Louisiana Tech 1-1 After Two Games: Defense Shines, Offense Searches

On3 image — Tony Franklin is in his second stint at Louisiana Tech and is looking to get the Bulldogs offense back on track.

Louisiana Tech enters the season 1-1 after a win over FCS Southeastern Louisiana and a hard-fought loss to No. 3 LSU. Through two games, one thing has been clear: the Bulldogs’ defense is carrying the team, while the offense under Tony Franklin is still finding its footing.

Defensive Consistency

Luke Olson, stepping in after Jeremiah Johnson left for Coastal Carolina, has kept the Bulldogs’ 3-3-5 scheme intact, and it’s giving opponents fits. With three down linemen and five defensive backs, Tech keeps offenses guessing, mixing blitzes, disguised coverages, and fast, athletic defenders.

Against LSU, QB Garrett Nussmeier was pressured all night, throwing one interception as Tech racked up three sacks and eight tackles for loss. Mekhi Mason is off to a historic start, leading the nation in tackles for loss, and the Bulldogs rank 28th in pass efficiency defense while sitting T-7 in turnover margin. Even on fourth downs, they’ve been perfect, stopping every attempt so far. It’s a defense performing at an elite level, even with a new coordinator at the helm.

Offensive Challenges and Franklin’s History

The offense, by contrast, has struggled. The Bulldogs are averaging just 15.5 points and 208 yards per game, with 97 rushing yards and 111 passing yards. Third-down conversions have been a problem at 26.1%, and time of possession is lagging under 24 minutes per game.

While Trey Kukuk has graded out well according to PFF, Tech needs more overall production to sustain drives and finish in the red zone. Tight end Eli Finley, Tech’s top pro prospect, has shown flashes with five receptions for 72 yards, and the Bulldogs will need to get him more involved to provide a reliable weapon in short-yardage and scoring situations.

This season’s offensive struggles stand in stark contrast to Franklin’s 2012 Bulldogs, who led the nation in scoring at 51.5 points per game and total offense with 577.9 yards per game, ranking fifth nationally in passing and 12th in rushing. That team ran RPO concepts years before they were popularized nationally, stretching defenses and creating mismatches at every level.

A Temporary Shift?

This year, Franklin appears to have dialed back the wide-open passing attack that once defined his success at Louisiana Tech. Many are wondering whether this is a permanent shift, largely because the roster lacks proven playmakers beyond Kukuk and Finley. BleedTechBlue.com has reached out to Louisiana Tech for comment from Franklin to clarify whether his offensive philosophy has changed.

Looking Ahead: New Mexico State Preview

Next up, Tech hosts New Mexico State, which has started 2-0 with wins over Bryant and Tulsa. The Aggies’ rushing attack has struggled, averaging just 58.5 yards per game and ranking 133rd nationally. QB Logan Fife has thrown for 475 yards and three touchdowns, but New Mexico State has been inconsistent on third downs, and linebacker Tyler Martinez leads the team with 17 tackles.

This matchup gives Tech’s defense another chance to dominate while the offense searches for rhythm. Getting Finley more involved and seeing key players emerge could make the difference in turning competitive games into wins. Franklin’s adjustments, paired with the defensive dominance and emerging offensive weapons, will determine whether the Bulldogs can build momentum for the rest of the season.