2012 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team

2012 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football
ConferenceWestern Athletic Conference
Record9–3 (4–2 WAC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorTony Franklin (3rd season)
Offensive schemeAir raid
Defensive coordinatorTommy Spangler (6th season)
Base defense4–2–5
CaptainQuinton Patton
Colby Cameron
Stephen Warner
IK Enemkpali
Solomon Randle
Chad Boyd
Home stadiumJoe Aillet Stadium
Independence Stadium
Seasons
← 2011
2013 →
2012 Western Athletic Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
No. 16 Utah State $   6 0     11 2  
No. 21 San Jose State   5 1     11 2  
Louisiana Tech   4 2     9 3  
UTSA *   3 3     8 4  
Texas State *   2 4     4 8  
Idaho   1 5     1 11  
New Mexico State   0 6     1 11  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • * Texas State and UTSA were not eligible for conference title or bowl games as part of their transition to the FBS.
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2012 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team represented Louisiana Tech University as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) during the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by third-year head coach Sonny Dykes, the Bulldogs played five of their six home games at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana and one at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Bulldogs finished the season 9–3 overall and 4–2 in conference play to place third in the WAC. Despite having one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Bulldogs did not play in a bowl game. They were initially invited to the Independence Bowl, but asked for more time to decide to see if other options opened up. No other bowl invited them, and the Independence Bowl selected Ohio instead.[1]

This was the Bulldogs last season as members of the WAC as they joined Conference USA in 2013.

Before the season

Recruiting

Four student-athletes in Louisiana Tech's 2012 signing class were already enrolled at Tech prior to signing day. After signing with Louisiana Tech on National Signing Day in 2011, running back Tevin King was finally declared eligible by the NCAA after waiting out the 2011 season, and his scholarship will count towards Tech's 2012 signing class.[2] On November 24, 2011, Sonny Dykes announced that four walk-on players would be receiving football scholarships which count towards the 2012 signing class. These players earning football scholarships include wide receiver D.J. Banks, defensive back Craig Johnson, running back Hunter Lee, and wide receiver Hayden Slack.[3]

College recruiting information (2012)
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Adairius Barnes
ATH
Port Gibson, MS Port Gibson HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 176 lb (80 kg) Feb 1, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Kentrell Brice
DB
Ruston, LA Ruston HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 173 lb (78 kg) Jan 28, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Darrell Brown
OL
Abilene, TX Cooper HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 240 lb (110 kg) Jan 28, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars
Vernon Butler
DL
Summit, MS North Pike HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 295 lb (134 kg) Jan 8, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars
Grant Childress
WR
Tyler, TX Grace Community School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 179 lb (81 kg) Jan 29, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Alec Davis
OL
Mission Viejo, CA Orange Coast College 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 275 lb (125 kg) Jan 6, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars
Jaydrick DeClouet
WR
Patterson, LA Patterson HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 165 lb (75 kg) Jan 25, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Kenneth Dixon
RB
Strong, AR Strong HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 211 lb (96 kg) Oct 16, 2011 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Stephen Gibson
DL
Marrero, LA Archbishop Shaw HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 229 lb (104 kg) Dec 9, 2011 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Jon Greenwalt
WR
Wildomar, CA Riverside City College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 200 lb (91 kg) Jan 6, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars
Richard Greenwalt
OL
Wildomar, CA Riverside City College 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 297 lb (135 kg) Jan 19, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars
Lloyd Grogan
DB
Morgan City, LA Central Catholic HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 201 lb (91 kg) Jan 15, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Ryan Higgins
QB
Hutto, TX Hutto HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 196 lb (89 kg) Jun 15, 2011 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:2/5 stars
Ross Lodge
OL
Austin, TX Westwood HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 292 lb (132 kg) Jan 29, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars
Thaddaeus Medford
ATH
Newbern, TN Dyer County HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 179 lb (81 kg) Feb 24, 2012 
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Tra'vez Taylor
DB
McComb, MS North Pike HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 172 lb (78 kg) Jan 8, 2012 
Star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports:2/5 stars
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  • "2012 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 10, 2012.

