Transcript
Speaker: Welcome everybody in back to another episode of warm weather fans as always it's Zeke Palermo and Brian Stone with you as we get into the back half of our season previews for the 2026 Sunbelt season we bring in a new face to the conference a new team obviously ah but that means a new expert to help us out on the show Matt Bellison Bellinson is that right I'm sorry Yes, sir. yeah Awesome. Awesome. Here to talk us through Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. ah Matt, if you just want to start, tell us about like why people should hear you as a voice of expertise here.
Speaker: Yeah, sure. Well, yeah, first of all, appreciate you guys having me on. Like I mentioned before, we started recording. So I'm the the sports editor for the Ruston Daily Leader. It's the only newspaper in Ruston, Louisiana. I've been covering Louisiana Tech since I've gotten to Ruston. This is going on my fifth football season. I'm covering Louisiana Tech. So I've been here every single snap, every single year of the sunny Cumbie era.
Speaker: as he enters year five. And yeah, I've gotten a chance to you know cover the team, you know got to know the players and the coaches and been able to kind of document you know just the whole Sunday Cumbie era. So it's been ah been a fun ride. I'm excited for the Sun Belt.
Speaker: Did you have any Louisiana Tech ties before working in Ruston? I did not. um So i actually i graduated from Iowa State University and grew up in Illinois before that. So I had certainly heard of Louisiana Tech. I knew obviously that Terry Bradshaw went there, but that was pretty much the extent of like my knowledge of the program. So definitely took some time to kind of, you know, get my bearings, but um certainly feel like I got a pretty good lay of the land now.
Speaker: Sure, sure, sure, sure. ah You talked, obviously, you've been here since Sonny Cumby. As long as Sonny Cumby's been there, he took over the program in 2022. 3-9, 5-8, but then eight and five last year.
Speaker: um You want to kind of run us through like the last four years of the program, and it seems to be headed up, is what the record would indicate? Yeah, we were kind of joking before we were recording that, you you know, you guys weren't super knowledgeable about Louisiana Tech. And I was kind of laughing because, you know, frankly, when you read off the records, like I don't really necessarily blame you. and They certainly didn't really produce like a high level football product for a couple of years there. You know, obviously it took ah quite a bit of time for this program to build stability. And like you mentioned, coming off, you know, easily the most successful season under Sonny, know, first bowl victory in appearance for the program since 2019. Obviously we're able to go 2-0 against the Sunbelt. You you, There was definitely momentum built last year and I'm sure we'll get into all the reasons why, but um yeah, certainly I think the fan base is excited, you know, about what was shown last year. I think there are still some questions that people, you know, want answers to and to see if the momentum would carry over. Obviously one winning season.
Speaker: through four years is certainly exciting but um you know i think they still need to build equity up as far as you know hey proving to this fan base that this is for real so um i definitely feel like the move to the sunbelt coupled with you know just how exciting last year was i think fans are ready to see it kind of all you know come together this year for sure yeah Matt, I wanted to ask, so given the the way that the Cumbie era has gone, at least record-wise, 8-5, first year in in a new conference, what do you think kind of the expectations around Louisiana Tech 2026 are? um do you Do you think that fans or you know whoever, even internally within the program, do you think they're they're expecting to kind of hit the ground running, or do you think they...
Speaker: This is more of like ah we'll have like a one year adjustment period and then kind of get into it or, you know, what sort of the general expectations for this year? Yeah, that was my exact question for actually Louisiana Tech Athletic Director Ryan Ivey a couple months ago when they made, you know, the Sunbelt move, you know, official. And I asked him that question straight up was like, do you view this as year five or is this like a year one in a brand new league kind of reset basically what you just said? And um He said flat out that they view this as your five. The expectations are still high. They expect this program to be competing for bowl games, winning bowl games, and they expect them to compete you know for the West division title. um you know Obviously, it's a lofty goals entering a a new league, but um again, this is this is not a brand new coaching staff. this is This is not a brand new roster like these guys have been here. They've been established. and Again, the fan base was excited about what happened last year. Again, they haven't been to a bowl game since pre-COVID, so it certainly is exciting. But at the same time, like this program has a high standard and you don't join a new league. You don't pour in resources to a program like this if you don't have a high expectation you know to compete for conference titles, which again, this program you know never won you know in Conference USA. And so it's one of those things where like this this fan base is starved you know for some success you in a conference level. and so
Speaker: definitely viewing this year as a, as another prove it year as a, as a win and now year. And certainly i think that, you know, the fan base and the administration, I think are both, you know, lined up in that. Yeah. I will say this. um I'm not sure if how much you guys within Louisiana tech, like fan base program have, have kept up with the Sunbelt as of the last couple of years, but for Louisiana tech, this is a good year to get in because at least the West division, it kind of projects as like,
Speaker: Troy at the top, they're the defense West champion, Louisiana slotting in presumably underneath them. We got told that going into last year that the Cajuns were going to be great. And then they were average and every other team in the West is kind of rebuilding. I mean, I know Arkansas state has some high hopes for, for but Jones, um, who I think is also going into year five, uh, uh,
Speaker: But everybody in the West, at least quarterback-wise outside of Troy and Louisiana, feel like they're starting over. So if you feel like you've got, as Louisiana Tech, that foothold and that you can hit the ground running, this is a great year to do it because I think you'd be firmly in contention for the West, which is...
Speaker: ah definitely the weaker of the two sides heading into 2026, at least on paper. so Yeah, and I think Louisiana Tech feels that as well. I think they recognize that, again, that you you were able to beat Southern Miss last year, you know, again, when they were definitely among the best seasons they've had in recent memory for that program, and you're able to beat them pretty handily at home. And so, um yeah, I definitely feel like when you look at the West, like you mentioned, it definitely starts with Troy and obviously, you know the way that tech schedule kind of lines up, if everything goes according to plan, I think that November 7th game, you know, at Troy could very well be, you know, for the, for the West division representative and the championship game we'll see. But yeah, it certainly is like it definitely bodes well as far as the league competition. Again, I think they're pretty familiar with, with ULM, with Lafayette, with Southern Miss, just kind of the the the way that those rosters are constructed, the way that like competition is going to be. So, yeah, I definitely feel like they they think that they can stack up well you know i in this division.
Speaker: True. ah The way you're talking would indicate to me that 8 and 5 was very not just an apparition. it was not, oh, everything fell into place. It was, this is something we were building towards and want to continue building. Am I am am i right in saying that this feels it structured than, my gosh, we just kind of won eight games by happenstance?
Speaker: Yeah, it's interesting. i definitely feel like you can kind of hold both thoughts in your head where I definitely feel like this defense overall, you know, under the sunny Comby has really built, you know, if you look back at those first two, three and nine seasons, like abysmal among like one of the worst in the entire country and a lot of different categories, obviously, they fired, you know their defensive coordinator Scott power. And in 2024, they brought in Jeremiah Johnson, who like immediately turned this defense around, they were top 25 in a lot of categories, but then he left you know for coastal Carolina, but then they were able to bring Jacksonville State's defensive coordinator in Luke Olson. He won, you know, the conference USA title at jackson Jacksonville State, you know, in 2024. So there was definitely a lot of momentum building. And then obviously last year, this defense was again, top 25 in a lot of categories. I definitely feel like
Speaker: We can't talk about the 2025 season without talking about the defensive success that they had. And and part of that, we were kind of joking before we were recording about how this team scored. They led the country in defensive touchdowns, which they had seven.
Speaker: um So that's certainly a situation where, you know, as a Tech fan, you're excited about that happening. And it was certainly a part of the eight wins. That being said, it's not really sustainable. Again, like you know programs change and Louisiana Tech's entire starting secondary is gone, either due to graduation or the transfer portal. and so um On paper, it would be hard for me to expect that that's going to happen two years in a row. and so i so I certainly feel like that part was an aberration, but at the same time, like this roster has found some stability and found some momentum in key positions and they've been able to produce. and so I think in some areas you definitely see the the progression over his four years here. But I think if you're talking specifically last year, I think, you know, frankly, part of the eight wins was just kind of the defensive touchdown luck that they were able to have.
