The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will try to extend their winning streak to seven and clinch the Sun Belt Conference West title when they host the Southern Miss Golden Eagles Saturday.
Kickoff is 4 p.m. at Origin Bank Field at Joe Aillet Stadium.
Louisiana Tech (7-2, 5-0) leads the West Division by two games over ULL (7-3, 4-2). Southern Miss (3-6, 2-3) and the division’s four other teams are tied for third.
“We’ve played ourselves into a situation where we can amplify what’s at stake in these last three games,” Louisiana Tech Head Coach Sonny Cumbie said during his weekly press conference Monday. “Our players understand that. They hear that. They’re aware of that. They embrace that. We know the challenge of Southern Miss is going to be great. We know we’re going to get their best shot.”
Louisiana Tech is coming off a 41-17 road victory over Troy. Southern Miss lost to James Madison 54-23 on Nov. 5.
Cumbie pointed out that the Golden Eagles scored 35 points in the previous two games, a 35-31 win over ULL and a 35-21 win over ULM.
“Those point totals catch your attention,” he said.
Southern Miss’ Steven Robinson actually ranks second in the conference in yards per game at 86.9. He has 782 on 157 carries and 10 touchdowns.
John White made his first start at quarterback against James Madison. He completed 22-of-35 passes for 266 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions.
Landry Lyddy, a former Calvary Baptist star, started the previous five games. He has completed 116-of-200 passes for 1,326 yards and eight touchdowns with four interceptions.
Mario Sanders is the top receiver in the conference in yards per game at 77.6. He has 50 catches for 698 yards and six touchdowns.
The Golden Eagles have struggled on defense. Southern Miss ranks 14th and last in the conference, allowing 439.3 yards per game (218.0 rushing, 221.3 passing).
Louisiana Tech quarterback Blake Baker suffered a lower-body leg injury in the third quarter against Troy and was replaced by Trey Kukuk.
Baker was listed as probable on the Wednesday injury report. Kukuk, who reportedly suffered a minor ankle sprain, is also listed as probable.
Baker still ranks sixth in the conference in passing yards per game. He has completed 122-of-168 for 1,504 yards and 14 touchdowns with one interception.
Jalen Mickens ranks second receiving yards per game. He has caught 48 passes for 628 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Eli Finley, who has 46 catches for 521 yards and six touchdowns, ranks seventh.
Andrew Burnette leads the Bulldogs in rushing with 385 yards on 97 carries. Eight Bulldogs combined for 139 yards rushing against Troy.