Monday Morning Hype: Louisiana Tech vs UTEP
Louisiana Tech (3-1) is set to leave the state for the first time in the 2025 season as the Bulldogs head west to El Paso, Texas, for a Saturday night matchup against UTEP (1-3).
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT at the Sun Bowl. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ and can also be heard on KXKZ 107.5 FM.
Matchup at a Glance
Louisiana Tech enters the matchup with a 3-1 overall record, including a 1-0 mark in Conference USA play, and is playing its best football in recent memory.
In Saturday’s 30-20 win over rival Southern Miss, quarterback Blake Baker made his second career start and delivered an efficient performance. He completed 15 of 21 passes for 239 yards, added 29 yards on the ground, and scored a rushing touchdown, effectively managing the game from start to finish.
Tight end Eli Finley had a breakout night, hauling in six receptions for a career-high 155 yards.
On the defensive side, Kolbe Fields made a game-changing play, intercepting Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton and returning it 48 yards for a touchdown—shifting the momentum firmly in Tech’s favor.
The Bulldogs now travel to El Paso, where they’ve historically dominated, winning eight of their nine meetings against UTEP at the Sun Bowl.
UTEP enters the matchup against Louisiana Tech with a 1-3 overall record, set to open its Conference USA schedule on Saturday.
In their most recent outing, the Miners dropped a 31-25 decision at home to UL-Monroe.
Quarterback Malachi Nelson put up big numbers in the loss, completing 22 of 46 passes for 404 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Receivers Trevon Tate and Wondame Davis were the primary targets, combining for 245 receiving yards and all three of Nelson’s touchdown passes.
While the Miners’ defense struggled against the run in their loss to UL-Monroe—allowing over six yards per carry—they had been a disruptive force in the trenches through the first three games of the season, ranking among the top 15 nationally in both sacks and tackles for loss.
Week Four X-Factors: Two Questions that Matter
Can Tech turn a strong start into a statement win away from home?
It’s that simple: Louisiana Tech is just 2-27 in its last 29 games away from Joe Aillet Stadium. The Bulldogs are off to a fantastic start this season, but if they want to be taken seriously as a contender at the top of Conference USA, winning on the road is the next box to check.
Forget the spread. Forget the opponent. Forget the miles. Just go get it done.
Will Louisiana Tech tighten up its secondary in time for Saturday’s matchup?
Louisiana Tech’s pass defense is giving up 263.7 yards per game—but when you’re only allowing 14.2 points per contest, it’s hardly a red flag.
Still, there’s little doubt that defensive coordinator Luke Olson and his staff will be focused this week on tightening up the secondary. Over the past two games, the Bulldogs have surrendered four touchdowns of 20 yards or more—big plays that could prove costly down the road.
They’ll be tested again Saturday by a pass-heavy UTEP offense led by Malachi Nelson, who’s averaging 297 passing yards and has thrown seven touchdowns over his last three outings.
What’s Dropping This Week on BleedTechBlue (Week of Sep. 22)
Monday
- Monday Morning Hype – Kick off your week with energy!
Tuesday
- Stat Attack
- Press Conference News & Notes
- BTB Radio – Tune in for analysis, updates & special guests!
Wednesday
- Scout the Opposing Quarterback – Know the enemy.
- BC joins SportsTalk 97.7 FM for his weekly radio hit — catch him at 7:15 AM!
Thursday
- Statistical Comparison
- Score Predictions
- Inside Tech Football on SportsTalk 97.7 FM at 6 PM
Friday
- Three Keys to Victory
- Depth Chart Look-In
- Friday Final Word – Wrapping it all up before kickoff.
Saturday – Game Day!
- Game Day Central
- Game Thread – Live updates & fan chatter.
- BleedTechBlue Postgame Call-in Show
Presented by Impact Healthcare Solutions on KXKZ 107.5 FM
Sunday
- Snap Count Totals
- Player Grades – How’d the Dawgs perform?
- Who Impressed, Who Struggled?
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