Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 2018 Football Preview

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 2018 Football Preview

Opening Statement: The Bulldogs suffered an up and down season in 2017, finishing just 7-6, but they finished strong, winning their final 3 games, including a 51-10 blowout win over SMU in the Frisco Bowl. Louisiana Tech will be trying to ride that streak into the 2018 season, as they have a real chance to make a big splash in a wide open Conference USA West Division race.

Breakdown Offense: The offense was not quite what we are used to in 2017, as the Bulldogs averaged 30.5 points per game, but ranked only 62nd nationally in total offense. Getting back on track will be a first priority issue in fall camp.

J'Mar Smith is back at QB, and while he passed for 2974 yards and 16 TDs to just 5 INTs, he also only completed 56% of his passes, a low number when matched up with previous QBs who have lined up for this program. Smith managed to rush for 315 yards and 6 more scores, so he does give you the run game that others have not. I expect bigger things from him this fall. Westin Elliot remains as the primary backup after attempting just 9 passes last fall.

The Bulldogs are in reboot mode in the run game, as they lost over 1500 yards and 11 scores with the losses of Boston Scott and Jarred Craft. Jaqwis Dancy, who carried just 39 times last fall, is the guy who looks like he has the job as we head into summer, but look for a push from Israel Tucker in camp. There are only 4 RBs on the spring roster for the Bulldogs, so depth is a huge issue.

Teddy Veal caught 74 passes last fall with 7 TD receptions, and will be back to start at WR. Rhashid Bonnette, who finished 2nd on the team with 33 receptions, also returns to start. There are, however, 2 jobs open at WR as we head into fall camp. Alfred Smith and Javonte Woodard are the leaders there. They combined for all of 4 receptions last season. Kam McKnight, a RS senior, also figures in to the mix, as he caught 19 passes last fall, but he has not blown down any walls in holding a prime spot, but he also has emerged as a position change to RB to add some depth there.

The line should be strong for the Bulldogs, as 4 starters return. O'Shea Douglas (LG), Kody Russey (C), Ethan Reed (RG), and Michael Rodriguez (RT) all return, while a battle brews at LT. Willie Allen appears ready to step in and win the job, but DeVante Lovett will battle with him in fall camp. Shane Carpenter and Hanner Shipley will provide some depth inside at OG, Drew Kirkpatrick backs up at Center. Gewhite Stallworth is the backup at Tackle.

Breakdown Defense: The defensive front is in decent shape this fall, as 3 starters return on the line. Jaylon Ferguson will return at DE, and he led the team with 9.5 TFLs last fall, and also led with 7 sacks. He added 5 QB hurries to his totals. Matthew Ydarraga appears to be the leader to start at the open DE spot this fall. He finished last season with 3.5 TFLs off the bench. Eric Kendzior and Willie Baker will provide depth off the edge.

Jordan Bradford is one of the better DTs in the CUSA football, and returns to start, as does Keonatye Garner. They combined for 7 TFLs inside last season, and should be even better with a year under them as a duo this fall. Ka'Derrion Mason can provide help inside or outside, and should see some reps in rotation this fall.

Dae'Von Washington returns at LB, and led the team with 70 tackles last fall. He added 5 TFLs, and 3 QB hurries. He will be joined by JC transfer Connor Taylor, who finished last fall with 139 tackles and 21 TFLs at Snow College last fall. Collin Scott will be available if Taylor cannot replicate his success, and senior Randy Hogan adds depth.

The secondary could be a big question area for the Bulldogs this fall. Only 2 of 5 starters return in CB Amik Robertson and S Darryl Lewis. Robertson totaled 6 PBUs last fall, and led the team with 5 INTs, all as a freshman. Michael Sam appears to have the edge at the open CB spot, but Aaron Roberson could have something to say about that. Roberson totaled 4 PBUs last season. Robertson finished the year with 62 tackles, and is one of the best CBs in CUSA. Lewis will lead the Safety group this fall, and finished with 4 INTs last fall, one off the pace of Robertson. Lewis totaled 45 tackles on the season. He will be joined at Safety by 2 new starters in a 4-2-5 set. Jordan Baldwin and Jaiden Cole appear to be the front runners for those spots. Baldwin played in 12 games last season. Trey Spencer provides some depth at CB as well.

Breakdown Special Teams: Jonathon Barnes hit 25 FGs last fall, and has moved on. Bailey Hale transfers in with 2 years remaining from Eastern New Mexico, and has an edge for the job heading into the summer. Brady Farlow will give him a push for the job.

Farlow was the Punter last fall, and struggled badly, averaging just 37.64 yards per punt on the season. Davan Dreyer will push him for that job, but RS senior Will Parker will make a last stand as well.

Dancy is dangerous in the KR game, and will retain that job while trying to start at RB. He averaged 30.8 yards per return last fall. Veal averaged 6.7 yards per return on Punts last season, and returned one for a score. He will handle that job once again.

Final Analysis: Louisiana Tech is the likely favorite once again in the CUSA West Division, but North Texas is nipping at their heels, and the Bulldogs have to go to Denton in November for what should be a showdown for the division title. The bulldogs have a lot of rock solid pieces, and some new faces that can do some damage, but if they cannot find a consistent run game, and the secondary folds, there could be trouble on the horizon. It would probably help if Smith can find a groove at QB as well. In short, Tech certainly has the tools to do some damage, but they have questions as well. The west is wide open, but they have to stay on course to take it. A league overall title would be asking a lot, but a bowl looks to be on the horizon.