2012 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team

Last updated

2012 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football
Louisiana Tech Athletics wordmark.svg
Conference Western Athletic Conference
Record9–3 (4–2 WAC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin (3rd season)
Offensive scheme Air raid
Defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler (6th season)
Base defense 4–2–5
Captains
Home stadium Joe Aillet Stadium
Independence Stadium
Seasons
  2011
2013  
2012 Western Athletic Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 16 Utah State $  6 0   11 2  
No. 21 San Jose State  5 1   11 2  
Louisiana Tech  4 2   9 3  
UTSA *  3 3   8 4  
Texas State *  2 4   4 8  
Idaho  1 5   1 11  
New Mexico State  0 6   1 11  
  • $ Conference champion
  • * Texas State and UTSA were not eligible for conference title or bowl games as part of their transition to the FBS.
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2012 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team represented Louisiana Tech University as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) during the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by third-year head coach Sonny Dykes, the Bulldogs played five of their six home games at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana and one at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Bulldogs finished the season 9–3 overall and 4–2 in conference play to place third in the WAC. Despite having one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Bulldogs did not play in a bowl game. They were initially invited to the Independence Bowl, but asked for more time to decide to see if other options opened up. No other bowl invited them, and the Independence Bowl selected Ohio instead. [1]

Contents

This was the Bulldogs last season as members of the WAC as they joined Conference USA in 2013.

Before the season

Recruiting

Four student-athletes in Louisiana Tech's 2012 signing class were already enrolled at Tech prior to signing day. After signing with Louisiana Tech on National Signing Day in 2011, running back Tevin King was finally declared eligible by the NCAA after waiting out the 2011 season, and his scholarship will count towards Tech's 2012 signing class. [2] On November 24, 2011, Sonny Dykes announced that four walk-on players would be receiving football scholarships which count towards the 2012 signing class. These players earning football scholarships include wide receiver D.J. Banks, defensive back Craig Johnson, running back Hunter Lee, and wide receiver Hayden Slack. [3]

College recruiting information (2012)
NameHometownSchoolHeightWeightCommit date
Adairius Barnes
ATH
Port Gibson, MS Port Gibson HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)176 lb (80 kg)Feb 1, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Kentrell Brice
DB
Ruston, LA Ruston HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)173 lb (78 kg)Jan 28, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Darrell Brown
OL
Abilene, TX Cooper HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)240 lb (110 kg)Jan 28, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  2 stars.svg    
Vernon Butler
DL
Summit, MS North Pike HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)295 lb (134 kg)Jan 8, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg    
Grant Childress
WR
Tyler, TX Grace Community School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)179 lb (81 kg)Jan 29, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  2 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Alec Davis
OL
Mission Viejo, CA Orange Coast College 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)275 lb (125 kg)Jan 6, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  2 stars.svg    
Jaydrick DeClouet
WR
Patterson, LA Patterson HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)165 lb (75 kg)Jan 25, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  2 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Kenneth Dixon
RB
Strong, AR Strong HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)211 lb (96 kg)Oct 16, 2011 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Stephen Gibson
DL
Marrero, LA Archbishop Shaw HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)229 lb (104 kg)Dec 9, 2011 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  2 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Jon Greenwalt
WR
Wildomar, CA Riverside City College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)200 lb (91 kg)Jan 6, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  2 stars.svg    
Richard Greenwalt
OL
Wildomar, CA Riverside City College 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)297 lb (135 kg)Jan 19, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  2 stars.svg    
Lloyd Grogan
DB
Morgan City, LA Central Catholic HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)201 lb (91 kg)Jan 15, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  3 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  3 stars.svg    
Ryan Higgins
QB
Hutto, TX Hutto HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)196 lb (89 kg)Jun 15, 2011 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  3 stars.svg     247Sports:  3 stars.svg     ESPN:  2 stars.svg    
Ross Lodge
OL
Austin, TX Westwood HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)292 lb (132 kg)Jan 29, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  2 stars.svg    
Thaddaeus Medford
ATH
Newbern, TN Dyer County HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)179 lb (81 kg)Feb 24, 2012 
Recruit ratings: No ratings found
Tra'vez Taylor
DB
McComb, MS North Pike HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)172 lb (78 kg)Jan 8, 2012 
Recruit ratings: Scout:  2 stars.svg     Rivals:  2 stars.svg     247Sports:  2 stars.svg    
Overall recruit ranking:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  • "2012 Team Ranking". Rivals. Retrieved February 10, 2012.