Speaker: Sure. we We kind of saw a similar thing out of Marshall last year, not necessarily on the touchdown front, but just the amount of turnovers that they forced was something that, like you said, that it's not sustainable. It's not something that you can plan on going into the season and being like, we're going to pick off X number of passes this year. Like, that's just not something that you can... like even set as a goal because it's you know a lot of it is luck so it's it's it's something that yeah definitely needs to ah be figured out so I do I asked you this like kind of jokingly before we started but as we jump into the offense here I know you alluded to the defensive touchdowns but it's like
Speaker: What what is what are the expectations for the offense? Because when you look at it on paper, it's like twenty seven point three points per game. Very good when you have a defense that is not even allowing, you know, three touchdowns every week like that is that is a winning formula. However, when it's like when you go through, it's like you look at the quarterback play. OK, across.
Speaker: ah Baker, is it Kukoc? Kukoc, yeah. Kukoc and Bullock, you had an 8 to 9 touchdown interception ratio. um Great completion percentage out of out of Baker and Kukoc.
Speaker: And then you're like leading rushers, you know, they had a very like evenly distributed rushing attack. So... what are what ah do we anticipate that the offense is going to make up that slack for maybe those defensive touchdowns that might not be here coming that come this year yeah that's certainly their hope um i think again when you look at the guys that they brought back you know it definitely starts when you're talking offensively obviously tony franklin was their offensive coordinator last year definitely did a lot of good things in the run game you know he he retired after the 2025 season so they promoted offensive line coach nathan young to be their offensive coordinator and i think it sounds like most of the offense know structure wise and verbiage is basically going to be the same it sounds like it's going to be ah run heavy offense you know rpo keeps you know getting the quarterback involved and you're certainly going to try and take the top off of defense with the passing game but um i think everything for them wants to start with the run game and you know i think overall when you kind of mentioned you know kind of the the spread out production and kind of the the lackluster passing you know game as well like I think kind of speaks to frankly just how the plan worked out last year. you know they came They came into the season with Trey as their starting quarterback. They brought him in from a junior college out of California, and um he certainly had some decent passing numbers there, but I think it was pretty clear bringing him in that he was going to be a run first quarterback. And you you clearly saw production-wise that he was able to do that, but I think you know through those first two games, like I know that they beat Southeastern.
Speaker: pretty handily. But if you were watching that game, like there were times where man, like all it really took was one Southeastern drive and they would have been right back in it. Obviously they have the defensive touchdown and they kind of pull away. But, um you know, those first two games, the passing game was just non-functional. um You know, I've told people again, like it sounds crazy, but again, I was, I was at that game when they, when they played at LSU last year, if they brought an ah offense with them, they would have beat LSU. And it's just unfortunate, like the passing game was just non-functional. And think that's why you saw, you know, leaving that LSU game, they made the switch to Blake, you know, their starting quarterback. And they tried to do a little bit dual quarterback system there. But then again, you know, Blake got hurt, you know later on in the year. And then Trey was able to kind of come back in. And so I really feel like just the offensive plan was just never given enough time to gel and like, you know, whether injury or underperformance. And so I definitely feel like this year, you know, again, with their quarterback stability, I think you had a much better place. I think they understand what this offense wants to be. But again, at the same time, like, you know, football can kind of change things on a dime. And so I think they they like the options that they have. But again, I think, you know, the sunny combi era has kind of been defined by they have a plan and then it it has to kind of shift, you know, you mid flight. And so I'm curious to see if they're able to maybe finally kind of have some stability year, year, the start of the year to the end of the year for sure.
Speaker: hmm. Is there any idea Baker is the starter going into week one, right? Yep. Fully. We saw last year with James Madison was trying some like funky two QB stuff.
Speaker: Ended up really, I mean. Oh, yeah. We talked about this yesterday. Yeah, they blew. So i I live in Louisville, Kentucky. And so I went last year when it was JMU and Louisville in like week two.
Speaker: And the two quarterback thing sunk them in that game. I mean, they were firmly in it. And they were throwing like reverse passes between the two quarterbacks and stuff and like ending solely ending drives because they kept putting the Wildcat, you know, a quarterback in the game and it just would kill all of their momentum. So, yeah, I hope i hope you guys like. Louisiana Tech has like a plan and kind of sticks with it because they were they like JMU was good once they abandoned that like when they gave Barnett the keys that was when they really kind of took off as an offense but the whole part time thing for both quarterbacks wasn't wasn't working.
Speaker: Well, it's so interesting because I feel like one of the highlights of last year for Louisiana Tech, if you look through their 2025 schedule, you know they they beat New Mexico State 49-14 to kind of kick off conference play. And that was a game where you know if you look through the box score and just the highlights, like that was a dual quarterback game. like they They certainly asked Blake to throw a lot more. and you know, Blake actually, you know, was able to you to rush quite a bit during that game. But Trey also got, you know, four carries for 40 yards. Like they certainly wanted, i think in a perfect world, I think they wanted both of those guys on the field. And I think you're honestly going to see that this year, know, Sonny, Sonny said very clearly at Sunbelt Media Days that yes, Blake is going the starting quarterback and he's going to be the guy that is leading this offense. But Like they view Trey as like kind of a gadget player with his speed and his athleticism that like they want him on the field. And so whether or not that necessarily looks like a dual quarterback system or maybe just two guys that are listed at quarterback that are both on the field at the same time. Like I think that kind of depends on on on game to game. But yeah, certainly they I think they have a better plan in place, you know, compared to maybe like what you were talking about with J.M. For your sake, I hope so. i mean Yeah, I do too. yeah you You brought up New Mexico State. Boy, I remember when they were in the Sunbelt and having to watch games on Aggie Vision. That was that was a viewing experience and a half. That and having to stay up ah until 10 p.m. Eastern time to watch them play at Idaho.
Speaker: Anytime they had to play in the airplane hangar. that was those were some Those were some real ball games you were having to stay up to one angle. I definitely won't miss ah you know having to to stay up late to watch those. I think it was ah two years ago when they yeah they went to Las Cruces and they lost in double overtime and the game like ended at about 2 a.m. m and I was just like, this is absolutely the worst. and then also I know this is a football show, but I can't help but remember it was a couple of years ago, like Louisiana Tech baseball was at new Mexico State and you know the ESPN Plus broadcast rather than, you know, sure show a traditional format of the camera, you know, from center field to home. They just stuck the camera behind like a chain link fence, literally.
Speaker: And i like that's how I had to cover high school games. It was brutal. I couldn't believe it. Yeah. oh so Aggie vision is is a thing unto itself. ah we used to We used to get like the local ah New Mexico ads too, so that was fantastic. There were things I didn't know existed until I watched those games, so that that was a fun experience. Yeah.
Speaker: So I do want to ask because at least the way like the stats bore out, does does the offense almost operate like Jacksonville States did like in CUSA? Because ah Jacksonville State has played a lot of Sunbelt teams over the last couple years, but they are another very run heavy. We don't put a lot on our quarterback, um you know, as far as like passing goes, like we're, we're very much like in our lane.
Speaker: Does this offense operate like that or is it is it a little different than that? I would definitely say like i think in an ideal world they would want to be more balanced. I certainly think like they want to start with the run game first, but I definitely don't think it's to the extent of Jacksonville State or, you know, even Liberty last year where like it's run, run, run, and then every now and then pass. Like I think they want more of a balance. They really like some of their pass catchers and they want to get them more involved this year. But I think it's pretty clear when you looked at them in fall camp. And and frankly, you know when Young was the coordinator before, like they definitely want to be a team that you know finishes the game with about 30 to 35 rush attempts. like they They want to be that style of football team. And you know every now and then, again, if it allows for it, they want to be in manageable down a distance where they you know necessarily don't have to be predictable. And like, OK, now we have to pass because it's third and eight, you know whatever. I think they want to be a team that stays ahead of the change and you know kind of rotates a lot of backs in you know, keep guys fresh. And i think you're going to see that this year again with a lot of guys that um have not had a lot of experience at Louisiana Tech or Division One, but I think they want a lot of guys to kind of bring like a change of pace. And so I think you're going to see that in kind of the run game this year with a lot of guys kind of bringing different things on different downs.
