Coach: Derek Dooley

2008 Record: 8-5

Conference: Western Athletic

Returning Starters: 9-Offense / 7-Defense

Projected Offensive Line-Up

QB - Ross Jenkins Jr.

RB - Daniel Porter Sr.

WR - Cruz Williams So.

WR - Phillip Livas Jr.

TE - Dennis Morris Sr.

C - Lon Roberts Jr.

RG - Jared Miles Jr.

LG - Ben Harris Sr.

RT - Cudahy Harmon Jr.

LT - Rob McGill Jr.

Projected Defensive Line-Up

DE - Matt Broha So.

DT - Mason Hitt Jr.

DT - D’Anthony Smith Sr.

DE - Kwame Jordan Sr.

LB - Dominique Faust Jr.

LB - Adrien Cole So.

LB - Nrian White Sr.

CB - Terry Carter So.

CB - Josh Victorian Jr.

SS - Deon Young Sr.

FS - Antonio Baker Sr.

After a record breaking year last season, Coach Derek Dooley has quickly become one of the hottest young head coaches in the game today. Dooley led the Bulldogs to a 5-3 mark in Western Athletic Conference play and he has his best team yet in only his third season at the helm in Ruston.

The Bulldogs could surpass last year’s eight win total and should be back in a bowl for a second straight season. Louisiana Tech has 16 starters back with nine veterans returning to the offense and seven back on defense.

The Bulldogs should be one of the best rushing teams in the WAC this season with the return of their entire offensive line and top running back Daniel Porter. Porter had a tremendous season in 2008 as he rushed for 1,164-yards and nine touchdowns.

But the best player maker on this roster is Philip Livas. The former South Terrbonne star has become one of the best overall players in the WAC and he is solid on offense rushing the ball, catching the ball and he is even more dangerous on special teams.

Ross Jenkins looks like the starter at quarterback but if he falters Auburn transfer Steve Ensminger will be there to take over. The Bulldogs Defense has made a huge turnaround in a short amount of time. 

The Tech Defense was one of the worst in the nation just two seasons ago, and now they have a chance to really put the bite on opponents in 2009. All-American Canditates D’Anthony Smith and Antonio Baker are the two best at their positions in the WAC.

Smith is a solid run stopper and pass rusher on the Tech defensive line and Baker is perhaps the most underrated defensive back in the country. Both should be solid NFL players and can really up their draft status this season.

The Bulldogs schedule sets up for them to really make some noise. But it all hinges on what they do in the first week of the season. If Tech goes to the Plains and beats Auburn then lookout!

A win over the Tigers could have Tech in position for a hot 4-0 start before a trip to Nevada to face the Wolf Pack in a huge WAC showdown. I really think that Tech is capable of winning nine games this season. They have the talent to win the WAC and other than their non-conference tilt with in-state foe LSU, they match-up on the plus side with every other foe they will face this season.