Death of Tyrone Duplessis

Early on the morning of February 2, 2012, Louisiana Tech redshirt sophomore running back Tyrone Duplessis awoke in distress at his off-campus apartment in Ruston, Louisiana. He reportedly sprung to a seated position in bed, pounded himself in the chest, and fell backward, never to rise again. He arrived at Northern Louisiana Medical Center before 5:00 a.m. and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The autopsy report showed Duplessis suffered a massive heart attack. [4] Toxicology reports came back negative with no drugs or alcohol found. [5] On February 10, approximately 1,000 people celebrated the life of Duplessis at a memorial service at the Thomas Assembly Center on the Louisiana Tech University campus. [6] The funeral was held on February 11 at the L. B. Landry High School auditorium in New Orleans. The Tyrone Duplessis Memorial Fund was established with the Louisiana Tech Foundation.

T–Day spring game

T–Day spring game
Team1234Total
White142013754
Blue1433525
  • Date: April 14
  • Location: Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston, LA
  • Game start: 1:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 1:35
  • Game attendance: 5,275
  • Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C), sunny, winds 5 mph (8.0 km/h)
  • Sources:

The T–Day spring game was held at Joe Aillet Stadium on April 14, 2012.

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 87:00 pmat Houston * CBSSN W 56–4929,142
September 156:00 pm Rice * ESPN3 W 56–3723,228
September 227:00 pmat Illinois * BTN W 52–2446,539
September 292:30 pmat Virginia *ESPN3W 44–3842,027
October 66:00 pm UNLV *
  • Joe Aillet Stadium
  • Ruston, LA
ESPN Plus W 58–3121,850
October 138:15 pmNo. 22 Texas A&M *No. 23 ESPNU L 57–5940,453
October 206:00 pm Idaho
  • Joe Aillet Stadium
  • Ruston, LA
ESPN PlusW 70–2820,255
October 277:00 pmat New Mexico State No. 24 CSNH/ESPN3W 28–1412,118
November 33:00 pm UTSA Dagger-14-plain.pngNo. 22
  • Joe Aillet Stadium
  • Ruston, LA
ESPN PlusW 51–2723,645
November 106:00 pmat Texas State No. 19 LHN W 62–5517,184
November 173:00 pm Utah State No. 19
  • Joe Aillet Stadium
  • Ruston, LA
ESPN3L 41–48 OT25,614
November 249:30 pmat San Jose State ESPN2 L 43–5212,326
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP RVRVRV23RV24221919RV
Coaches RVRVRVRVRVRV24RVRV231819RVRVRVRV
Harris Not released24RVRV241920RVRVRVNot released
BCS Not released252020Not released

*Source: ESPN.com: 2012 NCAA Football Rankings [7]

