GAME DAY PRIMER: Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston State
It’s Homecoming week in Ruston, as Louisiana Tech (4–3, 2–2) hosts Sam Houston State (0–7, 0–4) under the lights at Joe Aillet Stadium on Friday night.
Game Details
- Date: October 31, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, LA
- Streaming: CBS Sports Network
- Radio: KXKZ 107.5
Team Records
- Louisiana Tech: 4-3 (2-2)
- Sam Houston State: 0-7 (0-4)
- Last Meeting: Sam Houston State defeated Louisiana Tech 9-3 in 2024
Head Coaches
- Sonny Cumbie: (15-29 in his fourth season at Louisiana Tech)
- Phil Longo (0-7 in his first season at Sam Houston State)
Key Storylines
Can the Bulldogs capitalize on their red zone chances and finish drives with touchdowns?
The red zone has been a problem area for Louisiana Tech’s offense over the past three weeks. The Bulldogs have managed touchdowns on just 4 of their last 12 trips inside the 20, a concerning 33% conversion rate.
That kind of inefficiency isn’t a winning formula — and if not for the defense forcing five turnovers against UTEP, we might be talking about a three-game losing streak instead of just two.
Simply put, Tech has to be better in the red zone, and that improvement needs to start Friday night against a struggling Sam Houston State defense.
Can Louisiana Tech generate consistent pressure on Hunter Watson and force the Bearkats into costly mistakes Friday night?
It’s no secret that Louisiana Tech plays its best football when the defense is generating takeaways. Over the past two weeks, however, the Bulldogs have forced just two turnovers — and the result has been two straight losses.
The defensive struggles go deeper than that. Tech ranks 125th nationally in sack percentage and 129th in third-down conversions allowed over its last three games, numbers that highlight a pressing need for more disruption.
Now comes Sam Houston State, an offense converting only 21% of its third-down attempts and struggling to put points on the board all season.
If the Bulldogs are going to get back on track, forcing turnovers — and capitalizing on them — will be essential Friday night.
Weekly Coverage Recap
Monday Morning Hype: Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston State
Early Sam Houston State Preview: Don’t Let the 0-7 Record Fool You
It’s Time to Feature Marlion Jackson as LA Tech’s Offensive Focal Point at WR
Sonny Cumbie, Marlion Jackson, and Christian Davis meet with Media to Preview Sam Houston State
Scouting Sam Houston State QB Hunter Watson
Breaking Down the Stats: Louisiana Tech vs. Sam Houston State
Score Predictions: Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston State
Final Word Thursday: Preview, Bold Prediction & Insight for Louisiana Tech vs. Sam Houston State
GAME THREAD | Louisiana Tech vs Sam Houston State
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