While the media gaggle was awaiting Sonny Cumbie’s arrival following Louisiana Tech’s 23-14 win over Coastal Carolina Tuesday, some side conversations were occurring between the three Bulldogs players selected to participate — Cedric Woods, Jakari Foster and Trey Kukuk — and those of us in attendance.
One of the funniest lines I heard was from Woods, who had just finished playing in his 58th game as a Bulldog, when media member Charlie Cavell mentioned to him where he ranked all-time in games played in Tech history.
Cavell told Woods that he trailed only former Bulldogs Abe Delfin (63 games) and Smoke Harris (61 games) and tied Ezekiel Barnett (58 games).
I was fortunate enough to be front row of the media room, sitting just a few feet away from the Tech players. So I heard Woods quiet, under-his-breath response.
“And I feel every one of them,” Woods said.
It made me laugh. I can only imagine.
While there were a few other comical responses throughout the 25-minute post-game presser, there were also plenty of heartfelt ones. It was fun to be a part of it, even if my role is different then it was for more than two decades.
I want to commend Woods and Foster and all the Bulldogs who stayed loyal to their teammates and program and finished their season — and in some cases their college career — on Tuesday. In a day and age where finishing a season has taken a backseat to entering the portal for many, these guys stayed true to the Ole Red and Blue.
Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie praised their loyalty.
“Credit to Jakari,” said Cumbie to the media. “Credit to Cedric. I mean, Ced, is an old man. He has played in 58 games. Fifty-eight games and there was never a hesitation (by him) playing this ball game. Jakari Foster played in this ball game; made plays. He’s an All-American, and that’s a testament.”
Cumbie’s 100 percent right.
What once was the norm has become … well, a coin flip.
I read earlier this week that North Texas has lost almost its entire roster after the best season in program history. Iowa State has like 17 players left. And I’m sure there are plenty of other cases.
The system is broken, but that’s a column for another day.
But the players that wore the Tech uniform Tuesday, representing their school on national TV should be commended for their effort. They were fun to watch, especially in the second half.
Eight wins. A bowl victory. It was a very successful season for the Bulldogs.
When asked about the legacy he will leave at Louisiana Tech, Woods turned his answer towards the man sitting to his right.
“It’s been amazing to be a part of this,” said Woods. “I want to give a special shout out to Coach Cumbie. This is a good dude and a good person. Not only is he a great coach, but he is a great person. I am blessed to have been a part of this, to swing this program back in the right direction.”
Kukuk, who was named Offensive MVP of the game, reiterated Woods’ sentiments when asked what the season meant to him.
“At the end of the day, I wanted to win for the guys in the lockerroom,” said Kukuk. “We wanted to win to end on a strong note for Coach Cumbie. He has poured his heart and soul into this program. We are happy to bring the (Independence Bowl) trophy back to Ruston to leave right outside of his office.
“He says players get it done, but he set the tone for us … brick by brick. He lays the foundation for us, and it’s how we get our strength. It’s coaches like him in the locker room that band this team together.”
After watching the Bulldogs down the stretch, not only Tuesday but against Liberty and Missouri State, none of these words surprise me. Players don’t play with the type of reckless abandonment that I saw the Bulldogs display late in the season without a true love for their coaching staff and each other.
The season wasn’t perfect; at times too many of this or not enough of that. But I will take a team that fought like this one any day.
From three wins in 2023 to five wins and a bowl appearance in 2024 to eight wins and a bowl victory in 2025, Sonny Cumbie and his coaching staff have orchestrated progress in a day and age where life as a mid-major poses more challenges then ever before.
And with the transition to the Sun Belt Conference on the horizon, I encourage the Bulldog faithful to get behind Coach Cumbie and all of the University’s athletic programs in order to help build a consistent winner … brick by brick.