Death of Tyrone Duplessis

Early on the morning of February 2, 2012, Louisiana Tech redshirt sophomore running back Tyrone Duplessis awoke in distress at his off-campus apartment in Ruston, Louisiana. He reportedly sprung to a seated position in bed, pounded himself in the chest, and fell backward, never to rise again. He arrived at Northern Louisiana Medical Center before 5:00 a.m. and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The autopsy report showed Duplessis suffered a massive heart attack.[4] Toxicology reports came back negative with no drugs or alcohol found.[5] On February 10, approximately 1,000 people celebrated the life of Duplessis at a memorial service at the Thomas Assembly Center on the Louisiana Tech University campus.[6] The funeral was held on February 11 at the L. B. Landry High School auditorium in New Orleans. The Tyrone Duplessis Memorial Fund was established with the Louisiana Tech Foundation.

T–Day spring game

T–Day spring game
1 234Total
White 14 20137 54
Blue 14 335 25
  • Date: April 14
  • Location: Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston, LA
  • Game start: 1:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 1:35
  • Game attendance: 5,275
  • Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C), sunny, winds 5 mph (8.0 km/h)
  • Sources:

The T–Day spring game was held at Joe Aillet Stadium on April 14, 2012.

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 87:00 pmat Houston*CBSSNW 56–4929,142
September 156:00 pmRice*ESPN3W 56–3723,228
September 227:00 pmat Illinois*BTNW 52–2446,539
September 292:30 pmat Virginia*ESPN3W 44–3842,027
October 66:00 pmUNLV*
  • Joe Aillet Stadium
  • Ruston, LA
ESPN PlusW 58–3121,850
October 138:15 pmNo. 22 Texas A&M*No. 23ESPNUL 57–5940,453
October 206:00 pmIdaho
  • Joe Aillet Stadium
  • Ruston, LA
ESPN PlusW 70–2820,255
October 277:00 pmat New Mexico StateNo. 24CSNH/ESPN3W 28–1412,118
November 33:00 pmUTSAdaggerNo. 22
  • Joe Aillet Stadium
  • Ruston, LA
ESPN PlusW 51–2723,645
November 106:00 pmat Texas StateNo. 19LHNW 62–5517,184
November 173:00 pmUtah StateNo. 19
  • Joe Aillet Stadium
  • Ruston, LA
ESPN3L 41–48 OT25,614
November 249:30 pmat San Jose StateESPN2L 43–5212,326
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
APRVRVRV23RV24221919RV
CoachesRVRVRVRVRVRV24RVRV231819RVRVRVRV
HarrisNot released24RVRV241920RVRVRVNot released
BCSNot released252020Not released

*Source: ESPN.com: 2012 NCAA Football Rankings[7]

