Some State Notes for this week

• I have criticized them plenty, but this week I come to give praise to Derek Dooley and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs this week.  The Dawgs came from 12 points down on Saturday to defeat New Mexico State 22-21 in Ruston.  Zac Champion threw two touchdowns in the last 7 minutes to get the victory.  Tech also did well in the two statistics that I consider to be the easiest and earliest indication of the coaching: turnovers and penalties.  Tech only had 4 penalties for 41 yards and no turnovers.  There were several dropped passes however, and even though they threw it a lot, they did not throw for a lot of yards.  They need to enjoy this victory, too, because next week Boise State is coming to Ruston in what will be the second big test for the DDawgs this season – they lost to Hawaii 45-44 in OT in Ruston in the second game of the year.
• LSU gets Auburn at home this week, in a game that is really scary.  Auburn’s defense is underrated, and is solid all around.  It could give serious problems to the LSU offense, which has sputtered  against SEC defenses.
• The outlook is still bleak for the UL’s.  ULL gave up 52 points to Arkansas State (who did give Texas a scare earlier this year), who is not a bad team, but not 52 points good.  ULM surrendered 31 points to North Texas giving the Mean Green and first year coach Todd Dodge their first win of the year. The UL’s collective record is 2-11.
• Tulane lost to UAB 26-21.  The Green Wave dominated the stat sheet in first downs (24-15), total yards (504-372), time of possession (34:49-25:11), but couldn’t get the required points to win.  UAB’s two touchdowns came on a 92 yard kickoff return and a fumble recovered in the end zone, both in the second quarter.  The UAB offense was only able to supply 3 field goals.  Right now, one would have to say that this is the best non-LSU 1-A (FBS) team in the state.