Speaker: Sure. ah Looking at the stats from last year, four guys over 90 carries, only one of them comes back, that being Kukic. um what Where are the carries going to go this year?
Speaker: Yeah, so they brought in a a transfer from Kaiser, ah Jaden Miller. It sounds like, you know based on what we saw in spring ball and certainly the conversations, it seems like he's probably leading the pack, I think, right now in that running back room. But Dylon Brooks is a redshirt freshman that's actually from Ruston High here in the community that – It's certainly getting a lot of attention as well. You know, he was kind of splitting time with the first team throughout camp. It certainly seems like, you know week one against Northwestern state, I would imagine those two, if not, we'll split reps, you know, certainly they're going to they're going to be able to, you know, be sharing in this offense quite a bit. They like a true freshman, um Kenny Thomas from North DeSoto. He's near the Shreveport area. You know, he's certainly going to get some run as well. So um I certainly feel like those three guys, i think by season's end will certainly kind of be the the main stable of backs. And I, I think it probably starts with Miller. I think he's definitely kind of the the explosive threat. I think when you look at his speed and I think Dylan's kind of more of like that bruiser, like, hey, give this guy a break. You know, we'll we'll just kind of drive it up the middle with Dylan. And I think Kenny's just kind of ah a playmaker. I think they they they feel good about giving him, you know, direct carries, but I think they also kind of want to you know see him you know be split out a receiver kind of get him some pass catching opportunities as well so i think all three of those guys are definitely vying for roles and i'm curious to see you know when fall camp here you know opens in a couple weeks kind of how those those you know reps are split because i feel like in spring it was hard to tell like who was officially the run but the number one but like i just said earlier like this is an offense that i don't think necessarily wants to necessarily label like hey you are the one like i think they Certainly by season's end, one will get more carries than the other, but I think ideally they would want this offense to be a situation where it's like, hey, you know in ah in a given game, like each guy is going to get 10 to 12 carries.
Speaker: so ah Something that jumped out to me, we rely a lot on Phil Steele's ah preview book. It's the only thing about ah this conference that you can find, really. um He has you guys down zero added portal starts, offensive and defensive.
Speaker: is that a mistake? Is that a miscount or like, what, what does that mean? Yeah, well, it's certainly, certainly not a miscount. um You know, certainly again, like when you look at the, and I think, again, I haven't read Phil Steele's like official, you know, prediction, but I would have to imagine that probably relates to like division one, you know, starting experience because like, again, like I mentioned, like they brought in, you know, Jaden Miller from Kaiser, like, and they brought in a couple of kids from, you know Navarro Junior College and like you know certainly Eastern Kentucky. like There's a couple of guys that like did start and play. So I would have to imagine that's probably Division I starting experience. And yeah, like you mentioned, I think if you're talking just to Division I transfers with starting experience, like they they really didn't bring a whole lot. They brought in a transfer wide receiver from Oklahoma State who who played a little bit, but he was injured most of his career. you know in Oklahoma State and so like that's definitely a situation where I think they're betting on upside you know hopefully that he stays healthy. um You certainly when they look at their defensive backs when we get to that side of the ball later like you know there are a couple guys that have played at the Division level but certainly we're not starters at their previous places and so so um yeah it's definitely a situation where like most of the production they're bringing in that is proven comes from the junior college the NAIA route and so It certainly has kind of been their philosophy over the last couple of years. Like, I think, you know, really you probably would have to go back to 2023 when Hank Bachmeier, you know, was their quarterback. They brought him in from Boise State. That was probably like, since I've been here, that's probably like the highest profile Division I, like FBS transfer that they brought in. And he certainly was good. But I think they probably recognized that like, let's not put all our chips in on this one guy. Let's try and figure out, you know, some guys that have proven production, maybe at a lower level. But, you know, we can kind of spread out our resources a little bit better.
Speaker: Yeah. I mean, to your credit, that's that's a formula that's worked at this conference. James Madison has kind of been the premier of doing that with both coaches and players. But then Old Dominion kind of, I mean, that was the story for us ah kind of late last season is Old Dominion shocked us because they went out and got like the best D2 receiver and were like,
Speaker: I don't know. I don't know. and i need a little bit more out of that. And they, I mean, obviously Colton Joseph carried a lot of that load, but they, they were like the third best team in the conference. So yeah, there's yeah there's a good recipe there.
Speaker: So I know you said that ideally they want to be more even in like run past split stuff. Take us kind of through the, the receiving room as a whole. I know Finley is back at tight end. He was second team all of conference USA last year. I'm going go ahead and tell you, it's not, it's not a hard thing to be a first team sunbelt tight end. I believe the, the first team sunbelt tight end out of Marshall had like 300 receiving yards last year. So If if he can keep up with his level of production, he will be a first team also belt tight in this.
Speaker: yeah Well, until that point, I mean, like when you look about the Conference USA team and like Eli didn't catch a touchdown last year and he's second team like, you know, all Conference USA. And so like, again, it might might be a similar situation. Yeah, but they are certainly high on Eli and his production and his traits.
Speaker: He certainly is a mismatch when you just look at just his physical makeup and I think just what he brings. especially in the red zone. um mean They've tried to target him down there. I think just at times that just either hasn't worked out or penalties have kind of, you know, taken touchdowns away. And so um they want to get him involved, you know, quite a bit this year. And I think they, they definitely ask him to do a lot of different things, you know, play in lines, you know, line up at receiver, you know, or just kind of be kind of a fullback type and kind of help that run game a little bit. And so,
Speaker: He's certainly going to be a huge part of that offense. And i think when you're talking to like, specifically wide receivers, you know, i kind of mentioned one earlier, again, with the Oklahoma State transfer, like, it's kind of unclear as to whether or not he's going to truly be, like, a productive player with them. He did not go through spring practice with them, you know fully healthy. And so I'm curious to see kind of what his role in the fall looks like. You know, some guys that are coming back that I think they're really excited about. Jay Wilkerson, you know, he missed all of last year with an injury. You know, this is a guy in 2024 that – that He flashed in a couple of games here and there. You know, they had a game at NC state that he certainly probably the most productive game of his college career, but, um That was kind of a flash in the pan, honestly, when you look at just you know overall career-wise. And so he's the guy that's coming back. you know you know Jalen Mickens was a true freshman that got a lot of run for them last year. i would definitely say when you're looking on paper, he's probably their number one receiver, probably just most talented receiver. And um I definitely would expect him to to line up on the outside you know for this for this ah offense this year. Luke Watkins is a guy that's, I think, going to get a lot of run with this ah offense. you know Dane Benedeck is another name. They're definitely interesting. also would say,
Speaker: Marcus Cowboys, know, that's the guy from Eastern Kentucky that I mentioned earlier. i think when you look at that wide receiver room, like, and you're talking like actual proven production, again, was at a different level. But when you look at Marcus Cowboys at Eastern Kentucky, like this is a guy that was catching, you know, close to like 50 balls a year and like was very, very productive. And so I think they're counting on him to be someone that is able to kind of come into this offense and produce at a high level that frankly, like, That's why receiver core is not seen, you know, since smoke Harris, Trey Harris, like, you know, of the, of the old sunny Cumbie era. And so I definitely feel like they would love to have someone, you know, paired along with e Eli to kind of really make this passing game a threat, but just, you know, frankly, over the last couple of years, they just haven't had like that guy that's kind of emerged as you know kind of that number one option. And so I'm definitely curious to see if they can kind of manufacture that this year with some of those guys. Sure.
