WAC Preview: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

July 8th, 2008 by Kevan Lee

There is tangible buzz surrounding the Louisiana Tech football program. Winning more than one conference game will do that. The Bulldogs, who were 1-7 in the WAC in 2006, finished 4-4 in the conference last year. This serves as a glimmer of hope for the team and fan base that has been re-energized by the excitement brought by head coach Derek Dooley (left, Icon SMI). Relatively speaking, things are going well with his vision of success. The Bulldogs improved by two wins overall last year in Dooley’s first season at the helm. Managing to win four WAC games, albeit over the four worst teams in the conference, was seen as a big step in the right direction. A bowl game is next on the agenda…look out Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl!. After a narrow miss in 2007, expectations are high for a program and a head coach intent on going places.

The responsibility for those expectations lies on the shoulders of Louisiana Tech’s quarterback, who until a few months ago was nowhere near a sure thing. With the departure of last year’s starter Zac Champion, the Bulldogs were left to find a replacement between a group of challengers, including Ross Jenkins and Steven Ensminger . "Ugh" is right.

The team’s fortunes changed dramatically when Georgia Tech starting quarterback Taylor Bennett chose to transfer to LaTech. Bennett’s old team had switched to the option under new coach Paul Johnson and Bennett rightly did not see himself fitting in there. He was able to use a loophole in the transfer system to avoid sitting out a year. The Bulldogs are happy to have him; the potential of their season pretty much depends on him. Bennett will have a good running game behind him, but the run was not enough to win games alone last year. The Bulldogs need to pass effectively, which means Bennett needs to get used to his new surroundings quickly. He had decent numbers last year for the Yellow Jackets and anyone who watches football can point out that WAC defenses are hardly up to ACC levels. Bennett should be able to fill Champion’s shoes, and if he exceeds Champion’s production, then LaTech should see some improvement in the win column.

Running back is much more of a sure thing for the Bulldogs. Last year’s top two leading rushers Patrick Jackson and Daniel Porter both return, giving the team two reliable offensive options. Jackson had 950 yards and eight TDs while Porter added 592 yards and six TDs. Jackson and Porter are a tough match-up for any WAC defense. Porter is a shifty player, who boasts a great game-breaking ability. But his backfield mate will be the bellcow of the offense. Jackson will get the bulk of the carries and the bulk of the chances to score. Along with his stellar receiving skills (he was second on the team in receptions last year), Jackson should expect to have a hand in a majority of the offense’s success.

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Jackson had so many receiving chances because of the less-than-spectacular receiving corps. Last year’s leading receiver Phillip Livas had only 504 yards. Livas is back, but neither he nor his fellow receivers strikes fear into the heart of opposing secondaries. Between Josh Wheeler (missed 07 with an injury) and Michael Mosley (converted QB), there are few viable fantasy options, but keep an eye on the group to see if any develop a good relationship with Bennett. The receivers will have plenty of chances to get open and make plays with defenses loading up to stop the run, which means someone should have a chance to shine.

To a certain extent, LaTech has become somewhat of a Kicker U. Both Josh Scobee of the Jaguars and Matt Stover of the Ravens are LaTech alums. Senior Brad Oestriecher is the next in line for that distinction, and he is every bit the part. He was consistent and dependable last season. When the running game bogs down or the passing game fails, Oestriecher could get ample opportunities to score.

The Bulldog defense has been the team’s Achilles’ heel the past few years, but there are small glimmers of hope for a turnaround this season. As recently as last year, the Bulldogs were giving up 287 passing yards per game. With players like Weldon Brown returning in the secondary, that number should improve although the lack of a pass rush makes the job harder. Safety Antonio Baker (first team WAC) and linebacker Quin Harris (second teamer), have their work cut out for them as the leaders of the defense.

Conclusion

Things are definitely looking up for Louisiana Tech, yet how far up remains to be seen. Yes, improving by three WAC wins last year was great, however the only thing the Bulldogs did differently was beat some of the worst teams in the nation. To truly make noise as a program on the rise, LaTech will need to beat some teams that actually know how to get out of their own way. In the meantime, there are some solid fantasy choices for curious owners. Running backs Jackson and Porter are worth a look. Even Bennett may be solid at quarterback. Head coach Derek Dooley is intent on changing Louisiana Tech into a winner. Having some Bulldog players actually drafted in fantasy leagues is a good place to start.

Share the college football love: