By Stephen Featherston, Louisiana Tech Director Strategic Communications; featured photo by Josh McDaniel
RUSTON – Louisiana Tech football returns to Joe Aillet Stadium for its final home game of the season, hosting the Kennesaw State Owl for senior day on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
A win would give the Bulldogs their fourth home win of the season, the most at Joe Aillet stadium since 2019.
The Bulldogs enter Saturday’s matchup with a 4-7 (3-4 CUSA) record after falling to Arkansas on the road. LA Tech finished its road schedule with a 1-5 record, while they are 3-2 at home. Kennesaw State comes into the season finale with a 2-9 (2-5 CUSA) record, as they remain winless on the road at 0-5.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Nov. 30
Time: 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Location: Ruston, La. (Joe Aillet Stadium)
TV: ESPN+
Live Stats: LATechSports.com/Stats
Radio: LA Tech Sports Network | LA Tech Athletics App
SERIES HISTORY
Series: First Meeting
In Ruston: 0-0
In Atlanta: 0-0
Neutral: 0-0
This will be the first-ever meeting between LA Tech and Kennesaw. The Owls are in their first season in the FBS after spending the previous nine seasons in the FCS.
Kennesaw complied a 71-30 record in the FCS since the program’s inaugural season in 2015. The Owls have gotten off to a tough start in 2024 as they’ve made the transition into the FBS and the CUSA, sitting at 2-9 (2-5 CUSA).
Kennesaw was picked to finish last in the CUSA.
ABOUT LA TECH
The LA Tech defense remains ranked among the nation’s top 25 despite allowing a season-high 454 yards to Arkansas. The Bulldogs gave up 221 yards through the air and 233 on the ground, marking the first time this season they’ve allowed 200+ rushing yards. LA Tech currently ranks 22nd in the FBS in total defense (316.1 YPG), 40th in rush defense (125.7 YPG), and 29th in pass defense (190.4 YPG). The Bulldogs lead the CUSA in total defense and rush defense.
The Bulldog defense continued its recent theme of creating takeaways, forcing two turnovers against the Razorbacks. It marked the fifth time that LA Tech has forced multiple turnovers and the fifth time in the last seven games. Jacob Fields recorded his second interception of the season, while Jakari Fosterforced a fumble that was recovered by Zach Zimos. The LA Tech defense has now forced 16 turnovers this season, six more than last season.
Evan Bullock matched his season-high with 26 completions against the Razorbacks, while tossing multiple touchdowns for the fourth time this season. The redshirt freshman has completed 161-of-243 passes for 1,708 yards with 14 touchdowns to only two interceptions.
Tru Edwards hauled in eight passes for 53 yards against Arkansas, bringing his season total to 67 receptions, making him the only player in the CUSA with 60+ grabs. The redshirt senior’s performance marked his fourth game this season with 8+ receptions, and it was his ninth consecutive game with 5+ grabs. Edwards currently ranks third in the league in receiving yards (813) and touchdown receptions (6)
Jacob Fields registered his second interception of the season versus Arkansas, coming just two weeks after his first career pick against Jax State. Fields, who has started the last six games in a row in the secondary, now leads the team Bulldogs in interceptions with two.
Jimmy Holiday recorded his sixth total touchdown of the season on a 20-yard reception against Arkansas. The touchdown reception marked Holiday’s second receiving touchdown of the season to pair with his four rushing scores. Holiday ranks second on the team with 536 total yards, while he shares the team lead in touchdowns. He ranks second on the team with 30 receptions for 358 yards and has carried the ball 46 times for 178 yards.
ABOUT KENNESAW
The Owls enter Saturday’s contest with a 2-9 (2-5 CUSA) record as they are in their first full season of play in the FBS. Kennesaw is 0-5 on the road this season, with both wins coming at home. KSU took down FIU 27-26 last Saturday, while their other win came against Liberty. Chandler Burks will take the sidelines as the interim head coach for his third game of the season as he sits at 1-1.
Kennesaw is averaging 260.6 total yards per game with 119.7 yards on the ground and 140.7 through the air. The Owls are giving up 31.0 points per outing.
KSU quarterback Davis Bryson commands the Owls’ offense, as he has passed for 1,407 yards, six scores and 10 picks. He has registered 313 and four scores with his feet. Michael Benefield leads the team in rushing yards with 506 to go along with five rushing touchdowns. Qua Ashley leads the team with 28 receptions for 255 yards and one score.
Doelius Johsnon is the team’s top defender as he has tallied 82 stops, 9.0 tackles for loss ad 3.5 sacks through 11 games.