Speaker: ah offensive line play ah returning some but not a lot of faces what how does that line kind of shape out for you Yeah, it definitely starts with Hayden Christman, you know, their left tackle, you know, he's been a multi-year starter for them. i definitely feel like he's probably the anchor of that offensive line. I think as far as like proven stability, um they obviously it actually moved him from right tackle to left tackle last year. And um I definitely feel like that was a great change when you look through those first two weeks, like he was just kind of getting bullied on that right side. And so I definitely feel like the left side is is more comfortable for him. And yeah, they certainly bring back some returners on that offensive line that I think really helped that run game flourish you know troy smith is going to be at right tackle roy bracken seems like he's going to be their center austin ellis at right guard and then ashanti cole you know a transfer that brought in from grambling a couple years ago he's going to be their left guard as well so definitely some familiar faces you know that again they they certainly have lost some players to the portal and um certainly some production here and there but it certainly is not as bad as it was you know two years ago when they lost their starting center they lost you know theyre their guards like they were just rebuilding And I definitely feel like last year you kind of saw them find their guys. And I think they're really confident that if this group stays healthy, like they're going be able to produce and protect the quarterback and run the football at the same rate. I'm curious to see how that plays out. But I think when you start on the offensive line with continuity, like you're starting at a much better spot than most. And so I definitely feel like they like this offensive line. And I think this offensive line has some good traits, but
Speaker: I think it all kind of depends on like, is the talent behind them at quarterback and running back like good enough to kind of warrant like this offensive lines, like stability. So I think that like the pieces are good, but I think it's a matter of like, what are they protecting? What are they pushing forward? I guess.
Speaker: That's interesting because that's kind of the opposite of what we've described for a lot of these teams. Yeah. It's been an interesting case study to see like which teams bring in P5 guys that have never touched a college football field ah like in an official capacity and which ones are like, we'll take a guy from a d two school that started 13 games last year because we know that he he has played.
Speaker: And like, that's ah a leg up on a lot of these guys that play. So it's been an interesting case study to go team by team and be like, what's your team's philosophy on bringing in offensive linemen? Like, you know, what, what do they kind of look for in an archetype? So yeah. And they certainly have grown in a Florida state transfer as well, who like he, he might end up, you know, being a rotational piece for them. But I think overall, like you mentioned, I think they're kind of betting on their homegrown talent and guys that have been in this program. And, Again, like I mentioned but before, you know Nathan Young was the offensive line coach and is now the OC. And so I really feel like when you pair that combined with just these guys that have been under him, been under his teaching before, like I really feel like they they like this offensive line pairing just given the fact that these guys have played in the system under this coach and they know exactly what the scheme requires. And so I definitely feel like the offensive line is a strength if you're talking off you know offensive units. But again, I think it kind of comes back to like – it's going be nice if they can protect the pocket, but like can the quarterback play be more functional than it was last year to make that you know something that matters?
Speaker: Well, quarterback health seems like it's going to be a big factor. um we have a lot of We have a lot of teams around this conference that have quarterbacks that are... um brittle like it's it's hard for them to say healthy it's like yeah uh my team georgia southern just brought in my max johnson who has missed every almost every year of his college career all eight years or whatever he's been there um and then you've got like goose crowder over at troy is really good but he approaches football like he's playing like he's like an extra in jackass and so he just like will run into contact and doesn't really care um so he always has like a stretch of like four games every season that he misses So yeah, it's, it's, it's more key than, than you would think in the Sunbelt where it's like, Oh, all these guys are going stay healthy. Don't worry about it It's like, Hmm.
Speaker: Will they? Well, so we mentioned you know Blake Baker before, and I think you know one the one thing that, even though you were encouraged by his passing numbers last year, if you look at his time at Louisiana Tech, like he he has not been able to stay on the field. you know In 2024, he played a limited amount of games, because and then he got injured with a collarbone injury. And then last year, he tore his ACL in November, and so he was not able to go you know with the team you know in spring practice this year as far as like team reps. And so, yeah, certainly quarterback health is a major you know question mark for this program. you know I was actually looking This is a stat that I've had before, but it kind of speaks just kind of where Tech has been. You know, since 2020, Tech's week one starting quarterback has now started more than eight games.
Speaker: And so that's a situation where it's like, again, they have a plan in the preseason and then when the season starts, but then like just history has shown us that like the plan has changed either due to underperformance or injury. And so I think Blake, you know, when he's on the field has proven to be a capable player. But again, like kind of the story of his career so far is that just hasn't stayed on the field consistently. So I definitely think that they are crossing their fingers, banging on wood, doing whatever you got to do to make sure that he, ah he stays on the field.
Speaker: Yeah, sure. um So as we transition to the defense again, this was a, yeah at least by points per game, pretty much an elite defensive unit in conference USA last year, 20.8 points per game allowed under 400 yards a game.
Speaker: um, welcome to the Sunbelt, we don't really play defense here, so you might not fit in as a team because it's like the defense, the teams that play defense in this conference are like JMU, ODU, and Troy a little bit. We're a couple years removed from the John Summerall defense. Oh, yeah, yeah. They're not to that level anymore. And then Arkansas State,
Speaker: rushed the passer well last year. They didn't do a whole lot else well. But um yeah, it'll be interesting to see a team that plays if if you guys come in and play strong defense, like how that meshes with the West. Because right now the West is like the old Big 12 where it's like, is is it going 70 to before the end of this game I don't know.
Speaker: Yeah, so and I definitely feel like if you're looking at Louisiana Tech, like what side of the ball is a strength like defense is without a doubt the strength. And I think when you're just talking about the returners that they have back, I think, you know, obviously a returning coordinator that's obviously proven that he can, you know, build this defense into his image. And so, yeah, I'm sure we'll get, you know, position here, you know, positionally here in a second. But I think just overall, when you look at this defense, there is a lot to be excited about. I think just. The one major question mark is like, can they take ah the ball away at that same rate? And like, what is the defensive secondary look like? Because again, you are replacing five starters in that secondary, three new safeties, two new corners. So like, it is just going to be kind of a matter of like, who can take control of that secondary and who can kind of prove that they're a playmaker. And other than that, I mean, I think their linebacking core, honestly, on paper, yeah. think it's probably the strongest in the sun belt when you're talking about a fully healthy colby fields jaden mayfield zarek hill alonzo jackson like these are guys that have proven like high level production and i think another year in the system like is only gonna you know do do wonders for them and so i definitely feel like they have the bones to be like one of the best defenses in this league and i think it's just a matter of like does that really good like you know rushing defense or red zone defense does that translate again into like we're taking the ball away from you i think that's the big question with them
Speaker: ah It's funny you had mentioned that Jeremiah Johnson was previously your defensive coordinator because Coastal stunk it up defensively last year. There weren't a lot of things they did well.
Speaker: they that was That whole team was a mess for about the first six weeks. And then they they put Collier in and then they had a semblance of hope. But yeah, and it was not it was not necessarily just the defense. It was kind of the whole team.
Speaker: but But to say that, I mean, for a team that like you're talking about under Johnson, yeah am I correct in saying you said Johnson is when this team kind of flipped it defensively?
Speaker: Or was it after the fact? Yeah, no, definitely. yeah He came in 2024 and like that was the first year where this defense really took off. Yep.
Speaker: How times can change for him. Yeah. yeah So does this defensive front, at least when I'm looking at like Phil Steele's magazine, does this project as more of like a 3-3-5 type defense? Because the way that the the players are laid out, you never know if somebody's going to like drop down in the box and really it's like a 4-2-5. But, you know, but ah we have teams in the conference that play a 3-3-5. So I was just kind of wondering, you know, what does the front look like for for them?
Speaker: Yeah, for starters, it definitely is a 3-3-5 base. um I think when you looked at them last year, I think they definitely wanted to bring pressure from a lot of different spots. And so it definitely started with those three men up front. But I think they definitely were not afraid to bring you know some of their DBs down into the box and try and create some extra pressure.