Roster

2012 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
WR 1 Richie Casey Sr
RB 2 Lyle Fitte Sr
WR 2 Jaydrick DeClouette Fr
QB 3 Tarik Hakmi Sr
WR 4 Quinton Patton Sr
WR 5 D.J. Banks Jr
WR 7 Myles White Sr
WR 8 Jacarri Jackson Jr
QB 9 Zach Griffith So
QB 10 Colby Cameron Sr
QB 14 Ryan Higgins Fr
WR 15 Hayden Slack Sr
QB 16 Scotty Young So
QB 17 Andy McAlindon So
WR 18 D.J. St. Julien So
WR 18 Mark Harrington Jr
WR 19 Andrew Guillot Sr
WR 19 R.P. Stuart Sr
RB 21 Marlon Seets So
RB 25 Blake Martin Fr
RB 26 Tevin King Fr
RB 27 James Banks So
RB 28 Kenneth Dixon Fr
RB 32 Ray Holley Sr
RB 35 Jereme Lagarde Jr
RB 35 Brandon Adams So
RB 36 Hunter Lee So
WR 37 Ben Dickerson Sr
RB 38 Malon Lee Sr
RB 46 Rickey Courtney Jr
RB 47 Cooper Lewis Fr
OL 57 Kevin Saia Sr
OL 60 Ross Lodge Fr
OL 61 Matthew Conger Jr
OL 63 Stephen Warner Sr
OL 64 Johnny Ginart Fr
OL 65 Richard Greenwalt Jr
OL 66 Matthew Shepherd Jr
OL 67 Oscar Johnson Sr
OL 68 Josh Robinson Fr
OL 69 Vince Cano Jr
OL 72 Jeremy Graffree Sr
OL 73 Josh Parrish Sr
OL 74 Larry Banks Jr
OL 75 Darrell Brown Fr
OL 76 Zeke Alsander Fr
OL 77 Jens Danielson So
OL 78 Jordan Mills Sr
OL 79 Alec Davis Jr
WR 80 Jon Greenwalt Jr
WR 81 Scott Cathcart Jr
WR 82 Travis Reyes Jr
WR 82 Cody Stidham Fr
WR 85 David Gru Sr
TE 86 Giles Menard Jr
WR 87 Grant Childress Fr
WR 88 Ian Soignier So
WR 89 Chandler Spence Sr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
LB 6 Beau Fitte Fr
DB 7 David Jones Sr
DB 11 Lloyd Grogan Fr
DB 13 Levander Liggins So
DB 14 Craig Johnson Sr
CB 15 Brice Abraham Fr
DB 16 Jabari Prewitt So
DB 17 Tra'Vez Taylor Fr
DB 19 Ronnie Fields So
DB 20 Jamel Johnson Sr
DB 21 Adairius Barnes Fr
DE 22 Kendrick James Jr
DB 23 Kentrell Brice Fr
CB 24 Dave Clark Sr
DB 27 Quinn Giles Sr
DB 29 Kendall Hayes So
DB 30 Ahmad Wallace Jr
DB 31 Chad Boyd Sr
FS 34 Mike Schrang So
S 38 Connor Nichols So
LB 39 Warren Bates Fr
LB 40 Kevin Kisseberth So
DL 41 IK Enemkpali Jr
LB 43 Chip Hester Sr
DL 45 Vernon Butler Fr
LB 46 Rufus Porter Jr
S 47 Javontay Crowe Sr
LB 48 Andre Wiggins Fr
LB 50 Ches Morrison So
LB 51 Riccie Gray So
LB 52 Ty Hook Fr
LB 55 Antonio Mitchum Sr
LB 56 Solomon Randle Sr
LB 58 Zachary Voss Jr
LB 59 Mason Dean Fr
DL 70 Justin Ellis Jr
DL 84 Andre Taylor So
DL 88 Tyler Porter Fr
DL 92 Carter Street So
DL 93 Stephen Gibson Fr
DT 94 Shakeil Lucas Jr
DL 95 Jon'al White Sr
DL 97 Devon McKinney Jr
DL 98 Vontarrius Dora Fr
DL 99 Malcolm Pichon Fr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
ATH 25 Thaddaeus Medford Fr
PK 33 Matt Nelson Sr
DS 51 Josh Cuthbert Jr
P 86 Ryan Allen Sr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Tony Franklin (offensive coordinator / quarterbacks)
  • Tommy Spangler (defensive coordinator / safeties)
  • Rob Likens (assistant head coach / wide receivers)
  • Stan Eggen (defensive line / recruiting coordinator)
  • Pierre Ingram (running backs)
  • Jeff Koonz (linebackers)
  • Kevin Curtis (cornerbacks)
  • Petey Perot (offensive line)
  • Mark Tommerdahl (special teams / inside receivers)
  • Damon Harrington (strength and conditioning)
  • Ed Jackson (Character education coordinator)
  • Jacob Peeler (graduate assistant coach)
  • Thomas Graham (graduate assistant coach)
  • Hunter McWilliams (graduate assistant coach)

[8]


Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster
Last update: July 23, 2012

