Louisiana Tech University

Type of Offense: Spread.  Zone read running plays and nearly all passing plays from the shotgun formation.  There is rare to no use of a fullback.  Tight End is used primarily as a blocking back (extra OL).  Nearly all runs are made by the RB and QB save the occasional end around with the WR.

Type of Defense: 4-3. Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run. MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game. A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play. Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top. Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.

· Run/Pass %: 52/48

· Run/Pass Attempts: 465/425

· Points Per Game: 26.8

· Points Allowed Per Game: 30.7

Key Returning Players:

· Lennon Creer, RB: Formerly of the University of Tennessee, ran for over 1200 yards and 10 TDs as a junior. Will be the focal point of the offense and may be able to get to 1400 yards in 2011.

· Richie Casey, WR: Leading returning receiver (40+ catches) must take the #1 spot and improve on all stats and become a major factor on the field.

· Jay Dudley, LB: Leading returning tackler will be looked upon as the leader of a defense that gave up 30+ points per game in 2010. He must be a strong part of the resurgence of the defense in the 2011 season.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

· Quinton Patton, WR: This three star WR that is coming from Coffeyville CC has the ability to move right up the depth chart from the moment he steps foot on campus. Expect to see big things out of him this fall.

· Oscar Johnson, OL: This massive 3 star OL out of Mississippi has the size and strength to compete for a spot on the line. Time will tell if this road-grater will live up to the hype but NFL scouts could end up as several games in the next couple years to see this OL.  

Overall Assessment: Not having to see Boise State this fall is a godsend for this squad that struggled to stop pretty much anyone offensively. There is talent on the offensive side of the ball in UT transfer Creer who had 1200+ yards his first year in the system. The bad news is that with the defense they may have to try to just outscore opponents this fall. The WAC does not look as strong or deep as last season but asking La. Tech to win more than the 5 they won last season will be stretching things quite a bit. Look for another 4 win season with slight improvement on both sides of the ball and a positive outlook for the future.