Speaker: Certainly they allowed, you know, a couple of their linebackers to kind of split off in coverage, but then they would kind of send every, you know, one every now and then to kind of create another box, you know, there. And so um I definitely feel like it's a 3-3-5 base, but I think when you look at this defensive line, like there are definitely some nice pieces that are back, you know, Emmanuel Ogans, Donovan Ryman are definitely some nice pieces, but you know As far as like pass rush numbers, i mean it's pretty clear across the board like this is not a defensive line that has proven to be very very threatening like as far as getting after the passer consistently. It's a lot of guys are going to give you like two and a half to four sacks. and i again I think it's kind of similar to the running back situation where
Speaker: I think ideally they would, know, a perfect world, they would love to have like a 2000 yard rusher. They would love to have a guy that has like 20 sacks, but but they're they're not able to afford one of those guys, frankly. And so like, they're just trying to piecemeal it together and with a lot of guys rotate them in. And I think you've certainly seen some, some nice production over the last couple of years, you know, David Blay, what you know, was a nose tackle for them a couple of years ago. He actually transferred to Miami for the 2025 season. He had a, he had an okay year for them. And so, I think kind of the one semblance they had of ah of a pass rusher, he immediately transfers. And so um I think right now they're just kind of fine guys that are just kind of good enough to kind of you'll basically fill some holes and get out the quarterback every once in a while. But I think they recognize that this is definitely a defense that needs to scheme up, you know, more pass rush rather than like, Hey, we can just kind of send these three guys and they'll just dominate.
Speaker: um I think again, in an ideal world, you would love that to be the case, but um I think they recognize that, you know, just the way the scheme works, like that they can bring pressure from a lot of different areas. And so, Yeah, defensive line-wise, think Donovan and you know and certainly Emmanuel are definitely probably the the standouts on the defensive line. They're really high on Justice Williams, a nose tackle that they brought in from ah from a junior college in Florida that I think they're they're really excited about, kind of you know being that run stuffer, being kind of a tackle for loss guy. But um I think overall that defensive line is just a lot of guys that are just going to kind of be there. i don't really know i'm necessarily on paper there's like a standout, like, hey, this is like a preseason first-team home conference player, but it's just a lot of guys that are just kind of like good. you know That's basically it.
Speaker: Sure. We're almost all the way through like finish recording all of our previews. i I don't think Zeke and I have seen a guy yet really pop off like on the screen paper-wise about being like a top-end pass rusher in this conference. It was like...
Speaker: you know Again, it was like JMU is one of the top teams as far as sacks last year. Their whole defensive line is basically out the door and they're kind of starting over. ah Arkansas State was the same way. like they were They were one of the top you know pass rushing teams. Their whole defensive line is gone. So it's like quarterback and defensive like edge rusher are are sort of just rebooting like throughout this whole conference, I feel like.
Speaker: Yeah, the only name worth mentioning like conference wise is Donnie Smith out of Troy who was voted the preseason defensive player of the year. Yeah. um of While we're talking about preseason Colby Fields, Louisiana Tech's only preseason first teamer, at least within the conference. Does that kind of line up with your assessment of ah the the defensive talent?
Speaker: Yeah, I would definitely say that is correct. i definitely feel like when you look at Colby, like this is a player that has just kind of waited for his opportunity. You know, he came out of high school and went straight to South Carolina.
Speaker: He did not play and then transferred to LSU, played some but more of kind of a special teams kind of backup linebacker and then, you know, transferred to Louisiana Tech in 2023. And this was back then when, you know, not everyone got a free, you know, transfer. year and so he had he and unfortunately had to sit out in the 2023 season and so once he kind of was able to officially play in 2024 like if you look through his numbers like he immediately made an impact it was clear like okay this is going to be a dude for this program and then you know unfortunately 2025 he started the year as the preseason you know conference usa defensive player of the year and you know man for the through the first four games of the year like he was lights out he had a pick six against southern miss like just a really really great player left ah picked up exactly where he left off 2024 and then
Speaker: you know unfortunately tore his ACL you know at UTEP and then was not able to play the rest of the year. And so I would have loved to see what the rest of his season looked like. But unfortunately, was cut short due to injury. And so, yeah, I think on paper, I think the the coaches in this league understand the level of talent that he brings. um He's the leader of this defense. He's honestly probably the leader of this team. I think when you when you talk to players like after he got hurt last year, like it was pretty clear that like it was a void. Like certainly they were able to recover. and have have a good season without him. But like when he's on the field, like his presence is felt. And so I definitely feel like when you're talking like preseason all conference talent, like he does lead the charge for this team. And I definitely feel like we know pairing him next to Jaden Mayfield and Zarek Hill is kind of those two other starting linebackers like this unit is just going to be fun to watch and they can do so many different things. And so I'm just really excited to see what that unit looks like. And obviously Colby you know is the catalyst of everything with that.
Speaker: between Jackson Fields and Hill, at least as Phil Steele has them, all pretty much identical builds. Do they all archetype very similarly for you? I would definitely say so. I think Zarek, you know, when you're talking about kind of guys that are going to probably start for them, I think Zarek is maybe a little bit more undersized for a traditional linebacker. I think, you know Colby and Jaden definitely fit the bill as far as, you know, the speed, the size, the length.
Speaker: And I definitely feel like it's translated their production. I think Zarek, you is stepping into a much bigger year, you know much bigger role this year as a full-time starter. He's going to be their Mike linebacker. And so he's going to be the one that's calling out the plays. He's going one that kind of organizes this defense. And so I'm curious to see kind of how he bulks up in the off season, looking at him in spring. It looked like he did, you know put on some weight and increase his speed. So I definitely feel like they understand that, Hey, like you're going to, you're, if going to ask you to be a starter in this league, like we need you to bulk up a little bit. I think he's answered that call and he's looked really good. So I think when you look physically, you know, physically at this linebacker room, I think like it all kind of fits together. And I think, It's a lot of versatility. it's It's a lot of guys that are able to kind of line up in different positions. And I think that speaks to just kind of the way that they're built.
Speaker: yeah um what you know You had talked a little bit about the secondary, how they're just basically rebooting with with new faces. ah Can you kind of take us through that unit? And you know what are our expectations around like a brand new secondary when you don't have anybody that you can look back at and go, okay, well, we have this guy coming back. We have this returning production. what What are sort of the thought around the the secondary going into this year?
Speaker: Yeah, I think the expectation is still like TBD at this point. Honestly, I think there are some guys that they're excited about, but like, again, they they have not proven themselves like for a full season, either at Louisiana Tech or at the Division I level. Like, I think when you're talking returners, um again, there's no one that started on this defensive back room that is back. But they definitely have have some guys that are that have been in the program that are going to be elevated to starters this year. When you talk about a Sam Fongane, you know, strong safety, Jordan McRae at free safety, you know, both of those guys are going to go into their second year in the program. Again, they didn't start, you know, last year, but they certainly, you know, in that Independence Bowl, they were able to kind of flash and, you know, kind of show that like, hey, we we can be, you know, serviceable. And, know, certainly have seen them develop throughout spring. And I definitely feel like those are two guys that at least have been in the program that they're excited about. I think as far as transfers, when you look at, you know, obviously cornerback, you know they brought in Jannar Lockhart, you know from Tyler Junior College, you know, Demario Bookhart from South Carolina State.
Speaker: um You AJ Tarvin is a true freshman at corner that I think they're really excited about. um You know, back at safety, you know, MJ Moultrie is a transfer from Hampton. You know, Kari Johnson, they brought in from Arkansas, Ty Jones from Norfolk State. So like there are a couple of guys that have, like, have, played at some different programs and have gotten some experience, but like not necessarily for a full season. And so um I think it's kind of similar to what we were talking about with the defensive line that like they're just kind of betting on like, you know, supply and numbers basically that like, hey, like we're just going to kind of throw a bunch of different guys out there, at least maybe start the season and kind of see what we have. And then, you know, certainly by conference play, I think they're probably going to know who their guys are, but um I think overall, I think they like their safety room. I think if you're picking between the safeties and corners, it sounds like safety is one where they feel the most comfortable. um I think, frankly, when you look at their production last year, as far as taking the ball away, like that was a position group that like did most of the work and as far as defensive touchdowns and tackles for loss and all that sort of stuff. And so I feel like if that safety group can be as good as they expect it to be, like I think they're going to be in good shape. But again, it's a lot of guys that like have not proven themselves. And so I'm really curious to see if like that production can actually translate.