Game summaries

At Houston

Louisiana Tech at Houston
1 234Total
Bulldogs 14 72114 56
Cougars 6 14722 49
  • Date: September 8
  • Location: Robertson Stadium
    Houston, TX
  • Game start: 7:04 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 4:08
  • Game attendance: 29,142
  • Game weather: 85 °F (29 °C), partly cloudy, winds N 13 mph (21 km/h)
  • Referee: Jim Farmer
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Dave Ryan (play-by-play), Ron Zook (color), Evan Washburn (sideline)
  • Sources:
Statistics LT HOU
First downs 38 40
Total yards 598 693
Rushing yards 245 113
Passing yards 353 580
Turnovers 0 2
Time of possession 28:07 31:53
Team Category Player Statistics
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 34/52, 353 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Tevin King 13 rushes, 112 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Myles White 5 receptions, 74 yards
Houston Passing David Piland 53/77, 580 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Charles Sims 21 rushes, 65 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Daniel Spencer 7 receptions, 157 yards, TD

Rice

Rice at Louisiana Tech
1 234Total
Owls 0 17614 37
Bulldogs 21 14714 56
  • Date: September 15
  • Location: Joe Aillet Stadium
    Ruston, LA
  • Game start: 6:05 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:30
  • Game attendance: 23,228
  • Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C), overcast
  • Referee: Clair Gausman
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): Rich Hollenberg (play-by-play), Ralph Friedgen (color)
  • Sources:
Statistics RICE LT
First downs 33 30
Total yards 477 609
Rushing yards 272 333
Passing yards 205 276
Turnovers 2 1
Time of possession 34:57 25:03
Team Category Player Statistics
Rice Passing Taylor McHargue 20/34, 205 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Charles Ross 14 rushes, 116 yards
Receiving Jordan Taylor 4 receptions, 57 yards
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 19/24, 276 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Tevin King 22 rushes, 204 yards
Receiving Quinton Patton 7 receptions, 119 yards, 2 TD

Quarterback Colby Cameron was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 3) for his performance against Rice.[9]

At Illinois

Louisiana Tech at Illinois
1 234Total
Bulldogs 21 0247 52
Fighting Illini 7 1007 24
  • Sources:
Statistics LT ILL
First downs 17 20
Total yards 403 294
Rushing yards 119 89
Passing yards 284 205
Turnovers 3 6
Time of possession 25:33 46:52
Team Category Player Statistics
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 15/22, 284 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Tevin King 11 rushes, 53 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Quinton Patton 6 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TD
Illinois Passing Reilly O'Toole 19/25, 120 yards
Rushing Donovonn Young 19 rushes, 78 yards, TD
Receiving Josh Ferguson 10 receptions, 84 yards

Linebacker Antonio Mitchum was named WAC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 4) for his performance against Illinois.[10] Wide receiver Quinton Patton was awarded an ESPN helmet sticker for his performance Week 4 against Illinois. Colby Cameron was named the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 4.

At Virginia

Louisiana Tech at Virginia
1 234Total
Bulldogs 10 10213 44
Cavaliers 14 10014 38
  • Date: September 29
  • Location: Scott Stadium
    Charlottesville, VA
  • Game start: 3:34 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:43
  • Game attendance: 42,027
  • Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C), partly cloudy, winds E 3 mph (4.8 km/h)
  • Referee: J. Magallanes
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): John Sadak (play-by-play), John Gregory (color), Angela Mallen (sideline)
  • Sources:
Statistics LT UVA
First downs 21 24
Total yards 385 625
Rushing yards 158 145
Passing yards 227 480
Turnovers 0 3
Time of possession 25:13 34:47
Team Category Player Statistics
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 24/37, 227 yards, TD
Rushing Kenneth Dixon 16 rushes, 78 yards
Receiving Quinton Patton 8 receptions, 97 yards
Virginia Passing Michael Rocco 14/23, 278 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing Perry Jones 18 rushes, 82 yards
Receiving Darius Jennings 6 receptions, 136 yards

Placekicker Matt Nelson was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 5) for his performance against Virginia.[11]

