Tech Holds on Against UTSA
By: Casey Simoneaux
Intern, Louisiana Gridiron Football
Louisiana Tech defeated UTSA 27-20 Saturday in Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana. After coming off of a bye week, Tech had time to create a game plan to win this football game and that they did. This is the Bulldogs second win in a row and they hope to keep the streak going as they travel to Hattiesburg, Mississippi this Saturday to take on Southern Miss. Go Dawgs!
Offense
The Bulldog offense was very slow coming out of the gate on Saturday. Tech only put up 6 points in the first half, which were both field goals by Jonathan Barnes. At the half, the Bulldogs were down 10-6 and needed to get something going soon, and they did. Tech rattled off 21 points in the 3rd quarter, to take a 27-10 lead going into the fourth. Terrell Pinson picked up a fumble and ran it 2 yards into the end zone to start the scoring in the second half. Shortly after, Cody Sokol connected with Sterling Griffin for a 19-yard touchdown pass and catch. Finally Kenneth Dixon finished the scoring for Tech with a 2-yard touchdown run after a UTSA turnover. Cody Sokol had an okay game going 14/31 with 157 yards and one touchdown. Kenneth Dixon help out his quarterback a lot by rushing for 121 yards on 28 carries and had one touchdown. Having a strong rushing attack can really take pressure off of your quarterback in tight situations. Sterling Griffin led all receivers with 6 catches for 70 yards and one touchdown. Tech needs two more wins to become bowl eligible, if this offense can keep putting up these consistent numbers I don’t see why they wouldn’t be going bowling in a few months.
Defense
The Louisiana Tech defense played very well in the take away department. The Bulldogs forced 4 turnovers, 3 of which were interceptions. Terrell Pinson had two of the three interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. The Bulldogs held UTSA to 324 total yards of offense; 134 yards on the ground and 190 through the air. Those aren’t bad numbers at all. The only problem the Bulldogs had was defending the big play. The only two touchdowns UTSA had were plays no shorter than 35 yards. If Tech can get better at making the opposing offense put a whole drive together and work for the 6 points I believe the defense will be stellar. All in All the defense played a solid game, and hopefully their play will continue on the road next week.