Roster

2012 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team roster
PlayersCoaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
WR 1Richie CaseySr
RB 2Lyle FitteSr
WR 2Jaydrick DeClouetteFr
QB 3Tarik HakmiSr
WR 4 Quinton Patton Sr
WR 5D.J. BanksJr
WR 7 Myles White Sr
WR 8Jacarri JacksonJr
QB 9Zach GriffithSo
QB 10 Colby Cameron Sr
QB 14Ryan HigginsFr
WR 15Hayden SlackSr
QB 16Scotty YoungSo
QB 17Andy McAlindonSo
WR 18D.J. St. JulienSo
WR 18Mark HarringtonJr
WR 19Andrew GuillotSr
WR 19R.P. StuartSr
RB 21Marlon SeetsSo
RB 25Blake MartinFr
RB 26Tevin KingFr
RB 27James BanksSo
RB 28 Kenneth Dixon Fr
RB 32 Ray Holley Sr
RB 35Jereme LagardeJr
RB 35Brandon AdamsSo
RB 36Hunter LeeSo
WR 37Ben DickersonSr
RB 38Malon LeeSr
RB 46Rickey CourtneyJr
RB 47Cooper LewisFr
OL 57Kevin SaiaSr
OL 60Ross LodgeFr
OL 61Matthew CongerJr
OL 63Stephen WarnerSr
OL 64Johnny GinartFr
OL 65Richard GreenwaltJr
OL 66Matthew ShepherdJr
OL 67Oscar JohnsonSr
OL 68Josh RobinsonFr
OL 69Vince CanoJr
OL 72Jeremy GraffreeSr
OL 73Josh ParrishSr
OL 74Larry BanksJr
OL 75Darrell BrownFr
OL 76Zeke AlsanderFr
OL 77Jens DanielsonSo
OL 78 Jordan Mills Sr
OL 79Alec DavisJr
WR 80Jon GreenwaltJr
WR 81Scott CathcartJr
WR 82Travis ReyesJr
WR 82Cody StidhamFr
WR 85David GruSr
TE 86Giles MenardJr
WR 87Grant ChildressFr
WR 88Ian SoignierSo
WR 89Chandler SpenceSr
Defense
Pos.#NameClass
LB 6Beau FitteFr
DB 7David JonesSr
DB 11Lloyd GroganFr
DB 13Levander LigginsSo
DB 14Craig JohnsonSr
CB 15Brice AbrahamFr
DB 16Jabari PrewittSo
DB 17Tra'Vez TaylorFr
DB 19Ronnie FieldsSo
DB 20Jamel JohnsonSr
DB 21 Adairius Barnes Fr
DE 22Kendrick JamesJr
DB 23 Kentrell Brice Fr
CB 24Dave ClarkSr
DB 27Quinn GilesSr
DB 29Kendall HayesSo
DB 30Ahmad WallaceJr
DB 31Chad BoydSr
FS 34Mike SchrangSo
S 38Connor NicholsSo
LB 39Warren BatesFr
LB 40Kevin KisseberthSo
DL 41 IK Enemkpali Jr
LB 43Chip HesterSr
DL 45 Vernon Butler Fr
LB 46Rufus PorterJr
S 47Javontay CroweSr
LB 48Andre WigginsFr
LB 50Ches MorrisonSo
LB 51Riccie GraySo
LB 52Ty HookFr
LB 55Antonio MitchumSr
LB 56Solomon RandleSr
LB 58Zachary VossJr
LB 59Mason DeanFr
DL 70 Justin Ellis Jr
DL 84Andre TaylorSo
DL 88Tyler PorterFr
DL 92Carter StreetSo
DL 93Stephen GibsonFr
DT 94Shakeil LucasJr
DL 95Jon'al WhiteSr
DL 97Devon McKinneyJr
DL 98 Vontarrius Dora Fr
DL 99Malcolm PichonFr
Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
ATH 25Thaddaeus MedfordFr
PK 33Matt NelsonSr
DS 51Josh CuthbertJr
P 86 Ryan Allen Sr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Tony Franklin (offensive coordinator / quarterbacks)
  • Tommy Spangler (defensive coordinator / safeties)
  • Rob Likens (assistant head coach / wide receivers)
  • Stan Eggen (defensive line / recruiting coordinator)
  • Pierre Ingram (running backs)
  • Jeff Koonz (linebackers)
  • Kevin Curtis (cornerbacks)
  • Petey Perot (offensive line)
  • Mark Tommerdahl (special teams / inside receivers)
  • Damon Harrington (strength and conditioning)
  • Ed Jackson (Character education coordinator)
  • Jacob Peeler (graduate assistant coach)
  • Thomas Graham (graduate assistant coach)
  • Hunter McWilliams (graduate assistant coach)

[8]


Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injury icon 2.svg Injured
  • Redshirt.svg Redshirt

Roster
Last update: July 23, 2012

Game summaries

At Houston

Louisiana Tech at Houston
Team1234Total
Bulldogs147211456
Cougars61472249
  • Date: September 8
  • Location: Robertson Stadium
    Houston, TX
  • Game start: 7:04 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 4:08
  • Game attendance: 29,142
  • Game weather: 85 °F (29 °C), partly cloudy, winds N 13 mph (21 km/h)
  • Referee: Jim Farmer
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Dave Ryan (play-by-play), Ron Zook (color), Evan Washburn (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsLTHOU
First downs3840
Total yards598693
Rushing yards245113
Passing yards353580
Turnovers02
Time of possession28:0731:53
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana TechPassing Colby Cameron 34/52, 353 yards, 3 TD
RushingTevin King13 rushes, 112 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Myles White 5 receptions, 74 yards
HoustonPassingDavid Piland53/77, 580 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Charles Sims 21 rushes, 65 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDaniel Spencer7 receptions, 157 yards, TD