UNLV

UNLV at Louisiana Tech
1 234Total
Rebels 7 1077 31
Bulldogs 20 71714 58
  • Date: October 6
  • Location: Joe Aillet Stadium
    Ruston, LA
  • Game start: 6:06 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:36
  • Game attendance: 21,850
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C), overcast, winds SW 5–10 mph (8.0–16.1 km/h)
  • Referee: David Alvarez
  • TV announcers (ERT): Trey Bender (play-by-play), Jay Taylor (color)
  • Sources:
Statistics UNLV LT
First downs 23 35
Total yards 536 622
Rushing yards 158 306
Passing yards 378 316
Turnovers 2 0
Time of possession 30:44 29:10
Team Category Player Statistics
UNLV Passing Nick Sherry 22/46, 378 yards, 4 TD, INT
Rushing Tim Cornett 23 rushes, 111 yards
Receiving Devante Davis 8 receptions, 186 yards, TD
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 31/45, 316 yards, TD
Rushing Ray Holley 22 rushes, 139 yards, TD
Receiving Quinton Patton 9 receptions, 116 yards, TD

Running back Kenneth Dixon was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 6) for his performance against UNLV.[12]

Texas A&M

Texas A&M at Louisiana Tech
1 234Total
No. 22 Aggies 21 18713 59
No. 23 Bulldogs 0 161427 57
  • Sources:
Statistics TAMU LT
First downs 27 37
Total yards 678 615
Rushing yards 283 165
Passing yards 395 450
Turnovers 2 0
Time of possession 32:13 27:47
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas A&M Passing Johnny Manziel 24/40, 395 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing Johnny Manziel 19 rushes, 181 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Mike Evans 4 receptions, 137 yards, TD
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 44/58, 450 yards, 5 TD
Rushing Kenneth Dixon 19 rushes, 111 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Quinton Patton 21 receptions, 233 yards, 4 TD

This game was originally scheduled for August 30 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. However, the game was postponed until October 13 due to Hurricane Isaac.[13]

Wide receiver Quinton Patton was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 7) for his performance against Texas A&M.[14] Colby Cameron was nominated for the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 7.

Idaho

Idaho at Louisiana Tech
1 234Total
Vandals 14 707 28
Bulldogs 35 21140 70
  • Sources:
Statistics IDHO LT
First downs 11 39
Total yards 304 839
Rushing yards 47 408
Passing yards 257 431
Turnovers 4 3
Time of possession 25:16 34:25
Team Category Player Statistics
Idaho Passing Dominique Blackmon 20/35, 199 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing James Baker 10 rushes, 42 yards, TD
Receiving Najee Lovett 4 receptions, 78 yards, TD
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 29/37, 400 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Kenneth Dixon 17 rushes, 232 yards, 6 TD
Receiving Myles White 6 receptions, 100 yards, TD

Running back Kenneth Dixon was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 8) for his performance against Idaho.

At New Mexico State

Louisiana Tech at New Mexico State
1 234Total
No. 24 Bulldogs 7 0147 28
Aggies 0 0014 14
  • Date: October 27
  • Location: Aggie Memorial Stadium
    Las Cruces, NM
  • Game start: 6:00 p.m. MDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:15
  • Game attendance: 12,118
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), sunny, winds SE 2 mph (3.2 km/h)
  • Referee: Robert Cameron
  • TV announcers (CSN Houston/ESPN3): Jeff Matthews (play-by-play), Danny Knee (color)
  • Sources:
Statistics LT NMSU
First downs 26 20
Total yards 530 405
Rushing yards 238 122
Passing yards 292 283
Turnovers 0 3
Time of possession 29:19 30:02
Team Category Player Statistics
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 29/44, 292 yards, TD
Rushing Ray Holley 12 rushes, 130 yards, TD
Receiving Myles White 7 receptions, 125 yards, TD
New Mexico State Passing Andrew Manley 18/34, 283 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Germi Morrison 16 rushes, 92 yards
Receiving Austin Franklin 7 receptions, 139 yards, TD

Punter Ryan Allen was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 9) for his performance against New Mexico State.[15]

