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Head coach Jack Bicknell has created a solid program that won the WAC a few years ago, but now things have slipped. The conference has gotten a little bit better and the offense hasn't been as potent as it used to be. The defense was the worst in America allowing more than 505 yards per game.
The potential is there for a huge turnaround as the offense should be able to run the ball with ease with Ryan Moats working behind one of the WAC's best lines. The defense can't be any worse, and it will be more aggressive in the new 3-4 style. There are still major holes to be filled (quarterback, proven receiver and pass rush), but enough pieces are in place to demand a winning season. Anything less could mean a very different look next year at this time.
The Schedule: Two words: cha-ching. Louisiana Tech likes the big payday that comes from playing the big name teams, and they'd love nothing more than a Michigan State-like road win over Tennessee, Auburn and/or Miami. The end is a killer with three tough road games and Tulsa in the final four contests.
Best Offensive Player: Junior RB Ryan Moats. One of the most productive players in the WAC, Moats ran for 1,300 yards while also showing great hands in the passing game. There's no reason to think he can't have another All-WAC season with all five starters returning to the line.
Best Defensive Player: Senior LB Byron Santiago. The coaching staff loves this guy. He should turn into one of the WAC's top tacklers after turning into a force halfway through last year.
Key player to a successful season: Quarterback Luke McCown might have never quite lived up to all his potential, but he still left Louisiana Tech with 12,666 yards and 87 touchdowns while occasionally showing flashes of brilliance. It will be up to four quarterbacks to try and replace him with the competition open up until the opening snap. Junior Matt Kubik is the number one for the moment with the most time in the system, junior Donald Allen has the most mobility and biggest arm, redshirt freshman Zac Champion has the most upside and most talent, and Oklahoma transfer Brent Rawls has the experience in a big-time program.
The season will be a success if ... Tech wins six games. It will get destroyed early with road games against Tennessee, Auburn and Miami, but the WAC schedule is conducive for a winning season. Anything less could mean massive changes in the program.
Key game: Oct. 30 vs. Nevada. The Wolf Pack needs this game for winning season and bowl hopes of its own, and this is a must-win for Tech with at Hawaii, Tulsa, at Boise State and at Rice to close things out.
2003 Fun Stats:
- First quarter scoring: Opponents 149 - Louisiana Tech 76
- Rushing yards per game: Opponents 237.7 - Louisiana Tech 137.8
- Third down conversions: Opponents 43% - Louisiana Tech 28%
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