Preview: LA Tech hosts home opener Saturday versus Southeastern Louisiana

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech (0-1) opens its 2021 home campaign on Saturday, Sept. 11, as the Bulldogs host the Southeastern Lions (1-0) at 6 p.m. CT inside Joe Aillet Stadium.

ABOUT LA TECH (0-1)

Louisiana Tech will look to bounce back from its 35-34 loss at Mississippi State on Sept. 4. The Bulldogs from Ruston trailed, 14-0, early, but struck back with big plays to score 34 unanswered points. MSU countered with 21 unanswered points to go up 35-34. Tech had a chance for a potential game-winning field goal from 46 yards away, but the ball was tipped at the line of scrimmage and fell short.

LA Tech graduate quarterback Austin Kendall completed 20-of-36 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns in the season-opener at Mississippi State. Kendall also led the Ruston Bulldogs in rushing with 68 total yards and one touchdown. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Bub Means led Tech with 94 receiving yards on two receptions, including a 72-yard touchdown to end the first quarter.

Defensively, graduate defensive back Baylen Buchanan and junior defensive back Jaiden Cole led Tech with eight tackles each. Senior linebacker Trey Baldwin was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) Defensive Player of the Week after registering six total stops, one forced fumble and a 35-yard pick six.

Head coach Skip Holtz is in his ninth season at the helm of the LA Tech football program. Holtz has led Tech to seven straight bowl games and is one win away from his 150th career win as a FBS head coach.

LA Tech Depth Chart – Week 2 vs. SLU

ABOUT SOUTHEASTERN (1-0)

Southeastern enters Saturday’s game ranked No. 13/14 in the FCS. The Lions won their season opener at North Alabama, 49-28, on Sept. 4. Reigning Walter Payton Award winner Cole Kelley led a Lion offense that finished with 495 total yards and converted 10-of-15 of its third-down opportunities.

Head coach Frank Scelfo is in his fourth year at the helm of the Southeastern where he has accumulated a 17-15 overall record.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Sept. 11
Time: 6 p.m. (CT)
Location: Ruston, La.
Venue:  Joe Aillet Stadium
Surface: FieldTurf Revolution

GAMEDAY PROMOTIONS
Wear: BLUE
College Day — Liberal Arts
First Responders Day — Join us for our home opener as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11 and recognize first responders in our community. Be sure to tune in during halftime as the Band of Pride performs a special halftime show. FREE admission the day of game for first responders (must show ID).

SERIES HISTORY
Series: LA Tech leads, 28-7-2
In Ruston: LA Tech leads, 16-3-2
Last: (2008, LA Tech won, 41-26)
In Hammond: LA Tech leads, 12-4
Last: (1984, LA Tech won, 17-9)

HOW TO FOLLOW
Live Stats: Sidearm
Live Audio: LA Tech Sports Network (KXKZ 107.5 FM)
Twitter Updates: @LATechFB
Instagram Updates: @latechfb

TV/RADIO COVERAGE
TV: ESPN3
PxP: Lyn Rollins
Analyst: Chris Mycoskie

Radio: LA Tech Sports Network (KXKZ 107.5 FM)
PxP: Malcolm Butler
Analyst: Teddy Allen