UTSA

UTSA at Louisiana Tech
1 234Total
Roadrunners 14 076 27
No. 22 Bulldogs 14 13717 51
  • Date: November 3
  • Location: Joe Aillet Stadium
    Ruston, LA
  • Game start: 3:05 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:20
  • Game attendance: 23,645
  • Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C), clear, winds NE 5 mph (8.0 km/h)
  • Referee: Stacy Hardin
  • TV announcers (ERT): Trey Bender (play-by-play), Jay Taylor (color)
  • Sources:
Statistics UTSA LT
First downs 25 33
Total yards 438 537
Rushing yards 124 180
Passing yards 314 357
Turnovers 0 0
Time of possession 34:00 26:00
Team Category Player Statistics
UTSA Passing Eric Soza 23/41, 314 yards, 4 TD
Rushing David Glasco II 13 rushes, 63 yards
Receiving Cole Hubble 3 receptions, 101 yards, TD
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 30/39, 348 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Kenneth Dixon 18 rushes, 72 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Quinton Patton 10 receptions, 152 yards, TD

Punter Ryan Allen was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 10) for his performance against UTSA.[16] Colby Cameron was nominated for the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 10.

At Texas State

Louisiana Tech at Texas State
1 234Total
No. 19 Bulldogs 14 27714 62
Bobcats 14 20714 55
  • Sources:
Statistics LT TXST
First downs 38 31
Total yards 627 577
Rushing yards 283 296
Passing yards 344 281
Turnovers 0 0
Time of possession 31:29 27:53
Team Category Player Statistics
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 31/45, 337 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Ray Holley 27 rushes, 145 yards, TD
Receiving D. J. Banks 5 receptions, 96 yards, TD
Texas State Passing Shaun Rutherford 21/37, 234 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Marcus Curry 13 rushes, 134 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Bradley Miller 5 receptions, 65 yards, 2 TD

Running back Kenneth Dixon was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 11) for his performance against Texas State.[17] Colby Cameron was nominated for the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 11.

Utah State

Utah State at Louisiana Tech
1 234OTTotal
Aggies 14 32407 48
No. 19 Bulldogs 0 321170 41
  • Sources:
Statistics USU LT
First downs 27 37
Total yards 646 629
Rushing yards 306 233
Passing yards 340 396
Turnovers 0 3
Time of possession 31:33 28:15
Team Category Player Statistics
Utah State Passing Chuckie Keeton 20/34, 340 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Kerwynn Williams 20 rushes, 162 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Kerwynn Williams 4 receptions, 125 yards, TD
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 35/60, 396 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing Kenneth Dixon 22 rushes, 109 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Quinton Patton 11 receptions, 181 yards

Kick returner D. J. Banks was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 12) for his performance against Utah State.

At San Jose State

Louisiana Tech at San Jose State
1 234Total
Bulldogs 6 21106 43
Spartans 10 141414 52
  • Sources:
Statistics LT SJSU
First downs 27 30
Total yards 541 610
Rushing yards 58 243
Passing yards 483 367
Turnovers 3 2
Time of possession 24:40 35:31
Team Category Player Statistics
Louisiana Tech Passing Colby Cameron 38/59, 468 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Rushing Kenneth Dixon 8 rushes, 33 yards, TD
Receiving Myles White 7 receptions, 126 yards, TD
San Jose State Passing David Fales 25/37, 367 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing De'Leon Eskridge 28 rushes, 217 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Noel Grigsby 7 receptions, 127 yards

Statistics

Louisiana Tech ranked 1st in the nation in scoring offense (51.5 points per game), total offense (577.92 yards per game), and net punting (43.51 yards per punt). Individually, Kenneth Dixon ranked led the nation in scoring average (14.0 points per game), and Ryan Allen led the nation in punting average (48.04 yards per punt).

After the season

Bowl invitation controversy

On Friday, November 30, Louisiana Tech was invited to play in the Independence Bowl, but asked for more time as they were in negotiations with the Liberty Bowl and Heart of Dallas Bowl.[18] Louisiana Tech athletic director Bruce Van De Velde and WAC commissioner Jeff Hurd claimed that on December 1, Liberty Bowl executive director Steve Ehrhart guaranteed the Bulldogs a bowl invite.[19][20] The Independence Bowl offered Louisiana Tech again on Saturday, December 1. After receiving no response, bowl organizers invited the Ohio Bobcats instead. On December 2, the Liberty Bowl extended their remaining bid to Iowa State Cyclones instead of Louisiana Tech. As a result, Louisiana Tech did not play in any of the 2012–13 NCAA football bowl games. The school's administration blamed bowl officials for the situation, which attracted national attention and controversy.[21]