Rice

Rice at Louisiana Tech
Team1234Total
Owls01761437
Bulldogs211471456
  • Date: September 15
  • Location: Joe Aillet Stadium
    Ruston, LA
  • Game start: 6:05 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:30
  • Game attendance: 23,228
  • Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C), overcast
  • Referee: Clair Gausman
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): Rich Hollenberg (play-by-play), Ralph Friedgen (color)
  • Sources:
StatisticsRICELT
First downs3330
Total yards477609
Rushing yards272333
Passing yards205276
Turnovers21
Time of possession34:5725:03
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
RicePassingTaylor McHargue20/34, 205 yards, 2 TD
RushingCharles Ross14 rushes, 116 yards
Receiving Jordan Taylor 4 receptions, 57 yards
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron19/24, 276 yards, 4 TD
RushingTevin King22 rushes, 204 yards
Receiving Quinton Patton 7 receptions, 119 yards, 2 TD

Quarterback Colby Cameron was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 3) for his performance against Rice. [9]

At Illinois

Louisiana Tech at Illinois
Team1234Total
Bulldogs21024752
Fighting Illini7100724
  • Sources:
StatisticsLTILL
First downs1720
Total yards403294
Rushing yards11989
Passing yards284205
Turnovers36
Time of possession25:3346:52
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron15/22, 284 yards, 4 TD
RushingTevin King11 rushes, 53 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingQuinton Patton6 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TD
IllinoisPassingReilly O'Toole19/25, 120 yards
RushingDonovonn Young19 rushes, 78 yards, TD
Receiving Josh Ferguson 10 receptions, 84 yards

Linebacker Antonio Mitchum was named WAC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 4) for his performance against Illinois. [10] Wide receiver Quinton Patton was awarded an ESPN helmet sticker for his performance Week 4 against Illinois. Colby Cameron was named the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 4.

At Virginia

Louisiana Tech at Virginia
Team1234Total
Bulldogs101021344
Cavaliers141001438
  • Date: September 29
  • Location: Scott Stadium
    Charlottesville, VA
  • Game start: 3:34 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:43
  • Game attendance: 42,027
  • Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C), partly cloudy, winds E 3 mph (4.8 km/h)
  • Referee: J. Magallanes
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): John Sadak (play-by-play), John Gregory (color), Angela Mallen (sideline)
  • Sources:
StatisticsLTUVA
First downs2124
Total yards385625
Rushing yards158145
Passing yards227480
Turnovers03
Time of possession25:1334:47
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron24/37, 227 yards, TD
Rushing Kenneth Dixon 16 rushes, 78 yards
ReceivingQuinton Patton8 receptions, 97 yards
VirginiaPassing Michael Rocco 14/23, 278 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
RushingPerry Jones18 rushes, 82 yards
Receiving Darius Jennings 6 receptions, 136 yards

Placekicker Matt Nelson was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 5) for his performance against Virginia. [11]

UNLV

UNLV at Louisiana Tech
Team1234Total
Rebels7107731
Bulldogs207171458
  • Date: October 6
  • Location: Joe Aillet Stadium
    Ruston, LA
  • Game start: 6:06 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:36
  • Game attendance: 21,850
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C), overcast, winds SW 5–10 mph (8.0–16.1 km/h)
  • Referee: David Alvarez
  • TV announcers (ERT): Trey Bender (play-by-play), Jay Taylor (color)
  • Sources:
StatisticsUNLVLT
First downs2335
Total yards536622
Rushing yards158306
Passing yards378316
Turnovers20
Time of possession30:4429:10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNLVPassingNick Sherry22/46, 378 yards, 4 TD, INT
RushingTim Cornett23 rushes, 111 yards
Receiving Devante Davis 8 receptions, 186 yards, TD
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron31/45, 316 yards, TD
Rushing Ray Holley 22 rushes, 139 yards, TD
ReceivingQuinton Patton9 receptions, 116 yards, TD

Running back Kenneth Dixon was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 6) for his performance against UNLV. [12]

Texas A&M

Texas A&M at Louisiana Tech
Team1234Total
No. 22 Aggies211871359
No. 23 Bulldogs016142757
  • Sources:
StatisticsTAMULT
First downs2737
Total yards678615
Rushing yards283165
Passing yards395450
Turnovers20
Time of possession32:1327:47
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Texas A&MPassing Johnny Manziel 24/40, 395 yards, 3 TD, INT
RushingJohnny Manziel19 rushes, 181 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Mike Evans 4 receptions, 137 yards, TD
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron44/58, 450 yards, 5 TD
RushingKenneth Dixon19 rushes, 111 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingQuinton Patton21 receptions, 233 yards, 4 TD

This game was originally scheduled for August 30 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. However, the game was postponed until October 13 due to Hurricane Isaac. [13]

Wide receiver Quinton Patton was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 7) for his performance against Texas A&M. [14] Colby Cameron was nominated for the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 7.

