Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 12: San Diego State falls out
By Zach Bigalke
7. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-1/C-USA)
- LAST RANK: 8th
- WEEK 11 RESULT: won 52-17 vs. North Texas
- WEEK 12 OPPONENT: Nov. 15 at Marshall
Louisiana Tech kept themselves in the Group of Five hunt this week with a resounding 52-17 victory over preseason C-USA West favorite North Texas. The victory kept the Bulldogs undefeated in conference play and at the top of the division standings.
Since losing to Texas in the season opener, Skip Holtz’s team has rattled off eight straight wins. Thanks to their head-to-head victory over Southern Miss, Louisiana Tech needs just one more win to lock up the division crown.
In the big win over the Mean Green, four different Bulldogs ran for touchdowns. Justin Henderson led the way, carrying the ball 15 times for 58 yards and a pair of rushing scores. Israel Tucker, Jawaun Johnson, and Smoke Harris also punched in touchdowns for Louisiana Tech on the ground. Meanwhile, quarterback J’Mar Smith threw for 263 yards with one touchdown and one interception on 21-of-38 passing.
Of course, Louisiana Tech still needs help. In 2014, we saw one-loss C-USA champion Marshall passed up for a New Year’s Six berth in favor of two-loss Mountain West champ Boise State. If the AAC or Mountain West champion bears just one loss, they will get the nod. If they have lost twice, Louisiana Tech might not have the resume to break through. They need to stay focused on the remaining tasks at hand, beginning with Friday’s showdown at Marshall.