Louisiana Tech @ Boise State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 6, 2009 ) Boise State 45, Louisiana Tech 35

Boise State looks to take another step forward in its quest for a national championship appearance when it hosts fast-paced Louisiana Tech on Tuesday.

The No. 2 Broncos fared well over the first half of the slate, which included impressive victories over Virginia Tech and Oregon State. But Boise State (6-0, 2-0) certainly can’t afford a slip-up against the Bulldogs in the Western Athletic Conference matchup.

First-year Louisiana Tech coach Skip Dykes is speeding things up on offense with a no-huddle attack designed to keep defenses off-guard and unable to rely on their normal substitution patterns. The Bulldogs (3-4, 2-1) had things clicking in their most recent game when they rolled up 683 yards in a 48-35 victory over Idaho.

The yards and points will be much harder to come by against a Boise State defense that ranks first in total defense (210.2 yards per game), first in rushing defense (59.3) and second in scoring defense (12.3 points). The Broncos haven’t allowed a single point in two WAC games, blanking New Mexico State and San Jose State.

Boise State is eighth against the pass (150.8) and that will make it challenging for Louisiana Tech quarterback Ross Jenkins to repeat the stellar performance he had against Idaho. Jenkins was the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for a career-best 422 yards and three touchdowns against Idaho.

Taulib Ikharo (31 receptions) and Richie Casey (28) have been Louisiana Tech’s top receivers. Lennon Creer leads the Bulldogs with 568 rushing yards.

Even harder than scoring against Boise State is trying to stop the Broncos’ well-oiled offense led by Heisman Trophy candidate Kellen Moore. Boise State ranks fourth in both scoring offense (47.5) and total offense (523.8).

Moore is completing 69.5 percent of his passes and has 16 touchdowns against one interception. He has thrown for 1,567 yards.

Receiver Titus Young is having a fabulous season with 33 receptions for 581 yards. Young and Austin Pettis (25 receptions) each have caught four touchdown passes.

Doug Martin leads Boise State in rushing with 544 yards.

Louisiana Tech has allowed 35 or more points four points and is 113th in total defense (448.7). The passing defense is among the worst in the nation, allowing 296.7 yards per game. Only Texas Tech and Tulsa are giving up more yards through the air.

Defensive end Matt Broha has been a bright spot with nine tackles for loss, including six sacks.