Louisiana Tech Football: CUSA title next step for Bulldogs?
By Zach Bigalke
Defense
Louisiana Tech was decent on offense last year. But the defense was the reason why the Bulldogs managed to make it to a bowl game. Louisiana Tech’s defense snatched 28 turnovers all season, ranking in the top 10 nationally. Combined with Smith’s ball control, that allowed the Bulldogs to finish fifth in the FBS in turnover margin.
Eight starters return to the defense, including one of the most veteran defensive lines in the Group of Five. Four seniors with starting experience are all back for their final years of eligibility. Jaylon Ferguson leads the bunch as the only Louisiana Tech defensive star named to the preseason Bednarik Award watch list.
A trio of veteran linebackers is back to fill out the spots at the second level, especially when the Bulldogs are in their base nickel defense. The departure of Russell Farris is tough to swallow. But seniors Dae’Von Washington and Randy Hogan and junior Collin Scott can fill out the linebacking spots in two- or three-man looks.
Focusing on the secondary
The greatest amount of attrition comes in the Louisiana Tech secondary. Injuries allowed the team to develop depth in 2017, but the Bulldogs still lost one critical piece this offseason. Secdrick Cooper is gone at safety, leaving one major hole in the defensive backfield.
But more important than anything is the return of instant-impact cornerback Amik Robertson. As a freshman in 2017, Robertson stepped up and had one of the best seasons of any cornerback in the country. Robertson notched five interceptions and five other pass breakups. He added 7.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.
Darryl Lewis is another linchpin for the Bulldogs. Lewis finished with four interceptions in 2017. He is back at safety along with Jordan Baldwin. Jaiden Cole could also step up at the position this season. The unit will need to keep up its position as one of the top interception-snatching groups in the nation. (Louisiana Tech finished seventh nationally with 19 interceptions in 2017.)