Tech Destroys UTEP to get back to .500
By: Casey Simoneaux
Intern, Louisiana Gridiron Football
The Bulldogs showed no mercy at home this week as they beat UTEP 55-3 in an absolute beat down. Coming off back-to-back losses to FCS opponent Northwestern State and SEC foe Auburn, Tech had something to prove as they advanced to 2-0 in C-USA. This was a must win game and the Bulldogs did not disappoint. Next week Louisiana Tech looks to go 3-0 in Conference USA as they take on UTSA at home. Go Dawgs!
Offense
The Bulldog offense put on a clinic this past Saturday in Ruston as they rattled off 28 points in the first half and 27 in the second half and 41 one points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters alone. The Bulldogs went for 443 total yards with 187 through the air and 256 of that on the ground. Cody Sokol had only 6 completions on 16 attempts but 173 yards and three touchdowns on only SIX COMPLETIONS. Sokol also kept the defense honest by rushing for 60 yards on 5 carries for one touchdown. Kenneth Dixon led all rushers with 21 carries for 86 yards and one touchdown while Jarred Craft also chipped in for one touchdown. This balanced rushing attack is an important part of making this offense one of the best in C-USA. The receiving corps had little receptions but for big yardage. Carlos Henderson and Hunter Lee only combined for 5 catches but totaled up 155 yards and two touchdowns. Big plays were obviously abundant Saturday as Tech had plenty of them.
Defense
The Bulldog defense played lights out Saturday only allowing three points to UTEP. Tech help UTEP to only 224 total yards and a measly 81 yards on the ground. West Monroe native Xavier Woods played lights out in the secondary grabbing two interceptions. Le’Vander Liggins also helped out the cause by returning a blocked field goal 54 yards for a touchdown. If this defense can continue to play this stout, look for more and more wins for the Bulldogs in C-USA