Awards and honors

Two Bulldogs were honored with prestigious national awards. Ryan Allen won the 2012 Ray Guy Award honoring the nation's best punter to become the first student-athlete to win the award in consecutive years. Colby Cameron won the 2012 Sammy Baugh Trophy honoring the nation's top collegiate passer. Bulldogs were named semifinalists for three national awards including Colby Cameron for the Davey O'Brien Award, Quinton Patton for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, and Matt Nelson for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

For their individual performances during the regular season, several Bulldogs were named to various national All-America Teams. Ryan Allen was named to numerous All-America teams including the Associated Press (AP) All-America First Team, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America First Team, Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America First Team, Sporting News (TSN) All-America First Team, Walter Camp All-America First Team (WCFF) All-America First Team, CBS Sports All-America First Team, ESPN All-America First Team, Pro Football Weekly (PFW) All-America First Team, and Sports Illustrated (SI) All-America First Team. The NCAA recognizes five All-America lists in the determination of unanimous All-America selections: the AP, AFCA, the FWAA, TSN and the WCFF.[22] Unanimous selections must be selected as first team in all five lists.[22] As such, for the 2012 season, Ryan Allen was named a unanimous All-American. Quinton Patton was named to several All-America teams including the AP All-America Second Team, CBS Sports All-America Second Team, SI All-America Second Team, and PFW All-America Honorable Mention Team. Colby Cameron was named to the SI All-America Honorable Mention Team. Kenneth Dixon was recognized with All-America honors including being named to the FWAA Freshman All-America First Team, CBS Sports Freshman All-America First Team, and College Football News (CFN) Freshman All-America First Team.

The WAC recognized a number of Bulldogs for their individual performances with various honors. Colby Cameron was named WAC Offensive Player of the Year, and Kenneth Dixon was named WAC Freshman of the Year. All-WAC First Team selections from Louisiana Tech included Ryan Allen, D.J. Banks, Colby Cameron, Dave Clark, Kenneth Dixon, I.K. Enemkpali, Jordan Mills, Quinton Patton, and Stephen Warner. All-WAC Second Team selections from Louisiana Tech included Chad Boyd, Ray Holley, Oscar Johnson, Kevin Saia, and Myles White.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) decorated several Bulldogs with postseason honors. Colby Cameron was named LSWA Offensive Player of the Year, and Kenneth Dixon was named LSWA Louisiana Freshman of the Year. LSWA All-Louisiana First Team selections from Louisiana Tech included Ryan Allen, D.J. Banks, Colby Cameron, Kenneth Dixon, I.K. Enemkpali, Oscar Johnson, Quinton Patton, and Stephen Warner.

Several Louisiana Tech players were selected to participate in postseason all-star games. Three Bulldogs including Ryan Allen, Jordan Mills, and Quinton Patton accepted invitations to play in the 2013 Senior Bowl. Colby Cameron competed in the 2013 East–West Shrine Game. Ray Holley and Myles White played in the Casino del Sol College All-Star Game, and Holley's performance earned him the game's Offensive MVP award. Three Bulldogs including Kevin Saia, Stephen Warner, and Myles White participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Jordan Mills was also invited to play in the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic.

In addition to their on-field accomplishments, many Bulldogs were recognized for their performance off the gridiron. Ray Holley and Stephen Warner were named to the Capital One Academic All-District First Team, and subsequently Ray Holley was honored even further by being named to the Capital One Academic All-America First Team. Academic All-WAC honorees include Josh Cuthbert, Ray Holley, Matt Nelson, Solomon Randle, Chandler Spence, Andre Taylor, and Stephen Warner. Chandler Spence was also honored with the 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award.

