Clemson, SC (AP) – First-year Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie had a message for his players this week as they prepare for No. 5 Clemson.
The Bulldogs have a chance to distinguish themselves by defeating top-10 opponents from Appalachian State, Georgia Southern and Marshall, all Group of Five teams.
“I don’t know if I could be in this locker room if we weren’t excited to play this week,” said Cumby, who was Texas Tech’s offensive coordinator before taking the Bulldogs’ job. “This is a great opportunity for us to go on the road against a great opponent.”
Louisiana Tech (1-1) takes on the Tigers (2-0) on Saturday night, trying to find an overall positive Clemson streak.
Clemson has won eight straight games, the longest streak of the season in the Power Five. The Tigers haven’t lost at home since November 2016, a stretch of 35 straight. And Louisiana Tech has won all three meetings in Conference USA — all by sizeable margins.
The Bulldogs played a Power Five program with a 52-24 win over Missouri. Louisiana Tech passed for 336 yards against the SEC’s Tigers and they think they can do the same against the ACC’s Tigers.
Clemson put on a terrific defensive performance in a 35-12 victory over Furman in the FCS, outscoring it 386 to 374. The performance angered Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who did not name him a player of the week. of the ball.
He asked for a better effort this week.
“If you don’t have an intimidating pride, you’re going to answer,” says Sweeney. “If you don’t, you’re sidelined. That’s the way it is.
Air Raid: Expect Louisiana Tech to fly through Death Valley this week. Bulldogs coach Cumbie was the quarterback for Mike Leach’s “Air Raid” attack against the Red Raiders at Texas Tech. Cumby was the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech, where he coached Bulldogs quarterback Parker McNeill before both came to Louisiana Tech.
Defensive back missing: Clemson could be without standout defensive back Brian Bresen this week after the death of his younger sister, 15-year-old Ella. Bracey returned to Maryland after last week’s game as Ella battled aggressive brain cancer. Byron Bresse announced his sister’s death Thursday. She was honored at Clemson last week, where players and staff wore t-shirts that read “Ella Strong” for Furman. “If he wants to, he’ll play,” Bryant said. He has more important things to focus on.
Bulldog Bites: Louisiana Tech is trying to get back to its winning ways after going 8-19 the last two years. Prior to that, the Bulldogs posted six consecutive winning seasons under coach Skip Hotz, son of national championship coach Lou Holtz. Kumbi came to fuel the attack. The Bulldogs passed for 336 yards in a loss to Missouri and had 299 yards against Stephen F. Austin last week.
Playoff homer: First-year Clemson athletic director Graham Neff is pleased College Football Playoff officials have decided to expand to 12 teams, largely because it could mean a home playoff game in Death Valley. There are no guarantees, Neff said, but if the Tigers are seeded fifth through eighth, he believes they will have an extra game that will be economically beneficial to the area.
Clemson’s LeBron?: Defensive end Ruke Orhohoro has become a starter on the football field. According to him, he is also far and away the best basketball player on the team, with some on the team comparing him to LeBron James. Orhohoro was a state basketball champion in high school and boasted about his exploits in pick-up games after coming to campus. “Put me at the 3-point line and I’ll make 100 of 101 shots,” said the 6-foot-4, 295-pound fourth-year player. Tigers offensive lineman Jordan McFadden was asked if Orhohoro’s claim was true. “No,” McFadden said with a smile.
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