2009 College Football Predictions: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

2008 Record: (8-5, 5-3)
Coach: Derek Dooley, 3rd year (13-12 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Frank Scelfo (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tommy Spangler (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (9 offense, 6 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback Yes (Ross Jenkins)

Offense: The Bulldogs return nine starters from a unit that produced 24.6ppg and 343.1 yards per game. They need to improve on the league’s worst passing offense (156 yards per game). Junior QB Ross Jenkins (6-3, 212) threw for 1,155 yards after going 6-2 as a starter, but was more of a game manager than a thrower. His top target is junior Phillip Livas (5-8, 175), who had 2,105 all-purpose yards last year. Senior RB Daniel Porter (5-9, 190) was a first-team All-WAC selection last year after rushing for 1,164 yards and nine TDs. They do return all five starters, plus a sixth player who had six starters a season ago. They are anchored by junior LT Rob McGill (6-6, 305), a potential all-league pick.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit that allowed 23.7ppg (52nd in the nation) and 376.5 yards per game (73rd in the nation). They return three of four starters up front including senior DT D’Anthony Smith (6-2, 300), who had five sacks last year, 65 tackles and was named to the first-team All-WAC team. They ranked 13th in the nation against the run, but struggled against the pass (113th). Senior SLB Brian White (6-1, 228) is the only returning starter at linebacker. The secondary returns a pair of starters including FS Antonio Baker (5-11, 200), who had 115 tackles and three picks last year.

Outlook: Louisiana Tech faces Auburn and Navy on the road to start the season. They open their home schedule with Nicholls State and then later take on LSU in November on the road. In the WAC, they host Boise State, but take on Nevada on the road.

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