Three Keys to Victory: Northwestern State

Winning the turnover battle is key to winning any game, but never will it play a more pivotal role than in the first game of the season. Nerves will be shaky, players unproven, and schemes still in process. Last season, in a year that could be classified as one of the worst in school history, the Demons had a turnover differential of -6. On the other side of the ball, the nine-win Bulldogs had a turnover differential of +1. The common thread in 2016 was that both teams struggled to create turnovers. The Tech defense forced 18 turnovers while the Demons forced only 11. Flashback to 2014 and you’ll see the recipe that the Demons cooked up on their way to a stunning upset. They forced the ‘Dogs to turn it over five times and won the turnover battle by a +3 margin. Rivalry or not, the ‘Dogs will need to avoid turning the ball over in order to see success against any opponent, starting this weekend with the Demons.

2. Establish the Ground Game

Quarterback J’Mar Smith is talented, and possesses one of the highest ceilings among quarterbacks in all of Conference USA. However, September 2nd will be just his second career start, and some jitters are to be expected. In 2016, Bulldog fans saw Jarred Craft and Boston Scott combine for over 1,500 yards rushing, 465 receiving, and a whopping 19 touchdowns. The two-headed monster returns in 2017, and will look to provide some assurance for a Bulldog offense that will trot out quite a few unproven players. Led up front on the offensive line by Joshua Outlaw and O’Shea Dugas, the Bulldogs will need to bully the Demons up front early and often, and create lanes for the backs to do their thing.

3. Defend the Pass

Last season, the Bulldog secondary struggled (to put it nicely). The back end of the defense gave up nearly 275 yards per game to go along with 33 touchdown passes. That group has been rebuilt by defensive coordinator Blake Baker during the offseason. Newly appointed team captain Secdrick Cooper returns for his senior season at safety, and will provide veteran leadership to a group that is talented but green. Michael Sam, Trey Spencer, and Jordan Baldwin are just a few names that make up a secondary loaded with depth and looking to make a name for itself. Northwestern State averaged just 178 yards passing per game in 2016, and will have Haughton native J.D. Almond in his first year as the starting signal caller in 2017. Saturday night inside Joe Aillet Stadium will provide the young Bulldog secondary a great opportunity to build confidence and establish a ‘no fly zone’ before getting ready for a big test the following week against Mississippi State.

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