It’s a non-conference clash on the gridiron between a pair of mid-major programs in the Yellowhammer State when a member of Conference USA takes on one from the Sun Belt. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are on the road as they travel to face the South Alabama Jaguars Saturday night. Louisiana Tech was whipped 48-20 on the road by #4 Clemson in their most recent contest last Saturday. South Alabama fell just short in their last game, falling 32-31 on the road to UCLA last Saturday. In the all-time series between the programs, the Bulldogs have claimed both meetings, including a 30-26 triumph on the road in the most recent matchup on September 1, 2018.
Louisiana Tech fell to 0-2 against FBS opponents as they were rolled by #4 Clemson on the road in their most recent game. The Bulldogs enter this game 1-2 overall and will attempt to even their record by earning their first win of the season over a FBS opponent. Against Clemson, Louisiana Tech was within 13-6 at the half before getting outscored 21-0 in the third quarter to fall into a 34-6 hole. The Bulldogs never got closer than 14 after that as Clemson pulled away. Louisiana Tech was outgained 521-323 in total offense, gave up 25 first downs while picking up 14 and turned the ball over four times while forcing just one. The Bulldogs lost the time of possession battle by a 31:24 to 28:36 margin as well.
For the season, the Bulldogs are 32nd in the nation in passing offense with an average of 287.7 yards per contest while they stand 111th in the nation in rushing offense with 107.7 yards per game. Louisiana Tech is 71st in the FBS in scoring offense with an average of 32 points per contest while they are a dismal 123rd in scoring defense by allowing 39 points per game. Parker McNeil is 41 of 76 passing for 650 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Matthew Downing (21 of 38, 197 yards, TD, three INT) and Landry Lyddy (two of two, 16 yards) have seen action under center as well. The run game is led by Marquis Crosby (35 carries, 227 yards, three TD) with Charvis Thornton (16 carries, 74 yards, TD) and Harlan Dixon (eight carries, 36 yards) also in the mix. Tre Harris leads the team with 14 receptions for 165 yards plus two scores this season. Smoke Harris (12 catches, 76 yards, TD), Julien Lewis (10 receptions, 107 yards), tight end Griffin Hebert (nine grabs, 278 yards, two TD) and Cyrus Allen (six catches, 152 yards, two TD) are capable targets as well. In the kicking game, Jacob Barnes has drilled all 12 extra point at tempts and four of five field goal attempts with a long of 35.