At the team banquet, several Bulldogs were honored with team awards. Colby Cameron was named the Terry Bradshaw Offensive Player of the Year, and I.K. Enemkpali was named the Fred Dean Defensive Player of the Year. Ryan Allen was recognized as the Matt Stover Special Teams Player of the Year. Stephen Warner was named the Willie Roaf Lineman of the Year, and Chad Boyd was given the Tramon Williams Defensive Back of the Year award. David Gru was honored with the Karl Malone Strength and Conditioning Award. Kendrick James and Rufus Porter were both honored with the Most Inspirational Award. Ray Holley was given the Dan Reneau Academic Award, and D.J. Banks was honored with the Davison Family Community Service Award.

A couple Louisiana Tech assistant coaches were nominated for national awards. Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin was nominated for the Broyles Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation's top assistant coach. Franklin was also one of four finalists for the FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year. Assistant coach Pierre Ingram was one of five finalists for the FootballScoop Running Backs Coach of the Year.

Coaching changes

On December 5, 2012, head coach Sonny Dykes was announced as the new head football coach at the University of California, Berkeley to replace recently fired Jeff Tedford.[23][24] Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, assistant head coach/outside receivers coach Rob Likens, special teams/inside receivers coach Mark Tommerdahl, running backs coach Pierre Ingram, and head strength and conditioning coach Damon Harrington were hired by Dykes at California. Cornerbacks coach Kevin Curtis was hired by Texas Tech. Offensive line coach Petey Perot was hired by Southern Miss. Defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler was hired by Presbyterian. On December 13, 2012, former South Florida head coach Skip Holtz accepted an offer to become the new head football coach at Louisiana Tech to replace Dykes.[25] Holtz retained defensive line coach Stan Eggen and linebackers coach Jeff Koonz.

NFL Draft

In February 2013, five Louisiana Tech Bulldogs were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine including Ryan Allen, Colby Cameron, Oscar Johnson, Jordan Mills, and Quinton Patton. At Louisiana Tech's Pro Day on March 26, twenty-four seniors worked out in front of scouts from twenty-three NFL teams.[26] In April's 2013 NFL draft, Quinton Patton was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round, and Jordan Mills was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round. Following the draft, undrafted free agent signees from the 2013 squad were Ryan Allen (New England Patriots), Colby Cameron (Carolina Panthers), Myles White (Green Bay Packers), Ray Holley (Baltimore Ravens), Oscar Johnson (Tennessee Titans), and Kevin Saia (St. Louis Rams).

Rnd. Pick No. NFL team Player Pos. College Conf. Notes
4 128 San Francisco 49ers Quinton Patton  WR Louisiana Tech WAC
5 163 Chicago Bears Jordan Mills  OT Louisiana Tech WAC

References

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  4. ^ "It's hard to make sense of Tyrone Duplessis' death".
  5. ^ "Heart Attack Cited in Death of Louisiana Tech Running Back Tyrone Duplessis". KSLA. Retrieved February 13, 2012.
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  13. ^ "Texas A&M-Louisiana Tech game postponed due to Hurricane Isaac". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  14. ^ "WAC Football Players of the Week Announced". WAC. October 15, 2012. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  15. ^ "WAC Football Players of the Week Announced". WAC. October 29, 2012. Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
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  17. ^ "WAC Football Players of the Week Announced". WAC. November 12, 2012. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  18. ^ Myerberg, Paul (December 3, 2012). "Why Louisiana Tech is staying home despite a 9-3 record". USA Today. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  19. ^ "Louisiana Tech AD, WAC claim Liberty Bowl reneged on deal". The Times. Retrieved December 20, 2012. (subscription required)
  20. ^ "Louisiana Tech AD says Liberty Bowl 'went back on' its word to school". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  21. ^ "9-3 Louisiana Tech won't play in bowl". ESPN. December 3, 2012.
  22. ^ a b National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) (November 15, 2011). "2010–11 NCAA Statistics Policies & Guidelines" (PDF). NCAA.org. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
  23. ^ "GoldenBearReport.com - Cal hires Sonny Dykes as new head football coach". Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  24. ^ "Sonny Dykes Named Cal Head Football Coach - The University of California Official Athletic Site". Archived from the original on December 6, 2012. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  25. ^ McMurphy, Brett (December 13, 2012). "Skip Holtz headed to Louisiana Tech". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
  26. ^ "NFL News | Latest NFL Football News".