Next opponent: LaTech wins 2023 opener

[PonyPride]

Louisiana 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

[Ikus]

4 yards on 5 completions?
That has to be a typo, right?

[Charleston Pony]

4 yards on 5 completions?
That has to be a typo, right?

No. He actually completed 5 passes with the longest being 4 yards. Two completions were for no gain, one for 2 yards and another for minus 2 yards. More inept than a sign of a stout defense. FIU ran the ball 30 times while La Tech threw 44 passes.

[tristatecoog]

LT got off to a slow start with Bachmeier being new to Sonny Cumbie’s offense. Down 17-3, the Bulldogs chipped away and pulled ahead. The pick was early in the game. Smoke Harris committed to UH in 2018 as a RB but stayed in Louisiana and shined last night. So did a couple RBs. Announcers said LT has a.solid/big OL. Maybe Bachmeier didn’t get sacked much. He’s from Boise State.

[mtrout]

The game was pretty bad. Smoke Harris is good but not a game wrecker. He's like Cole Beasley but shorter.

[orguy]

Yes, Smoke Harris. Quite the sight. Enjoyed his game.