Louisiana Tech: Keys to the Game

September 19, 2015 Trevor Elwell-Cuddy 0 Comments

Running Back Kenneth Dixon

Although Kansas State’s rush defense ranks eighth in the country, the Wildcats have not had to face an elite back such as senior Kenneth Dixon. Dixon finds himself on the Doak Walker and Maxwell Award watch lists for 2015 and has gained 380 rushing and receiving yards and scored four touchdowns from scrimmage. Dixon’s senior season is currently building off of his past performances, as the Strong, Arkansas, product has scored 65 touchdowns and gained 4295 all-purpose yards in his career. Dixon will most likely carry a large portion of the Louisiana Tech offense as Dixon had 27 carries in the Bulldogs’ last game against Western Kentucky due to the fact two other Bulldog running backs have hand injuries.

Quarterback Jeff Driskell

Jeff Driskel transferred to Louisiana Tech from Florida following the 2014 season after the highly touted recruit had a tumultuous tenure in Gainesville, a tenure that saw Driskel suffer from a broken leg and move from being a starter to the bench in addition to lacking support from the Gator fanbase. Driskel appears to be revitalized at Louisiana Tech, leading the nation in passer ratings after the Bulldogs’ first game and throwing for 631 yards and six touchdowns so far on the season. The Bulldogs, however, have not faced a secondary as strong as Kansas State’s, and Driskel’s performance on Saturday should show if Driskel’s struggles at Florida were the result of being scapegoated by Florida fans as Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz (son of Lou Holtz) claims.

Louisiana Tech Secondary

The Bulldogs bring a strong secondary to Manhattan, consisting of veteran contributors and NFL prospect Adairius Barnes. The Bulldog secondary was part of a Louisiana Tech defense that led the nation in takeways and tied for the lead in interceptions in 2014. While the Bulldogs’ secondary is definitely capable of playing at a high level, Louisiana Tech allowed 441 passing yards in a loss to Western Kentucky, the most passing yards allowed by Louisiana Tech since 2013. Will Kansas State find a way to replicate Western Kentucky’s success, or will the Wildcats be shut down by a solid unit?