Idaho

Idaho at Louisiana Tech
Team1234Total
Vandals1470728
Bulldogs352114070
  • Sources:
StatisticsIDHOLT
First downs1139
Total yards304839
Rushing yards47408
Passing yards257431
Turnovers43
Time of possession25:1634:25
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
IdahoPassingDominique Blackmon20/35, 199 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingJames Baker10 rushes, 42 yards, TD
ReceivingNajee Lovett4 receptions, 78 yards, TD
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron29/37, 400 yards, 2 TD
RushingKenneth Dixon17 rushes, 232 yards, 6 TD
ReceivingMyles White6 receptions, 100 yards, TD

Running back Kenneth Dixon was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 8) for his performance against Idaho.

At New Mexico State

Louisiana Tech at New Mexico State
Team1234Total
No. 24 Bulldogs7014728
Aggies0001414
  • Date: October 27
  • Location: Aggie Memorial Stadium
    Las Cruces, NM
  • Game start: 6:00 p.m. MDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:15
  • Game attendance: 12,118
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), sunny, winds SE 2 mph (3.2 km/h)
  • Referee: Robert Cameron
  • TV announcers (CSN Houston/ESPN3): Jeff Matthews (play-by-play), Danny Knee (color)
  • Sources:
StatisticsLTNMSU
First downs2620
Total yards530405
Rushing yards238122
Passing yards292283
Turnovers03
Time of possession29:1930:02
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron29/44, 292 yards, TD
RushingRay Holley12 rushes, 130 yards, TD
ReceivingMyles White7 receptions, 125 yards, TD
New Mexico StatePassing Andrew Manley 18/34, 283 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingGermi Morrison16 rushes, 92 yards
Receiving Austin Franklin 7 receptions, 139 yards, TD

Punter Ryan Allen was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 9) for his performance against New Mexico State. [15]

UTSA

UTSA at Louisiana Tech
Team1234Total
Roadrunners1407627
No. 22 Bulldogs141371751
  • Date: November 3
  • Location: Joe Aillet Stadium
    Ruston, LA
  • Game start: 3:05 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:20
  • Game attendance: 23,645
  • Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C), clear, winds NE 5 mph (8.0 km/h)
  • Referee: Stacy Hardin
  • TV announcers (ERT): Trey Bender (play-by-play), Jay Taylor (color)
  • Sources:
StatisticsUTSALT
First downs2533
Total yards438537
Rushing yards124180
Passing yards314357
Turnovers00
Time of possession34:0026:00
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UTSAPassingEric Soza23/41, 314 yards, 4 TD
RushingDavid Glasco II13 rushes, 63 yards
ReceivingCole Hubble3 receptions, 101 yards, TD
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron30/39, 348 yards, 3 TD
RushingKenneth Dixon18 rushes, 72 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingQuinton Patton10 receptions, 152 yards, TD

Punter Ryan Allen was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 10) for his performance against UTSA. [16] Colby Cameron was nominated for the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 10.

At Texas State

Louisiana Tech at Texas State
Team1234Total
No. 19 Bulldogs142771462
Bobcats142071455
  • Sources:
StatisticsLTTXST
First downs3831
Total yards627577
Rushing yards283296
Passing yards344281
Turnovers00
Time of possession31:2927:53
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron31/45, 337 yards, 3 TD
RushingRay Holley27 rushes, 145 yards, TD
ReceivingD. J. Banks5 receptions, 96 yards, TD
Texas StatePassingShaun Rutherford21/37, 234 yards, 2 TD
RushingMarcus Curry13 rushes, 134 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingBradley Miller5 receptions, 65 yards, 2 TD

Running back Kenneth Dixon was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 11) for his performance against Texas State. [17] Colby Cameron was nominated for the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 11.

Utah State

Utah State at Louisiana Tech
Team1234OTTotal
Aggies143240748
No. 19 Bulldogs032117041
  • Sources:
StatisticsUSULT
First downs2737
Total yards646629
Rushing yards306233
Passing yards340396
Turnovers03
Time of possession31:3328:15
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Utah StatePassing Chuckie Keeton 20/34, 340 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Kerwynn Williams 20 rushes, 162 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingKerwynn Williams4 receptions, 125 yards, TD
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron35/60, 396 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingKenneth Dixon22 rushes, 109 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingQuinton Patton11 receptions, 181 yards

Kick returner D. J. Banks was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 12) for his performance against Utah State.

