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Five Questions: Louisiana Tech

Our friend Ben Carlisle from BleedTechBlue.com took some time to answer some Louisiana Tech related questions for us. The Bulldogs are 5-6 on the year and are looking to become bowl eligible with a win this Saturday.

1. Louisiana Tech has struggled in one possession games. Why has Tech had difficulties closing out opponents?

Tech has certainly played their share of one possession games, losing to South Carolina, UAB, and North Texas all by one point. The Bulldogs also lost to Southern Miss by 7 in 2OT, a game that the Bulldogs led by 11 in with less than four minutes to play. The struggles in one possession games can be attributed to a multitude of issues, but for me the most pressing factor is that lack of touchdowns being scored in the red-zone. For the season Tech is only converting 52% of their red-zone possessions in to touchdowns. Tech has not run the ball successful enough in the red-zone which has led to the Bulldogs losing numerous close games.

2. How has J’Mar Smith handled being QB1 in 2017?

The play of J’Mar Smith throughout his first year as the starting quarterback has been mixed. Smith has played outstanding games against the likes of Western Kentucky and Florida Atlantic but struggled mightily against Southern Miss. One thing has been clear, Smith has all the tools to be the next great quarterback at Louisiana Tech, head coach Skip Holtz is still looking for the consistency from drive to drive from Smith.

3. Louisiana Tech seems to be having a below average year. How has the fan base handled the struggles in 2017?

Tech has certainly had a down year considering the three previous seasons produced 27 Bulldog victories. The fan base has not taken well to the down season and attendance has been lacking in a major way. Tech has averaged just over 17,000 fans their last two games and this week against UTSA figures to be another lackluster crowd.

4. Who are the names to know on offense and defense?

Offensively quarterback J’Mar Smith, running back Boston Scott, and wide receivers Teddy Veal and Rhashid Bonnette are the names to watch. The quartet provide a large chunk of Tech’s offensive production. Defensively Jaylon Ferguson at defensive end has had a down season but is a premier pass rusher in Conference USA. In the secondary true freshman Amik Robertson has been a playmaker for the Bulldogs all year. He has made 11 starts and leads the team in interceptions and tackles for loss.

5. Who wins and why?

The Bulldogs and Roadrunners have developed a nice rivalry in the West Division of Conference USA over the years. These two teams were expected to compete for the division championship but have both underperformed. With Tech having their backs up against the wall fighting for their bowl lives I am going to say Tech pulls out a tight victory 24-20. Tech will win due to the offensive line finally being healthy (the same unit is expected to start for the third straight week for the first time all year) and being able to establish a productive run game.

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