Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
After earning their sixth win last week, Louisiana Tech will look to secure its first winning season since 2019 with a road matchup today at Missouri State in Springfield, Mo.
The Bulldogs (6-5, 4-3 Conference USA) will look to spoil the Bears’ (7-5, 5-2 CUSA) senior day, who’s season ends today due to their FBS transition. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN+.
Louisiana Tech and Missouri State will meet for the second time in program history Saturday in Springfield. The Bears lead the series 1-0 after defeating the Bulldogs 13-10 in 1987 in Ruston. This weekend marks the first meeting between the programs in 38 years and their first as FBS foes. Missouri State is in its first season as an FBS member.
LA Tech improved to 6-5 last Saturday after defeating Liberty 34-28 in overtime, while finishing 5-1 at Joe Aillet Stadium. The OT win marked the first for Cumbie at LA Tech, and the first time the Bulldogs have been bowl eligible under the fourth-year head coach.
The Bulldog defense intercepted four passes in the second half, all by Tech safeties Jakari Foster (two), Jacob Fields (one) and Michael Richard (one). Tech’s 19 interceptions this season are its most since 2017. Foster now has six on the year, tied for the fourth most in a single season in program history. He became the first Bulldog this season with multiple interceptions in a game and the first to do so since 2022.
It has been 11 years since a defensive back led the team in total tackles. Safety Jacob Fields currently leads the team with 86 stops. Kentrell Brice led the Bulldogs with 80 tackles in 2014.
The Bulldogs have now had two different quarterbacks rush for 100 yards or more in a game this season after Trey Kuku’s 143-yard performance. Before 2025, Tech had only one quarterback ever rush for more than 100 yards in a single game.