Speaker: Zeke, I know when we did the Marshall preview, we were talking about how Boogie Trotter was a five-interception guy. Louisiana Tech had an eight-interception guy ah last season. So yeah that's going be something that is that is tough to to replicate. led the country and Led the country in interceptions. Yeah, he was... Ja'Kari Foster was an AP All-American, just like a very great player. you know but Unfortunately, did not get a did not get drafted, you know but it sounds like he's getting a shot you know with the Saints and a couple other you know teams as far as you know rookie minicamp and all that stuff. But um yeah and then you talk about Jacob Fields as well like this is a kid that had two pick sixes for them last year he transferred to TCU like Michael Richard transferred to Michigan State like basically like all of the guys that produced at a high level like the rest of the country took notice and we're like oh thank you we'll just take them for you uh and so I definitely feel like Louisiana Tech I think like they recognize that like hey like we are starting over in that defensive backfield but like
Speaker: this system has proven that like we can put, but put guys in position to produce. And so, um, again, it's a lot of guys that haven't produced, but I think they're betting on the system. And I think just kind of the experience with this coordinator kind of, you know, translating to some success here. Yeah. Uh, from a high level with Cumbie is the seat warm at all. Did the eight and five buy him a couple of years?
Speaker: What does that look like? Yeah, it's interesting. you know As far as contract situation, you know going originally his contract was supposed to expire at the end of this coming season. But following last year's 8-5 finish, you know the AD at Louisiana Tech actually extended the contract to two guaranteed years and with the option of a third year if they win six games this year. so It's essentially like, yeah, basically confirming that at least as far as administration is concerned, like they don't view him on the hot seat. They view him as, you know, a guy that they, you know, want to hitch their wagon to.
Speaker: I think as far as the fan base is kind of hot and cold again, like you're talking about one winning season in four years at Louisiana tech. Like I think the fan base was kind of surprised, frankly, that like he was given the extension, just given the fact that like,
Speaker: it took one year and like we were immediately just kind of hitching our wagon to this guy. And I certainly feel like fans are probably a little bit disappointed with how the offense has been in his tenure. um Yeah. Certainly when he was brought in, you know, he, was he was kind of tallied as like, you know, man, he's an air raid guy coming in from the big 12, like, you know, former quarterback, like he's going to, he's going to unlock this passing game. They're going to, you know, they're going to average 50 points a game. Like it's going be awesome. And like, since he's been at louisiana tech it has not been that at all he actually fired himself as the offensive coordinator a couple years ago and like that's why like they have a couple different ocs now and so it's definitely a situation where like it's just just a very strange dynamic like they certainly had success last year and it certainly looked like they have momentum moving forward but at the same time like i think the fan base like still has this expectation of like okay but we were promised this one thing and like we haven't really gotten it yet and so like I certainly feel like fans were excited, but I think they're kind of ah waiting to be like, okay, like, can you finally like prove to us that like you have a system in place that can like sustain success. um And so i certainly feel like hot seat wise. I mean, like if they win three games this year, then like, yeah, he certainly is going be back on the hot seat, but like,
Speaker: i think, frankly, what what the administration has told fans is that like if they make a bowl game and they win a bowl game, that's frankly like all they need to see. And so like I certainly feel like if they make it to six wins, like he's safe um based on what the administration has said. Sure.
Speaker: You know, I think Marshall fans will tell you, ah you don't want to get into a one year left on the contract standoff with the coach because it can get ah pretty nasty. i would say like how it happened with Charles Huff. So that that got ah that got rough there toward the end with people just like kind of slinging mud back and forth. So, yeah, it's probably better to just give him the two year extension and and just deal with it when the when the bill comes due. Yeah.
Speaker: Before we kind of transition into the schedule stuff, I do want to tell you, you said you haven't had a chance to look at Phil Steele's magazine. You're not missing a whole lot as far as prediction goes, because he says he has you guys between three to eight Sunbelt wins. And I'm like, that's a heck of a range, Phil. That's that's between going undefeated in the conference or ah you're right there with ULM and South Alabama at the end of the year. We don't know. Yeah.
Speaker: Well, I do have a question while we're talking to ULM real quick and also Louisiana, like conference change as a whole. What is, what is the the fan base temperature on moving conferences?
Speaker: There was obviously the drama leaving Kusa. How did that go over with the fans? um And talk about like putting out two what is the beef between you and Lafayette and Monroe? Like, yeah, what what's that relationship like?
Speaker: Yeah, definitely as far as the fan base excitement, um could not be more excited. I think like, you know, forget like the honestly forget like the eight wins that they had last year. I think fans are honestly just super excited to play games that matter again. i think there were so many times in the Conference USA era, particularly, you know, when Sonny Comby was there where it's like, why are we playing Delaware and like f FIU and New Mexico State? Like we we have no history with these programs. We have no sort of baked in like relationship with them. And like, it was strange like when i moved down here like i mentioned before like i graduated from iowa state and like louis louisiana monroe is 30 minutes from louisiana tech and they haven't played since 2000 it's like how does that make sense and so it's like um it certainly was a situation that like when like louisiana tech ad ryan and ivy came here he made it very clear that like he was you know seriously looking at like louisiana tech's fit in conference usa and then obviously you know officially made the move you know to the sun belt once texas state you know jumped for the pac-12 and so um certainly as far as the fan base excitement yeah they are ready for these regional rivalries to come back you know certainly with ulm and lafayette i don't think it's an accident that the that the conference kind of set that up as far as you know text to conference games i think those are probably going to be two of the highest attended um conference games frankly in the conference this year. I think we were just talking about the excitement level and um I think just as far as like the fan base is ready to kind of get at each other's throats again. You know, certainly we've been able to see that a little bit on the baseball field, you know, when they played a non-conference over the last couple of years, but like football is just a different beast. And so I'm just really excited to see how that plays out as far as the legal battle situation. Yeah, fans were certainly on edge, you know, during the the spring. I think just, you know again, seeing all the legal battles and, you know, the back and forth of like, no, we're suing you and, you know, no here's here's your schedule. And yeah, it was a whole situation, but I think it was pretty clear, like, that there was never really a moment where I've got you guys playing two teams on the same night in different cities. Good luck with that. It was ridiculous. And so, like, I think fans kind of recognize that, like, okay, that's just like posturing, like, that's not real. But But I think there definitely was a time period where like it was getting to the point where like, hey, they're reporting to spring ball here in like three weeks. Like, are you going to have like a resolution? And like eventually they found one. But yeah, there was there was definitely a point where fans were on edge. But, um you know, again, money solves everything and they were able to pay the buyout. And yeah, certainly have have moved forward into the conference. And so, yeah, fans are excited for this. And frankly, I'm excited for it as well.
Speaker: So let's go ahead and start talking about the schedule. ah Tough out-of-conference slate for you guys. You open up, you get Northwestern State, which profiles as a win. you know What are they an FCS, maybe D2 school, one of those two? ah That profiles as a win, but then your out-of-conference slate is at LSU, at Baylor, bi-week, home hosting Army.
Speaker: Yep. I hate it. It's probably go be one in three. I would say like, I don't know what kind of team army's fielding this year. And frankly, I don't think they usually do either until the games start just cause it's like they have a forced roster. Like they don't get to really go out and recruit and do all that sort of stuff. They kind of just take who who's there. Um, so what are the, you know, obviously LSU and Baylor are the, the games where you go, you most of the time you lose, you get paid and then you kind of just come home. Um,
Speaker: what do you What do you kind of gauge the chances of the the army game, you know, considering it's like free win, basically square out of the gate and then two really tough like P5 games out out there too.
Speaker: Yeah, I definitely feel like you're right that like there is a scenario where they go into conference play one and three. i think when again when you look back at the last time they played Army, it was actually in the Independence Bowl two years ago when they lost 27 to six.
Speaker: That was a much better Army team, like, you know, obviously a nationally ranked like, you know, Heisman, you know, candidate. I mean, like they had like a great quarterback and a great obviously that system with the triple option, like they know what they're doing.
Speaker: I definitely feel like Louisiana Tech knows that that's a hinge point. I think when you look at their conference slate, like again, like I just mentioned, you're starting conference play with, frankly, probably your two most like excited, you know to get your fan base excited, like with Lafayette ULM.
