Louisiana Tech @ Virginia preview

After back-to-back wins to open its season, Virginia dropped two straight games. The Cavaliers will look to rebound from losses to Georgia Tech and then-No. 17 Texas Christian when they host Louisiana Tech on Saturday. It will be the first meeting between the two teams, and while Virginia has been outscored 83-27 during the two-game losing streak, Louisiana Tech is rolling. The high-powered Bulldogs' offense has put up an average of 54.7 points in each of its first three games. Only Oklahoma State and Florida State have scored at a higher rate. After beating Houston by a touchdown in its season opener, Louisiana Tech has dismantled Rice (56-37) and Illinois (52-24). The Bulldogs’ yards per game average of 536.7 is just as daunting and good for 11th in the nation.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Louisiana Tech -3.5

LOUISIANA TECH (3-0): Colby Cameron has orchestrated the lethal Bulldogs’ offense masterfully through three games. He is 68-of-98 with 913 yards, 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Cameron’s 184.7 passer rating also ranks fifth nationally. Target-wise, Quinton Patton is his favorite. He’s totaled 17 receptions for 319 yards and four touchdowns while five other receivers have also found the end zone. Louisiana Tech, which has yet to begin its Western Athletic Conference schedule, has also been successful running the ball. Tevin King and Kenneth Dixon split carries and both are legitimate threats, averaging 8.0 and 5.7 yards per carry respectfully. King, however, has been slightly more productive this season. His 46 carries, 369 yards and five rushing touchdowns are all team highs.

VIRGINIA (2-2): The Cavaliers are 2-0 at home this season and hope a return to Charlottesville will help spark a turnaround. Compared to the Bulldogs’ torrid scoring pace, Virginia averages 21.8 points per contest and was four minutes away from being shut out in Fort Worth last weekend. Most of the offense success that the Cavaliers have had has come on the ground. Kevin Parks leads the team with 212 rushing yards, two touchdowns and 4.4 yards per carry. Quarterback Michael Rocco is 74-of-123 for 838 yards, but has thrown five interceptions to only four touchdowns. Rocco is expected to start against the Bulldogs, but may be pulled quickly if he does not perform well. Backup Phillip Sims has proven to be a reliable option, connecting on 18 of 29 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns this season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Louisiana Tech’s 10-game winning streak is the third longest streak in the nation.

2. The Bulldogs’ seven-game road winning streak is their longest since 1970.

3. Virginia is 3-1 all-time against WAC opponents and 2-0 at Scott Stadium.

PREDICTION: Louisiana Tech 45, Virginia 42