by Malcolm Butler
Louisiana Tech forced three turnovers, including a fumble return for a score, and held Southeastern Louisiana off the scoreboard as the Bulldogs picked up a 24-0 win over the Lions Saturday night at Joe Aillet Stadium.
With a new offense coordinator, defensive coordinator, and starting QB, there were plenty of unknowns for the Bulldogs (1-0) entering its opener. And although it took the offensive side of the football time to find a cadence, the Tech D was formidable all night long.
It started with a Jakari Foster interception on SLU’s first possession of the night and ended with an 80-yard fumble return for a TD by Kam Franklin in the third quarter.
Tech’s starting linebacker trio of Kolbe Fields, Chief Leota, and Mekhi Mason combined for 34 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in a dominating effort.
“It’s a great relief to be 1-0,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie. “I am extremely proud of our defense. The last eight quarters we have played defense at Joe Aillet Stadium (the opponent) hasn’t scored.”
It appeared as if neither team my score for the opening two quarters before the Bulldogs mounted a six-play, 78-yard drive over the final 47 seconds of the second quarter. Drew Henderson nailed a 20-yard chip shot field goal on the final play of the half to give the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead.
Tech used that momentum in the third quarter as the Bulldogs took their first two possessions the length of the field to paydirt.
Omiri Wiggins took a swing pass from Trey Kukuk on third and long, cut towards the sideline, and outraced the would-be tackler to the endzone for a 10-0 lead less than three minutes into the stanza. The big play on the drive was a 25-yard hookup between Kukuk and Dedrick Latulas.
“You dream about moments like this,” said Kukuk, who passes for 130 yards and rushed for another 48 in his first start as a Bulldog. “I’m so proud of this team. We ran the ball and put it away. I’m so happy and can’t wait to celebrate tonight with my teammates.”
Kukuk talked about why he chose to come halfway across the country to play for Tech after playing two years at Saddleback Junior College in California.
“The culture in this building,” said Kukuk. “Coach Cumbie. Coach Franklin. I’m a long way from home, but I also felt welcomed here. We worked really hard all offseason and this is the fruits of our labor.”
After forcing a punt on SLU’s next possession, Tech took over at midfield. On the second play following the punt, Clay Thevenin raced 33 yards down to the Lions 13-yard line. Five plays later, Thevenin ran off left tackle for a 2-yard score and a 17-0 Tech advantage.
“I was proud of the way the offense answered in the second half,” said Cumbie. “I wish we would have finished better. Special teams I think we did a good job. The goal every week is to win, and I am excited to be 1-0.”
The final nail in the Lions’ coffin came late in the third quarter. SLU drove down deep into Tech territory before Amari Butler forced a fumble that was scooped up by Kam Franklin, who raced 80 yards for a score.
“It’s great to be 1-0 after tonight,” said Cumbie. “There are so many unknowns when you go into a first game, really on both sides. Offense. Defense. Special teams. There are so many personnel who have never played. You have new coaches.”
The Bulldogs will travel to Baton Rouge Saturday to face LSU, a 17-10 winner over Clemson.