Speaker: And so like that Army game is ah is a huge hinge point. like If you get embarrassed at Baylor and LSU and then like Army comes into your building and runs all over you, like This definitely could be a situation where like the fan base could check out like pretty early, regardless of like the Sunbelt rivalries. And so I definitely feel like, yeah, take care of business against Northwestern State.
Speaker: LSU is certainly going be a lot better than they were last year. you know That Baylor game, like again, on paper, like it definitely looks like it probably is going to be a loss. Again, that coaching staff is on the hot seat. Dave Aranda has certainly kind of fallen out of grace with that fan base. can't believe you. He's still there. Yeah. They keep, they keep tolerating bad season after bad season. They're like really chasing the high of that. What big 12 championship they won a couple of years back. No doubt. And so like, I think that's a situation where like, okay, like you look at them on paper, it's like, okay, like Baylor starts the year with Auburn and they got Prairie view. It's like,
Speaker: you're probably going to lose at Auburn and then like you probably beat Prairie View. And so it's like, okay, like maybe that Louisiana tech game is like kind of a hinge point for them as well of like, okay, like what if we lost this game? Is that the game where they fire a random, like a lot could come into play into that game. And so like, I'm not saying that like Louisiana tech is going to go into Waco and just, you know, upset them. But I do feel like if you're picking between the two power four teams, like Baylor gives you a better opportunity to win, but yeah, I certainly am not going to predict that that's going to happen. So I definitely feel like that Army game is the hinge point. i think the fact that it's at home, i think the fact that you've seen them in previous years, you're going to have that bye week to prepare for the triple option. Like, I think a lot of things are voting well for Louisiana Tech in that matchup. But um again, on paper, like, you know, Army has proven to be a more consistent program than you. And so I'm curious to see how it plays out.
Speaker: Sure. Yeah. I really, really bi-week for you guys as well. Yeah. Is that, is that a trend or just happenstance? Yeah. It's, it's been a trend here and there. um Like, again, I think, you know, a couple of years ago when they, they, you know, still had, you Sonny as their play caller a couple of years ago and then they, they went into a bi-week, he fired himself as the OC and then they had another bi-week later in the year. um You know, last year they, they had a bi-week, you know, before,
Speaker: you know, conference play as well. And so it it was a, it was a weird situation where like they they play these really big games and they have to kind of like decompress and kind of get ready for, you know, smaller matchup. And so, yeah, it's kind of been the trend for them over the past couple of years. And I think frankly, when we're talking about preparing for army preparing for that matchup, like I think it's a bi-week that they'll take. um And again, especially considering that like your next two games, like,
Speaker: you' the the most you're driving is like three hours. So like, you're not exactly like to have to wear and tear yourself. And so I definitely feel like that bi-week is a good starting point and be like, Hey, like reset yourself. This army game is huge. And then like, you're not really going to have to worry about travel for the next couple weeks.
Speaker: week yeah so you you talked about it october 10th you take on louisiana at home um they have continuity at the at the quarterback spot with lunch winfield who played the majority of last season um they frankly like had one of the worst offensive lines in the in the conference last year but they had a bunch of injuries so we'll we'll see if they kind of pull that together ulm they're they're closer to firing their coach than they are like extending him. like he He's had one okay season with Ahmad Hardy before he bounced and went to Missouri. Last year was ugly. they
Speaker: Their quarterback has not moved me in any way, shape, or form the last two years, and they keep starting him. Don't really understand the thought process there. um So that'll probably be a win, I would say. The Louisiana game is a true toss-up because I've looked at like – The sports books for Louisiana are very optimistic, but they also were last year and they finished six and six. So I'm just sort of like, and let's maybe pump the brakes on expectations for the Cajuns. yeah And then on the 24th, you get Old Dominion at home for homecoming. They were a good, a really, really good team last year.
Speaker: However, they don't have Colton Joseph anymore. um They're transitioning to more of a, ah ku what is it, Kukoc type guy where he's kind of run first, not really premier thrower of the football.
Speaker: That'd be a really interesting game, I think, for both teams to kind of get the the barometer on where both teams are at. Yeah, and I think the one good thing about like Louisiana Tech's conference schedule, which again, I'm not saying like this is a cakewalk league by any means, but I do feel like there were times like in the Conference USA era where like you would look at Louisiana Tech's schedule and it'd be like, okay, like, wow, they have three straight weeks where like they have to win these games. Like there would be times where it's like, It's Western Kentucky, like, you know, it's Jacksonville State, it's Liberty. It's like, we have to go like two and one or three and oh, to like be contending. Otherwise, like we won't like the season won't matter. And so like, i think when you look at this schedule on paper, like again, that Lafayette game is certainly a toss up, but like you look at their first three, like I think they're, they're manageable games like as far as league you know league play. And then like you play South Alabama, who's projected to be like one of the worst teams in the conference. And then you go to Troy, but then you also get Southern Miss like right after that. like It's kind of a nice schedule where it's like you're not necessarily like putting pressure on like one point in the season. It's certainly like on paper that Troy game is like easily the most important, like, you know, you know, West division game that you have, but like, it's not bookended by like, Oh my gosh, we have to go three and O in the next three weeks. Otherwise, like we're not going to, you know, win the West. And so I certainly feel like when you look on paper, and think Lafayette, like you mentioned, I think coming into your building, the fan base is going to be on your side. It's going be rocking in there. I think the fact that like you mentioned, you know certainly like they have some continuity of some nice positions, but I think Louisiana tech's defense is better. and I think they're to have an opportunity to win that game. And then, yeah, ULM, like again, it's going to be at ULM. They're going to have nice crowd there, but roster wise, talent wise, like I don't think it even compares.
Speaker: And so like, I feel like there's a chance that you could start 2-0 in league play. Again, Old Dominion's a very good team, but like you mentioned, they definitely lost some very good production as well. And so there's a world like, I think that's what makes this conference so nice is like, there's a world I can see Louisiana Tech like starting like league play 3-0. There's also a world I can see like 1-2 as well. And so like, I think there's a lot of opportunities for this program. I think the fact that you're getting two of your first three league games at home, that's definitely a benefit for this team. And the one on the road is against ULM.
Speaker: so Right. right yeah um like I think you're right. like You can't anticipate like a James Madison-type takeover where they came in and year one were the best team in the conference and have been pretty much every year since. yeah um You obviously can't anticipate but that, but like the table is set pretty well based on like how you're describing this team and then how open the West is.
Speaker: Old Dominion, as Brian said, is shaky. Your other non-division game is Georgia Southern. at georgia southern At Georgia Southern is tough, but also... Georgia Southern has a tendency to not play football late in November, like at all, just not show up.
Speaker: um That's right. So it's like you you could come out of this – Like, on paper, this is a seven conference wins, like, fairly easily, um which would obviously be an incredible story coming into the conference doing that. But the table's set for you guys if you want it, or, you know, obviously they want it, if ifs they're able.
Speaker: And I think the key, you know, Louisiana Tech has kind of been in a situation like this before where, like, Conference USA is certainly not as good of a conference as as the Sun Belt is. And so like there's been times where like you've looked at Louisiana Tech's schedule on paper and it's like, oh, like, wow, like how how does this team like not finish with eight wins? And then like there's a lot of these toss up games like we mentioned where like the margin of error is very slim. And I think Tech has kind of unfortunately proven over the last couple years that like I think they've tried they've started to change that narrative. But like.