At San Jose State

Louisiana Tech at San Jose State
Team1234Total
Bulldogs62110643
Spartans1014141452
  • Sources:
StatisticsLTSJSU
First downs2730
Total yards541610
Rushing yards58243
Passing yards483367
Turnovers32
Time of possession24:4035:31
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana TechPassingColby Cameron38/59, 468 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
RushingKenneth Dixon8 rushes, 33 yards, TD
ReceivingMyles White7 receptions, 126 yards, TD
San Jose StatePassing David Fales 25/37, 367 yards, 3 TD, INT
RushingDe'Leon Eskridge28 rushes, 217 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Noel Grigsby 7 receptions, 127 yards

Statistics

Louisiana Tech ranked 1st in the nation in scoring offense (51.5 points per game), total offense (577.92 yards per game), and net punting (43.51 yards per punt). Individually, Kenneth Dixon ranked led the nation in scoring average (14.0 points per game), and Ryan Allen led the nation in punting average (48.04 yards per punt).

After the season

Bowl invitation controversy

On Friday, November 30, Louisiana Tech was invited to play in the Independence Bowl, but asked for more time as they were in negotiations with the Liberty Bowl and Heart of Dallas Bowl. [18] Louisiana Tech athletic director Bruce Van De Velde and WAC commissioner Jeff Hurd claimed that on December 1, Liberty Bowl executive director Steve Ehrhart guaranteed the Bulldogs a bowl invite. [19] [20] The Independence Bowl offered Louisiana Tech again on Saturday, December 1. After receiving no response, bowl organizers invited the Ohio Bobcats instead. On December 2, the Liberty Bowl extended their remaining bid to Iowa State Cyclones instead of Louisiana Tech. As a result, Louisiana Tech did not play in any of the 2012–13 NCAA football bowl games. The school's administration blamed bowl officials for the situation, which attracted national attention and controversy. [21]

Awards and honors

Two Bulldogs were honored with prestigious national awards. Ryan Allen won the 2012 Ray Guy Award honoring the nation's best punter to become the first student-athlete to win the award in consecutive years. Colby Cameron won the 2012 Sammy Baugh Trophy honoring the nation's top collegiate passer. Bulldogs were named semifinalists for three national awards including Colby Cameron for the Davey O'Brien Award, Quinton Patton for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, and Matt Nelson for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

For their individual performances during the regular season, several Bulldogs were named to various national All-America Teams. Ryan Allen was named to numerous All-America teams including the Associated Press (AP) All-America First Team, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America First Team, Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America First Team, Sporting News (TSN) All-America First Team, Walter Camp All-America First Team (WCFF) All-America First Team, CBS Sports All-America First Team, ESPN All-America First Team, Pro Football Weekly (PFW) All-America First Team, and Sports Illustrated (SI) All-America First Team. The NCAA recognizes five All-America lists in the determination of unanimous All-America selections: the AP, AFCA, the FWAA, TSN and the WCFF. [22] Unanimous selections must be selected as first team in all five lists. [22] As such, for the 2012 season, Ryan Allen was named a unanimous All-American. Quinton Patton was named to several All-America teams including the AP All-America Second Team, CBS Sports All-America Second Team, SI All-America Second Team, and PFW All-America Honorable Mention Team. Colby Cameron was named to the SI All-America Honorable Mention Team. Kenneth Dixon was recognized with All-America honors including being named to the FWAA Freshman All-America First Team, CBS Sports Freshman All-America First Team, and College Football News (CFN) Freshman All-America First Team.

The WAC recognized a number of Bulldogs for their individual performances with various honors. Colby Cameron was named WAC Offensive Player of the Year, and Kenneth Dixon was named WAC Freshman of the Year. All-WAC First Team selections from Louisiana Tech included Ryan Allen, D.J. Banks, Colby Cameron, Dave Clark, Kenneth Dixon, I.K. Enemkpali, Jordan Mills, Quinton Patton, and Stephen Warner. All-WAC Second Team selections from Louisiana Tech included Chad Boyd, Ray Holley, Oscar Johnson, Kevin Saia, and Myles White.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) decorated several Bulldogs with postseason honors. Colby Cameron was named LSWA Offensive Player of the Year, and Kenneth Dixon was named LSWA Louisiana Freshman of the Year. LSWA All-Louisiana First Team selections from Louisiana Tech included Ryan Allen, D.J. Banks, Colby Cameron, Kenneth Dixon, I.K. Enemkpali, Oscar Johnson, Quinton Patton, and Stephen Warner.

