GAME DAY PRIMER: Louisiana Tech vs New Mexico State
Louisiana Tech (1-1) kicks off Conference USA action at home Saturday night, hosting undefeated New Mexico State (2-0). The Bulldogs aim to open conference play with a victory for the eighth time in the past nine seasons.
Game Details
- Date: September 13, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Origin Bank Field at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, LA
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Radio: KXKZ 107.5
Team Records
- Louisiana Tech: 1-1
- New Mexico State: 2-0
- Last Meeting: New Mexico State defeated Louisiana Tech 33-30 in 2 OT in 2024
Head Coaches
- Sonny Cumbie: (12-27 in his fourth season at Louisiana Tech)
- Tony Sanchez: (5-9 in his second season at New Mexico State)
Key Storylines
Will it be Trey Kukuk or Blake Baker under center for Louisiana Tech against New Mexico State?
Yes, for the fourth straight season, there’s a quarterback controversy brewing in Ruston. This time, the conversation centers around Trey Kukuk and Blake Baker — though don’t count out Evan Bullock, who could find himself in the mix before long.
Kukuk got the start against LSU, completing 12 of 18 passes (67%) for just 50 yards. Baker took over in the fourth quarter and provided a spark, connecting on a 33-yard touchdown pass to Devin Gandy for Tech’s only score of the game. He finished 3 of 8 for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Both quarterbacks bring some mobility to the position, but neither has fully separated himself heading into this week’s matchup.
So, who will offensive coordinator Tony Franklin trust to lead the Bulldogs’ first drive on Saturday? That remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: Louisiana Tech needs answers on offense, and fast.
Can the Tech defense continue to play at this high of a level?
Let’s be honest — Luke Olson’s defense hasn’t had much margin for error through the first two weeks. But so far, it hasn’t mattered.
Two games in, one thing is clear: this defense is the real deal.
Still, if Louisiana Tech’s offensive struggles persist, it’s fair to wonder how long the defense can keep holding the line before the dam finally breaks.
Head coach Sonny Cumbie preaches “complementary football” every week — offense, defense, special teams, and yes, even energy from the sideline. But through two games, that complete, four-phase effort hasn’t consistently shown up.
With Conference USA play now underway, the question becomes: can this dominant defense carry the Bulldogs to where they want to go?
Weekly Coverage Recap
Monday Morning Hype: Louisiana Tech vs New Mexico State
Louisiana Tech 1-1 After Two Games: Defense Shines, Offense Searches
Press Conference: Cumbie, Cole, and Richard discuss matchup with New Mexico State
Breaking Down Louisiana Tech’s Week 3 Depth Chart vs New Mexico State
Scouting New Mexico State QB Logan Fife
Breaking Down the Stats: Louisiana Tech vs. New Mexico State
Score Predictions: Louisiana Tech vs New Mexico State
Three Keys to Victory: New Mexico State
First C-USA Test: LA Tech Sports Central scouts New Mexico State
Final Word Friday: Preview, Bold Prediction & Insight for Louisiana Tech vs. New Mexico State
GAME THREAD | Louisiana Tech vs New Mexico State
Join BleedTechBlue
Sign up for BleedTechBlue today – $1 for the first week, plus a complimentary year of access to The Athletic included.
Take advantage of this great deal TODAY!
