Explosive Offense Lifts Tech over Western Kentucky
By: Dustin Nothnagel
Intern, Louisiana Gridiron Football
On Saturday, November 1, the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky traveled to Ruston, Louisiana, to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. The 59-10 victory for the Bulldogs only solidified the belief that they are the toughest team in Conference-USA.
Many of Tech’s household names had monstrous days for the Bulldogs including quarterback Cody Sokol. Sokol’s 6 touchdown performance (5 passing) boosted the Bulldog offense to scoring a season high 59 points. Along with the passing game, running back Kenneth Dixon continued his impressive year on the ground with 77 yards on only 14 carries (average 5.5 yards per carry). The Tech receiving core seems to be gelling better in the latter part of the season. Sophomore receiver Trent Taylor had a season high 9 catches tallying 113 yards and 3 scores. Junior receiver Paul Turner also compiled 9 catches and 84 yards receiving. Sophomore kicker Kyle Fischer had a huge day in fantasy football banking in a 51 yard field goal early in the game, and a total of 8 extra points. Freshman receiver Carlos Henderson broke the game open early in the 2nd quarter returning a kick-off 96 yards following the Hilltoppers only touchdown of the game. Tech was able to grasp the momentum of the game early and never seemed to let it go. The Bulldogs kept their foot on the gas for an entire 4 quarters. That full-speed mentality will be necessary next week as they travel to Legion Field take on the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers.
Under first year coach Bill Clark, the Blazers come in to the game 5-4 with a 3-2 C-USA record. The Blazers will be an upset-minded team that has been getting better week after week. This is a poor time of year to play the Bulldogs however; La Tech has a lot of momentum right now and will look to build off of Saturday’s performance. Look for quarterback Cody Sokol to attempt many passes because the Blazers will game plan against running back Kenneth Dixon. Go ‘Dawgs!