By Stephen Featherston, Louisiana Tech Associate Director of Strategic Communications; featured photo by Josh McDaniel
Louisiana Tech is set for its Conference USA opener against Florida International in Miami on Saturday at 5 p.m. The game will be aired on ESPN+.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28
Time: 5 p.m. (CT)
Location: Miami, Fla. (Pitbull Stadium)
TV: ESPN+
Live Stats:LATechSports.com/Stats
Radio: LA Tech Sports Network | LA Tech Athletics App
SERIES HISTORY
Series: LA Tech leads 5-1
In Ruston: 3-0
In Miami: 2-1
Neutral: 0-0
This will be the seventh all-time meeting between the Bulldogs and the Panthers, and the third consecutive matchup between the CUSA foes. LA Tech leads the series 5-1 after picking up a 22-17 win over FIU to open the season a year ago. Tech won four straight over the Panthers to start the series before falling 42-34 on the road in 2022. All six contests between LA Tech and FIU have been Conference USA games after both teams joined the league in 2013.
ABOUT LA TECH (1-2)
The Bulldogs moved to 1-2 on the season after falling in overtime 23-20 to Tulsa. Down by double-digits in the fourth quarter, LA Tech was able to overcome the deficit by pulling ahead late, before Tulsa connected on a field goal late in the fourth and in overtime to pull out the victory.
A Trio of quarterbacks saw action against Tulsa. Redshirt freshman Evan Bullock took over for an injured Blake Baker in the fourth quarter and led LA Tech on a five-play, 43-yard scoring drive to put the Bulldogs up late. Bullock finished 4-of-6 for 49 yards while tossing his first career touchdown pass. Starting quarterback Jack Turner went 7-of-14 for 41 yards. Baker is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after leading the team with 107 yards through the air.
Through three games, LA Tech’s defense ranks amongst the top half in several FBS categories, while sitting atop the CUSA ranks. The Bulldog defense ranks 37th in total defense (298.0), and rushing defense (106.5), while the teams 192.0 passing yards allowed per outing ranks 57th. Tech leads the CUSA in total defense, rushing defense and fewest touchdowns allowed.
BY THE NUMBERS
67 – The starting trio of Zach Zimos (29 tackles), Kolbe Fields (22 tackles), and CJ Harris (16 tackles) has combined for 67 stops through the first three games.
50 – Sixth-year defensive lineman Mykol Clarkplayed in his 50th career game after getting the start against Tulsa. The Texas native has played in all three contests this season while logging five tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and one sack.
49 – Defensive back Cedric Woods had a 49-yard punt return against Tulsa, marking the longest punt return by a CUSA player this season. Woods’ 49-yard return was the first punt return of his career.
4 – The Bulldogs have had four 40+ yard passing plays this season. Eli Finley became the third LA Tech player to record a reception of 40+ yards after posting a 53-yard catch against Tulsa. Tru Edwards (41, 71) & Jay Wilkerson (55) make up the other three grabs.
ABOUT FIU (1-3)
The Panthers come into Saturday night’s matchup with a 1-3 record after two straight losses. FIU opened the season with a 31-7 loss to Indiana before defeating Central Michigan 52-16. The Panthers are coming off losses to FAU and FCS foe Monmouth.
FIU is averaging 30.25 points per outing while giving up 32.50. The Panthers are led by sophomore quarterback Keyone Jenkins who has passed for 896 yards and eight scores through four games. Jenkins and the offense are averaging 333.5 yards per game (109.5 rushing, 224.0 passing).
Jenkins has two receivers with 10+ grabs as Dean Patterson has 16 receptions for 185 yards and two scores, while Eric Rivers has posted 12 catches for 256 yards and two touchdowns.
The Panther defense is giving up 435.8 yards per game with 212.8 on the ground and 223.0 through the air.