Next opponent: LaTech wins 2023 opener
Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2023 12:18 amLouisiana Tech 22, Florida International 17 (at LaTech's home in Ruston, La.)
LaTech spotted FIU a 14-0 lead after one quarter, then closed the gap in the second and trailed, 17-13, at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, LaTech scored 9 points in the fourth quarter to pull out the win.
The score was close, but the statistics were not, starting with total yards: LaTech outgained FIU 448-182. It's not a stretch to predict SMU will damage LaTech's pass defense stats after the Bulldogs allowed 4 YARDS through the air. (For those paying attention, FIU quarterback Grayson James — of Duncanville — somehow picked up those four passing yards on five completed passes.) Meanwhile, LaTech's Hank Bachmeier completed 34 of 44 passes for 333 yards with 1 touchdown and an interception.
Wide receiver Smoke Harris led the LaTech receivers with 11 catches for 155 yards and a score, a 64-yard scoring strike from Bachmeier in the second quarter that trimmed the LaTech deficit to 17-10.
Average yards per completion: LaTech 9.8, FIU 0.8
Average yards per rush: FIU 5.9, LaTech 2.9
On the ground, FIU outgained LaTech, 178-115
LaTech dominated the battle of first downs, 27-8. The Bulldogs also converted 8 of their 16 attempts on third down into first downs.
LaTech kicked Jacob Barnes connected on three of five field goals, connecting from 40, 32 and 46 yards.
Total plays: LaTech 83, FIU 44
Time of possession: LaTech 38:18, FIU 21:42
LaTech spotted FIU a 14-0 lead after one quarter, then closed the gap in the second and trailed, 17-13, at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, LaTech scored 9 points in the fourth quarter to pull out the win.
The score was close, but the statistics were not, starting with total yards: LaTech outgained FIU 448-182. It's not a stretch to predict SMU will damage LaTech's pass defense stats after the Bulldogs allowed 4 YARDS through the air. (For those paying attention, FIU quarterback Grayson James — of Duncanville — somehow picked up those four passing yards on five completed passes.) Meanwhile, LaTech's Hank Bachmeier completed 34 of 44 passes for 333 yards with 1 touchdown and an interception.
Wide receiver Smoke Harris led the LaTech receivers with 11 catches for 155 yards and a score, a 64-yard scoring strike from Bachmeier in the second quarter that trimmed the LaTech deficit to 17-10.
Average yards per completion: LaTech 9.8, FIU 0.8
Average yards per rush: FIU 5.9, LaTech 2.9
On the ground, FIU outgained LaTech, 178-115
LaTech dominated the battle of first downs, 27-8. The Bulldogs also converted 8 of their 16 attempts on third down into first downs.
LaTech kicked Jacob Barnes connected on three of five field goals, connecting from 40, 32 and 46 yards.
Total plays: LaTech 83, FIU 44
Time of possession: LaTech 38:18, FIU 21:42