La. Tech to face dual rushing champs

MeanGreen61 · October 21, 2005

October 21, 2005

By Jimmy Watson

jimwatson@gannett.com

When Louisiana Tech athletic director Jim Oakes announced the two-game series with North Texas last year, the 2005 meeting between the two schools appeared headed toward a guaranteed television contract.

The game would feature the WAC's and the Sun Belt's Offensive Players of the Year in Ryan Moats and Jamario Thomas. Thomas led the nation in rushing last season with 180.1 yards per game, while Moats averaged 147.8 and averaged 6.2 yards per carry.

Moats scored 18 touchdowns, Thomas 17, and both had the kind of pizzazz that often left fans yelling for more. You could almost see the ESPN officials drooling in their scheduling rooms.

But Moats left Tech early for the NFL and Thomas has had a less than sterling season, while playing second fiddle to 2003 national rushing champ Patrick Cobbs.

Full article

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...326/1001/SPORTS

pollock · October 21, 2005

"The safeties have to be patient and let the linebackers take care of the run and don't let the receivers get behind you," [LTU safety Dez] Abrams said. "It's tough to not be too focused on the run and let them get a big one over your head."

This guy obviously hasn't played against our offense yet. Boy, is he in for a pleasant surprise.