Speaker: the the first couple years of Sonny's tenure, it was like, if it's a close game, like they're losing this game. And I think you saw shades of that last year, like when they lost to Delaware on kind of ah a freak play there at the end. And obviously Jacksonville State a couple years ago, they beat them on a Hail Mary. And like, there was a lot of different scenarios that like really hurt them in some close games. And so like, I think you're right that like on paper,
Speaker: we could look at this team and say like, wow, you finished with six to seven, like eight, you know, league wins. That would be awesome. But like at the same time, like it's, it's not like you're head and shoulders above Lafayette, old dominion, you know, Troy, like Arkansas state, like there are definitely teams like on your tax bracket that like,
Speaker: if you don't come up to, if you don't play consistently, if you don't play for four quarters, like you can get beat. And I think Louisiana tech recognizes that. I think that's why frankly they wanted to be in this conference, like to be with familiar opponents that frankly, like are kind of on their competition level. And I think with that comes,
Speaker: excitement that like they could run the table but also like hey like there's pressure that we have to come ready to perform because like these aren't just like walk over teams like i think there were frankly times in their conference usa tenure where it's like okay we've got sam houston and middle tennessee and utep on the schedule it's like you know pencil in those three wins it's like you know Now you're actually playing like real competition. Like I know South Alabama and Southern Miss are probably not going to be great and ULM as well. But like there are definitely some teams that like by season's end, like are probably going to be in bulk attention. I mean, the Sunbelt, what they send like 10 teams to to bowl games last year. It's like there are good teams like in this conference. And so like you can't just sleepwalk through it.
Speaker: that This would have been, this would have, again, this is another good that you guys entered the conference this year. This would have been a brutal schedule had you been in last year with like the quarterbacks that you would have faced. It have been like Colton Joseph, Jalen Rayner at Arkansas State, Braylon Braxton at Southern Miss. I know i know they did play Southern Miss, but it was just like,
Speaker: that This would have been like a murderer's row almost outside of not having to play JMU. It would have been a a really, really tough schedule. but Again, it it lines up very nicely. the West, to me, i know yeah I know everybody's like Troy's at the top, but I think it's up for grabs. like Even Troy last year had moments where it was it was like they got beat pretty badly by Arkansas State like 24 to 10 or something. And I was just like, oh, I thought...
Speaker: I thought Southern Miss was going to win the West and then it became, Oh, I thought Troy wanted it, but they lost this game. And so it was, it was all over the place last year, even in a a division that had better quarterback play than it does presumably going into this year. So it'd be, it'd be very interesting to see how Louisiana tech matches up with like a lot of these teams.
Speaker: Yeah, definitely. So um as we sort of wrap up here, um what are what do you initially think? like we're We're not going to set this in stone or anything, but as far as like wins this year, where where do you have them kind of slotted in? Maybe in the West as a whole and maybe just win-loss-wise? Where do you kind of have them ah at like level?
Speaker: Yeah, so I was looking, you know, the other day, you know, yeah ESPN, like FPI, like they put out like their projections as far as like, you know percentage to make a bowl game and then also just like win-loss. And, um you know, ESPN projects them 5.6 to 6.5 wins.
Speaker: I think that's kind of where I land. Like I know we were talking like optimistically about like what this team could be, but – As someone that's on the ground and is like seeing this team up close, you know, day to day and again, they could surprise and there certainly are some guys that if they perform like this team could, you know, could be very good. But I think when you're just talking about like a they're not going to have the defensive touchdown success that they had last year. And that is just part of the eight wins that they had, like ah objectively, like if you look through their schedule last year, like they don't win three games without the defensive touchdowns, like just fact.
Speaker: And so i think the fact that that's probably not going to happen again, coupled with like there are ah so many new things on offense, like even though the offensive line is back, you help you every single running back that you're projecting to start this year like has never taken a Division I snap. Like that's just a fact.
Speaker: Your wide receiver core, like it's a lot of guys that – think are okay but like i've never really produced at a high level i think your quarterback if he's healthy can be very good but like again like he he's proven that he hasn't really been able to and so like i think on paper going into the year like i think i'm projecting about six wins um i think that's you know that's about where this team is like i think there are just offenses that are more seasoned that have you know proven production and i think this defense is going to keep them in games and You know who knows? There could be games where this defense takes over again, is able to will will them to some games that maybe we didn't expect. But I think overall, if you're just asking me right now, kind of a range, I would say probably 567. Like that's probably where I would would kind of see them.
Speaker: um I frankly don't see them and immediately coming in and just kind of taking the West by storm. I certainly feel like they're going be competitive, but I think there are just too many questions. I think a lot of things probably would have to go right for them to kind of be in that mix firmly, but um it's not impossible. Again, if if their quarterback stays healthy, if these running backs produce like they did last year, like this offense can be good. And if this defense can stay healthy, if Colby and that linebacking core can keep doing what they're doing, like, and this defensive secondary can put it together, like,
Speaker: On paper, they have the pieces, but it's a lot of guys that kind of have to prove like, hey, yeah, we're for real. And so I definitely would say like they're definitely going to be in bowl contention. But I think as far as like, hey, we're going to contend for a West Division title or a conference title, like I think it's a little too early to probably project that.
Speaker: that That seems to be where a lot of the teams that that we don't really know what to do with are kind of slotting in like around five, six, seven wins. Like even if you go look at win totals like from Vegas, there's a ton of teams that are like six and a half or five and a half. And then there's like three or four teams like right at the top that they feel good about with like Troy, Louisiana, JMU, ODU. And then the rest of the teams are all just kind of bunched up other than Georgia State, ULM, South Alabama, all the other teams they don't really know what to do with. so i think
Speaker: this kind I guess in the East, it's a little more decided just because we have multiple teams at the top. And like I think the West is just waiting for somebody to take it by storm, kind of what you said. like It's like Troy is there, and they were good last year, but they weren't like this steamroller. They weren't the John Summerall Troy teams. So yeah it's still like up up in the air about who's going to take the West. so Yeah. Yeah, I mean, they they have as good as a shot as like Arkansas State does, like Louisiana does. So, you know, it'd be it'd be awesome to see, you know, how they kind of stack up this year. But um Matt, is there anything before we get out of here that you would like to plug or anything like that?
Speaker: Yeah, I mean, I would just say, you know, again, if you're if you want to follow along with Louisiana Tech this season and their their first season, you know, back in the Sun Belt, you can follow our work at Ruston Data Leader dot com. You obviously will post a lot of fall camp stories and post games, you know, stuff on there. um You know, one thing that I've really enjoyed doing over the past couple years is um I do a post game, you know, kind of reaction show on YouTube, but it's not live. I kind of posted it about an hour after the game just to. you know kind of recap the game, usually go about 10 to 15 minutes and just kind of break it down. And so um if you want to follow along with Louisiana Tech, but don't necessarily want to invest, you know, three hours into watching a game, like you can head out over to our YouTube channel um after, you know, the games and just kind of, you know, get kind of the the baseline, you know, thoughts on that. And then, you know, also would love to plug if you're interested in just, you know, athletes in Louisiana and just kind of the talent in Lincoln Parish. And we've a lot of college and and high school athletes that are going to just, you know, very productive and have a lot of, you know, you know,
Speaker: high standing in this community i do a podcast with them called overtime with rdl just about 20 minutes just kind of get to know them you know off the court off the field like we we talk a little bit about the team that they're on but it's mostly just kind of about like who they are personally their journey and so um definitely have any interest in that that's also on our youtube page as well and so um you can follow me on twitter i guess x whatever it's called at balance and matt That's where I'll be posting all my my recaps and you know coverage and all that sort of stuff. So, ah yeah, looking forward to year one of the Sunbelt. This has been something that's been anticipated, but I'm ah i'm ready to see it kind of you know all play out this year for sure.
Speaker: Awesome. Well, thank you so much for coming on. um you know hope Hope to have you on maybe talk bowl game later this season, possibly conference championship game. Don't want to put cart in front of the horse, but it's in play.
Speaker: um Yeah, thank you so much for having us on. You can follow the show at warmweatherfans.com. ah pretty much everywhere. I'm Zeke Palermo at Z-E-K-E-P-A-L-E-R-M-O. I stole your thing, Brian, so please. yeah No, no, go for it. ah I'm Brian Stone on X at WatchTheStone. Yeah, once again, thanks, Matt, for taking the time to speak with us. This was this was great because we had absolutely no idea what what was going on with Louisiana Tech, so we needed we needed someone to kind of guide us in a fact-finding mission more than, here are our takes because we've been watching this team for such a long time, so
Speaker: Yeah, no, but I could help. Yeah, absolutely. Awesome. This has been warm weather fans.
