On paper, this looks like even matchup
When head coach Dennis Erickson says his Idaho Vandals are quite similar to Louisiana Tech, he means it.
The statistics back him up. Scoring offense: Idaho’s seventh in the WAC, La Tech eighth. Scoring defense: Idaho seventh, La Tech ninth. Pass offense: La Tech fourth, Idaho fifth. Pass defense: La Tech sixth, Idaho eighth. Turnover margin: Idaho fourth, La Tech fifth. Total offense: Idaho seventh, La Tech eighth. Total defense: Idaho eighth, La Tech ninth.
“I don’t think there’s hardly any difference between them and us,” Erickson said. “They did their schedule like ours. We had three (tough) non-conference games, they had four. It’s been unmerciful for them.
“I know they’re excited about getting back home and getting an opportunity to play against a comparable opponent.”
But there is one significant difference between the two. Idaho is 3-3, 2-0 in the WAC, while La Tech is 1-4, 0-1, entering today’s 4 p.m. game at Aillet Stadium.
The Bulldogs have been blown out four times, three by Top 25 foes (Boise State, Clemson and Nebraska, though the Cornhuskers weren’t ranked when they played Louisiana Tech). They also were drilled by traditional power Texas A&M and had to rally for a 31-21 win over I-AA Nichols State. In four losses, the Bulldogs were outscored 200-38.
“We’ve played some physical offenses,” LTU coach Jack Bicknell said. “It seems like everyone we’re playing has five tight ends coming at us.”
In the off-season, Bicknell moved two running backs to the defensive secondary, leaving sophomore Patrick Johnson to carry the load. He’s averaging 63.2 yards, but the Bulldogs have had to abandon the running game early because of lopsided deficits.
First-year starting quarterback Zac Champion’s numbers (198.4 yards, 50 percent completions, five TDs, four interceptions) almost mirror Idaho’s Steve Wichman (186.2 yards, 51.6 percent, seven TDs, four interceptions).
“We have to stop their running game, that’s what they like to do,” Erickson said. “They’re somewhat similar to us offensively with what they want to do.”
Louisiana Tech could be without standout nose tackle Josh Muse, who has been downgraded to doubtful. Muse, who suffered a shoulder injury against Boise State, was ruled out by the Bulldogs sports information department Monday. Media reports in Louisiana listed Muse as probable by midweek.
“He’s kind of been the critical guy for us all along,” Bicknell said. “If you lose him, you lose a lot.”
True freshman Eric Harris was next in line behind Muse, but he’s missed practice for personal reasons. End Ben McGilton (6-3, 245) is expected to move to nose tackle.
Notes
Tight end Keith Greer (ankle), cornerback Reggie Jones (knee) and linebacker Jo Artis Ratti (foot) are probable, although all three might not be at 100 percent. Receiver Lee Smith (knee) is not expected to play. Guard Jade Tadvick (shoulder), who saw limited duty last week, should return to the starting lineup. … Wide receiver Wendell Octave, a native of St. James, La., is one of UI’s four game captains.