Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Head Coach

Derek Dooley	2nd year
07-08	5-7
WAC	4-3
FCR	88

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - Derek Dooley enters his second season as the Bulldog’s head coach, last year he was able to find two more wins then the Bulldogs managed in 2006 when they won but three games. Can he win more than 5 games this year, hopefully because the fans in Ruston want to be competitive in the WAC once again some time soon? They return eight starters on offense but will have and new man under center and on defense they need to replace six starters. They have good skill players and if they find the answer at quarterback look for the Bulldogs to put some points on the board.

Quarterback - Until the spring fans in Ruston figured it would be another season as a bottom feeder in the WAC, for the simple reason, they did not have a QB. Then Taylor Bennett announced he would become a Bulldog and transfer from Georgia Tech. He’ll be eligible immediately and the word out of Ruston is that he will be the starter over sophomore Ross Jenkins. But if he doesn’t pick up the offense quickly the Bulldogs might be in some trouble.

Running Backs - If Bennett can pickup the offense quickly and they can have a respectable passing game the Bulldogs will be able to run the ball, maybe even better than last year. Patrick Johnson was 2nd team All-WAC last year, he rushed for 950 yards and had eight TD’s while averaged 4.7 yards a carry. the Bulldog backfield is stacked, Johnson’s backups combined for over 800 yards rushing and will get more chances this fall in the passing attack.

Receivers - Last year Phillip Livas, a true freshman ran through the WAC and will be this year’s go to receiver. Senior Phillip Beck also returns as the other starting WR, he had 30 receptions for 359 yards and is a good possession receiver. The La Tech offense likes to utilize the tight ends and looks to get the ball often, juniors Dustin Mitchell and Dennis Morris will provide big targets and will require attention in the offense.

Offensive Line - The Bulldogs return 3 starters from last year’s team, they’ll have to be a solid group as the new QB looks to pick up the system quickly and will need some help from time to time. Senior David Accardo and sophomore Cudahay Harmon are the two new starters whom coach Derek Dooley expects big things from this fall.

Defensive Line- Coach Dooley philosophy on recruiting D-Line is to build around them and he has done that by beefing up the group upfront. Returning is stud nose guard D’Anthony Smith, the junior always make an impact and creates problems for opposing lineman with his quickness. Dooley has brought in two big-time D-Lineman in JUCO Kwame Jordan and true freshman Eric Harper, look for these two players to make an immediate impact this year.

Linebackers - The linebacking core will be a big mystery this season for the Bulldogs, they lost 5 players to graduation, all of which were pretty solid but they could actually be better than last year. Senior Quinn Harris returns he was outstanding a year ago when he had 102 tackles and was second team All-WAC. Also senior Brannon Jackson returns from injury and will be in the middle while Alabama transfer Zach Schreiber will make his first start for the Bulldogs and he’ll be on the strongside.

Defensive Backs - Three starters return for the Bulldogs led by junior Antonio Baker, he was 1st team All-WAC at the free safety position and led the team with 118 tackles and added three interceptions. Also returning are both corners in senior Weldon Brown and junior Deon Young. The big problem in the secondary is depth and the season could go downhill pretty quick if even one person gets an injury.

Special Teams -

Schedule - Overall the Bulldogs will continue to get better under Head Coach Derek Dooley but that doesn’t mean it will turn into more wins. With a tough non-conference schedule and a better WAC conference expect 4 wins this season for La Tech.