Several Louisiana Tech players were selected to participate in postseason all-star games. Three Bulldogs including Ryan Allen, Jordan Mills, and Quinton Patton accepted invitations to play in the 2013 Senior Bowl. Colby Cameron competed in the 2013 East–West Shrine Game. Ray Holley and Myles White played in the Casino del Sol College All-Star Game, and Holley's performance earned him the game's Offensive MVP award. Three Bulldogs including Kevin Saia, Stephen Warner, and Myles White participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Jordan Mills was also invited to play in the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic.

In addition to their on-field accomplishments, many Bulldogs were recognized for their performance off the gridiron. Ray Holley and Stephen Warner were named to the Capital One Academic All-District First Team, and subsequently Ray Holley was honored even further by being named to the Capital One Academic All-America First Team. Academic All-WAC honorees include Josh Cuthbert, Ray Holley, Matt Nelson, Solomon Randle, Chandler Spence, Andre Taylor, and Stephen Warner. Chandler Spence was also honored with the 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award.

At the team banquet, several Bulldogs were honored with team awards. Colby Cameron was named the Terry Bradshaw Offensive Player of the Year, and I.K. Enemkpali was named the Fred Dean Defensive Player of the Year. Ryan Allen was recognized as the Matt Stover Special Teams Player of the Year. Stephen Warner was named the Willie Roaf Lineman of the Year, and Chad Boyd was given the Tramon Williams Defensive Back of the Year award. David Gru was honored with the Karl Malone Strength and Conditioning Award. Kendrick James and Rufus Porter were both honored with the Most Inspirational Award. Ray Holley was given the Dan Reneau Academic Award, and D.J. Banks was honored with the Davison Family Community Service Award.

A couple Louisiana Tech assistant coaches were nominated for national awards. Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin was nominated for the Broyles Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation's top assistant coach. Franklin was also one of four finalists for the FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year. Assistant coach Pierre Ingram was one of five finalists for the FootballScoop Running Backs Coach of the Year.

Coaching changes

On December 5, 2012, head coach Sonny Dykes was announced as the new head football coach at the University of California, Berkeley to replace recently fired Jeff Tedford. [23] [24] Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, assistant head coach/outside receivers coach Rob Likens, special teams/inside receivers coach Mark Tommerdahl, running backs coach Pierre Ingram, and head strength and conditioning coach Damon Harrington were hired by Dykes at California. Cornerbacks coach Kevin Curtis was hired by Texas Tech. Offensive line coach Petey Perot was hired by Southern Miss. Defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler was hired by Presbyterian. On December 13, 2012, former South Florida head coach Skip Holtz accepted an offer to become the new head football coach at Louisiana Tech to replace Dykes. [25] Holtz retained defensive line coach Stan Eggen and linebackers coach Jeff Koonz.

NFL Draft

In February 2013, five Louisiana Tech Bulldogs were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine including Ryan Allen, Colby Cameron, Oscar Johnson, Jordan Mills, and Quinton Patton. At Louisiana Tech's Pro Day on March 26, twenty-four seniors worked out in front of scouts from twenty-three NFL teams. [26] In April's 2013 NFL draft, Quinton Patton was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round, and Jordan Mills was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round. Following the draft, undrafted free agent signees from the 2013 squad were Ryan Allen (New England Patriots), Colby Cameron (Carolina Panthers), Myles White (Green Bay Packers), Ray Holley (Baltimore Ravens), Oscar Johnson (Tennessee Titans), and Kevin Saia (St. Louis Rams).

Rnd.Pick No.NFL teamPlayerPos.CollegeConf.Notes
4128 San Francisco 49ers Quinton Patton   WR Louisiana Tech WAC
5163 Chicago Bears Jordan Mills   OT Louisiana Tech WAC

References

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  18. Myerberg, Paul (December 3, 2012). "Why Louisiana Tech is staying home despite a 9-3 record". USA Today. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  19. "Louisiana Tech AD, WAC claim Liberty Bowl reneged on deal". The Times. Retrieved December 20, 2012.(subscription required)
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