Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'USA Today 2014 Countdown'.
-
Tinker away, Louisiana Tech. Continue this painful transition on offense. The Bulldogs scuffled in the shift from Sonny Dykes' spread-based, pass-happy system to Skip Holtz's meat-and-potatoes style, falling to 112th nationally in scoring and tossing 15 interceptions – 10 more than in Dykes' final season despite making 85 fewer attempts. The shift in scheme hits into overdrive in 2014: Holtz wants more power-based, fullback-first, four-yards-on-first-down toughness; let's hope this doesn't turn into run-run-incomplete, the snake eyes of offensive play-calling. Begin anew on defense. The only defensive holdover from Holtz's debut staff is secondary coach and special teams coordinator Ronnie Bradford; this isn't surprising, given how Tech's secondary, an off-off-and-on strength last fall, has the makings of a terrific group in 2014. But check out the new guys: Manny Diaz as coordinator, Blake Baker with the safeties and Oscar Giles – that longtime Mack Brown assistant – along the defensive line. Corral all the help you can. Holtz signed JUCO stars at two positions of great need – offensive line, receiver – and went the transfer route at defensive end and quarterback, potentially providing a massive upgrade at each spot. Tinkering with the base product is one way to reverse last year's slide, the drop from nine wins and the Bowl Championship Series conversation – yes, those days did exist – to four wins, lingering in the lower portion of Conference USA. But will these change alone change Tech's trajectory? Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2014/06/13/louisiana-tech-la-bulldogs-2014-countdown-preview-roster-depth-chart-schedule-football-four/10387441/