Five questions with Louisiana Tech beat writer Sean Isabella
AUBURN -- Each week we chat with a beat writer who covers Auburn's opponent to help get a better understanding leading up to the next game.
This week we hear from Sean Isabella of The News-Star to get some insight into the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. You can follow Sean on Twitter @ST_IsabellaTNS.
1) After a shocking loss to an FCS team, what's the mood been among Louisiana Tech's players?
The coaching staff and players are past it, or so they say. La. Tech coach Skip Holtz is as positive as they come, and although there wasn't much to take away from an FCS loss, the message Holtz is hammering home is that at least it wasn't a conference game. The Bulldogs' goal of a Conference USA title and bowl game are still within reach, so I suppose it could be worse.
Plus, for whatever reason, La. Tech seems to play better as an underdog. Not that many expect La. Tech to beat Auburn, but maybe this past Saturday was a wake up call and the Bulldogs will keep it close. Doubtful, but stranger things have happen.
2) The Bulldogs spread the ball out among so many receivers, is one clearly the leader of the group?
I don't know if Cody Sokol really has a favorite target through four games because he seems to have a solid chemistry with La. Tech's top four receivers — Sterling Griffin, Paul Turner, Trent Taylor and Hunter Lee. If I had to pick, it's probably Griffin, who is the most seasoned outside receiver the Bulldogs have. Turner, an LSU transfer, is the playmaker, and La. Tech likes to use him on screens to get him out in the open field. Lee/Taylor are the inside guys and have been productive so far. It kind of depends what the defense gives Sokol, honestly. If Auburn leaves Griffin and Turner in 1-on-1 situations, he'll air it out to them. If not, he likes Lee/Taylor to win inside.
3) Skip Holtz sounded very concerned with Auburn's defensive line, though they've been inconsistent in pass rush so far. Is La. Tech's offensive line a major weakness?
I wouldn't say "weakness" but it's a major concern. As a whole, the offensive line has been a case of musical chairs the past two years. The Bulldogs have struggled to find consistency with players graduating and a overall lack of depth at the position. This year, they've allowed 10 sacks. That number should probably be more but Sokol has escaped a a handful of them, especially against Northwestern State.
From watching tape, Holtz doesn't think La. Tech will have a ton of time to throw in the pocket, so I'd expect to see either a lot of short, quick passes or the Bulldogs to bring in a tight end and/or fullback to provide max protection. The problem with that is I personally don't think they have the talent to run one or two routes in max protect against an SEC defense.
4) Kenneth Dixon has some put up some nice numbers to start the season, do you think Holtz still goes to him if the game gets out of hand?
The previous answer kind of leads me into this point. Not only is Holtz concerned about protecting Sokol, but he didn't seem too confident that he can get Dixon going. He's the workhorse and is averaging 5.9 yards per carry, but it's hard to see La. Tech's line opening up many holes. Throughout his career, Dixon has been known to make something out of nothing, so I would expect Holtz to keep feeding him even if the Bulldogs are down early, although if it's something like a 40- or 50-point game, you'll probably see true freshman Jarred Craft carrying the rock.
5) What is the goal from a 32-point underdog in a game like this?
It's important to note this isn't just a one-week deal for La. Tech. Sure the Bulldogs want to win, but they also realize there's a lot they need to work on before jumping back into C-USA play.
Holtz said Wednesday he wants to play a clean game. La. Tech turned it over five times and committed a slew of penalties last weekend. The Bulldogs have no chance Saturday, or the rest of the season for that matter, if they continue to beat themselves.
They realize they are huge underdogs, but they at least want to give themselves a chance and gauge where they are against top competition by playing mistake-free ball.