Surprise Team: Louisiana Tech
Defense: (45[SUP]th[/SUP] in 2013)
The defense was solid in 2013 and should be even better in 2014. The back seven are excellent and should be considered the conference best in aggregate. The defensive unit was very fortunate one year ago in avoiding injuries, which is unlikely to happen again this campaign. I’m not completely sold on the defensive line, but there is promise with this bunch.
The linebackers have a legitimate chance to the top unit in the conference led by a seasoned group of athletic and aggressive playmakers. I like the looks of Terrell Pinson, who split time last season starting and coming off the bench. I think he could break through this season. The secondary should be solid returning the entire two deep and have a pair of young and exciting safeties in Woods and Grogan.
Lastly, the special teams should be near the top of the conference, which is always a nice to have when the race should be tight for the division.
Offense (120th in 2013)
The offense was a mess in 2013, but should show astronomical improvement in 2014. In fact, I give this team a realistic chance to be the conferences best offense behind Marshall. They return quarterback Higgins who struggled last season with turnovers and bring in Iowa transfer Sokol, who should get the nod to start the season. In addition, keep an eye on Taylor Burch, who was an in-state dual threat in HS at Neville who left football for baseball and is coming back to the team for his final year of eligibility. Could he have an impact after not playing competitive ball for the last three seasons? Unlikely, but it could set up for a interesting story if he does get on the field at all and plays well.
The rushing attack returns Dixon, King and Sheets who combined for over 1800 yards and should far exceed that number in 2014. This unit could be the conferences best backfield and should have success in conference running behind a talented offensive line, which won’t compete for top billing in the conference, but certainly won’t be a liability.
The receivers return top target Griffin (assuming he receives his medical clearance for a sixth year of eligibility, which would be shocking if he didn’t), but lose the next three options, which may appear to be a step down, but it won’t be. There is a talented group of youngsters here, the conferences top tight end and incoming transfer Turner from LSU should set this unit nicely heading into 2014.
Coaching:
Skip Holtz enters his second season, which is usually a strong year for coaches and a measuring stick. It is expected that your system will start taking shape in year two and “your” players should start filling the roster. Manny Diaz joins LT as DC, which should be a boost to the defense. Diaz had a rough couple of years at Texas, but the pedigree is still there IMO and a less pressure environment may be just what the doctor ordered.
Schedule:
The schedule is nightmarish to start the season, three straight road games against bowl teams, four road games in five weeks with trips to Oklahoma, ULL, North Texas and Auburn. A daunting task for sure and likely four losses, however I expect the team to rebound and finish the season nicely with a 5-2 mark in the final seven.
The conference road slate is favorable following the NT game with three winnable road trips to S Miss, UAB and ODU. The home schedule lines up nicely for Tech as well with UTEP, UTSA, W Kentucky and Rice. The more powerful sides visit Joe Aillet Field, for the most part. They have a bye heading into the UTSA game and face Rice who will be coming off games with UTSA and Marshall.
Summary:
If not for a murderous non-conference slate and the fact they play North Texas away from home in the middle of said slate, I may be looking to Tech to take down the West. They really aren’t weak anywhere on the roster compared to CUSA opposition. They are entering the second season under Holtz, have a nice mix of experience and youth, talent coming into the program, are off a strong recruiting campaign and have a conference schedule that lines up quite nicely. I really like the guys coming in with Sokol, Bates, Turner and Diaz on the sidelines and fully expect this to be an exciting, improved squad in 2014.
There should be some value on the Bulldogs once conference play rolls around, but I’m not quite sure how long it will last. This team has shown flashes in the recent past, which could resonate earlier with the public and bookmakers alike if they show some signs of success early.
