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19157354/usa_today_13292538.jpg)
J’Mar Smith finished 34/51 for 331 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Not a bad night, but the inability to finish drives until garbage time meant Tech wasn’t able to make this a game.
Louisiana Tech’s run game was rendered mostly inept, as the Bulldogs recorded just 73 yards on the ground. Dancy ultimately led the way with seven carries for 25 yards, but he saw very few carries until the game was well out of hand.
Despite the score, a few Tech players showed some potential.
Tech’s leading receiver was redshirt freshman Smoke Harris, who recorded 58 yards on six catches. Griffin Hebert and Malik Stanley both caught touchdown passes.
Senior linebacker Connor Taylor also looked good, recovering a fumble and grabbing a big sack against Ehlinger.
Head coach Skip Holtz may have a decision to make at kicker. He went with senior Bailey Hale, but Hale went 0/2. With freshman Jacob Barnes now on the roster, fans may begin pushing for Jonathan’s younger brother to get a shot if Hale doesn’t do better.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19157356/usa_today_13292530.jpg)
New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco didn’t have the greatest debut, but it’s probably unfair to judge his defense on its first game, especially against a Big 12 offense. That said, there’s work to be done.
Ultimately, this wasn’t the performance some hoped for. Still, Tech can take some things away from this game. As said earlier, the Bulldogs moved the ball pretty well, they just couldn’t finish the drives. If Tech can figure out how to do that, the Bulldogs will probably be just fine.
Louisiana Tech will return to Ruston for its home opener against local FCS opponent Grambling State next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2:30 on NFL Network.