Ryan Colburn and the Fresno State offense has not faced a quality defense since a 49-27 home loss to Hawaii nearly a month ago.
But against Louisiana Tech this Saturday, head coach Pat Hill believes that the Bulldogs will be tested offensively after playing against a pair of struggling defenses in their past two games—New Mexico State and San Jose State—are currently ranked 118th and 107th respectively in total defense.
“I think they’re playing very well [on defense], they lost one outstanding player who was drafted I think in the third round,” Hill said of Louisiana Tech. “I think they’re a good football team. Defensively, they’re very good.”
Louisiana Tech’s record might be a dismal 3-5, but Hill insists that the linebacking corps for Louisiana Tech will be the most athletic group the offense has faced since a road loss to Mississippi.
“Their linebackers are probably, as a set of linebackers, as a good [as any] we played this year,” Hill said. “They remind me a lot of Mississippi’s [linebackers], they can really run. Maybe not as tall, but they can really run and they tackle really well.”
Junior linebacker Adrien Cole leads an improved Louisiana Tech defense that has forced 14 turnovers this season with eight fumble recoveries and six interceptions. Cole, a 2009 first-team All-WAC performer, leads the team and is third in the WAC in tackles with 66.
“Their linebackers are back in tact,” Hill said. “They’re a good football team. Athletically, [they are] a very good football team, they always are. Louisiana Tech is always very gifted physically.”
The trio of linebackers—Cole, Jay Dudley and Solomon Randle—have combined for 159 tackles through eight games.
“That’s one thing Louisiana Tech, I think, does really good on defense [is that] they been a good tackling team,” Hill said.
Despite seeing improvements in the last three weeks, the Tech defense has struggled in many games this season. The defense has given up 35 or more points in five games in 2010, including a season-high 49 points to No. 3 Boise State just last week.
The Louisiana Tech secondary is also allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete more than 62 percent of their passes for 18 touchdowns.
Although the Tech defense has struggled and played well at times this season, Hill stressed that the game in Ruston, La., will be challenging, especially with it being the longest road trip of the year.
“They’ve got talent,” Hill said. “They always had good talent. Not only are they talented, but these cross-country trips are always tough.”
The Louisiana Tech defense might be able to disrupt the Fresno State offense, but Hill said that for the first time this year the receivers and running backs are all healthy.
Louisiana Tech hosts the ‘Dogs on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Joe Aillet Stadium in the annual Battle for the Bone game.