1. Quarterback Play – Well, yeah of course. So it doesn’t take many brain cells for me to come up with this one. The defense should be improved, the offensive line should be solid, and there are enough offensive weapons still around to be successful. Last season, J’Mar Smith was 19 for 31 for 212 yards against Arkansas and he was 6 of 6 for 142 yards and a score in mop up duty against Rice. This year, all of the burden of the off-season is on the third year sophomore’s shoulders. Smith is smooth and collected and doesn’t ever seem to let the moment overwhelm him. If he can play like a veteran, the offense can likely have another big year.
2. The Middle of the Schedule – everyone wants to talk about Mississippi State, Western Kentucky, and South Carolina. Those are big games and they are important. The season, as in the past five years, will ultimately be a success or a failure if the team can win at least eight games and go to a bowl game. During the six game stretch starting September 30th, the Bulldogs have four games at home, two manageable road games at UAB and at Rice, and an off week leading into a home matchup with Southern Miss. Holtz and company ran off seven wins in a row last season and they won seven of eight in 2015.
3. Can the Secondary Rebound? – The 2016 Bulldogs struggled against the pass last season, giving up 3846 total passing yards on the season, including 470 yards through the air to Texas Tech. The Bulldogs only managed 9 interceptions on the season, with the departed Xavier Woods accounting for 5 of those. The 2017 mission is clear: cut down on big plays and create more turnovers. A deep, experienced defensive line should help the secondary immensely. Newcomer Amik Robertson, a lightning quick ball hawk at corner should help. Holtz also brought in several long, rangy types over the last two recruiting classes. Zach Hannibal, L’Jarius Sneed, Jacorion Andrews, Jaiden Cole, Jordan Baldwin, and Michael Sam are all 6’0” or taller and give the secondary some much needed size.
4. Who is the Safety Valve? You can’t replace Trent Taylor (136 catches in 2016) in Ruston. Carlos Henderson (1535 yards and 19 TD’s) will be missed too, but at least Teddy Veal is around to try and fill the void. Veal had 644 yards and 5 TD’s as a sophomore at Tulane and has been the clear go to receiver in fall camp. Inside, Tech will turn to Kam McKnight (18 catches) and Alfred Smith (16 catches) to roam the middle of the field. Granted, no one was getting many balls thrown to them with Taylor and Henderson around. Now McKnight and Smith get their chance to be J’Mar Smith’s underneath option.
5. Red Zone Defense – LA Tech was 112th last season, allowing the opposing team to score 90.3% of the time after entering the red zone. Opponents scored 22 passing TD’s and 23 rushing TD’s – equal opportunity gut punchers. A big, athletic defensive line helps as does a longer secondary. The linebackers were very raw last year and now they are a little more seasoned. Russell Farris, Collin Scott, and Dae’Von Washington all got some experience last season and will be better prepared to handle things. Redshirt freshman Reggie Cleveland and junior college transfer Randy Hogan bring playmaking abilities to the roster.
