Auburn Football: Opponent Breakdown – Louisiana Tech
Aug 30, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs quarterback Cody Sokol (19) throws as Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (82) rushes during the game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Louisiana Tech Outlook
2014 Schedule
August 30 at Oklahoma (L 48-16)
September 6 at UL-Lafayette (W, 48-20)
September 11 at North Texas (W, 42-21)
September 20 vs. Northwestern State (L, 30-27)
September 27 at Auburn
October 4 vs. UTEP
October 18 vs. UTSA
October 25 at Southern Miss
November 1 vs. Western Kentucky
November 8 at UAB
November 22 at Old Dominion
November 29 vs. Rice
The 30-27 loss to FCS Northwestern State was embarrassing. The Demons aren’t even a very good FCS program – they were 6-6 last season and 4-7 in 2012. However, just because the Bulldogs suffered a catastrophic defeat against a lower division non-conference opponent doesn’t mean that they can’t have a successful season.
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Following a sure defeat a 5th ranked Auburn football team, every remaining game on LA Tech’s schedule is winnable. The Bulldogs play in the Western Division of Conference USA, which has no dominant team. Plus, the Bulldogs play Western Kentucky, UAB and Old Dominion from the East, which is hardly a murderer’s row. And, with the 42-21 victory over North Texas, Louisiana Tech is off to a 1-0 record against league opponents.
With a veteran team, including a senior quarterback and one of the best running backs in the conference, if not the nation, Tech will be able to score points. With Manny Diaz calling the shots on defense – the former Mississippi State and Texas defensive coordinator who was once one of the hottest names in coaching – the unit should improve as well.
Had the Bulldogs taken care of business against Northwestern State, they would be seen as a legitimate contender in C-USA. However, because they failed last Saturday, most will write them off. If Skip Holtz and his coaching staff can rally the troops to put forth a good effort this weekend against Auburn, and get players motivated for the conference schedule, this team has a shot to win plenty of games.
A final record of 5-7 seems fair, but six, seven or eight wins are possible.