LA Tech Bulldogs (2-1) vs North Texas Mean Green (0-2)
Game Info: Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm (Joe Aillet Stadium)
Betting Odds: LA Tech Bulldogs -4.5 -- Over/Under: 69 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The North Texas Mean Green will play the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in a non-conference game on Saturday night at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana. North Texas comes into this game searching for their first victory, while Louisiana Tech has already secured two wins this season.
North Texas Preview
The North Texas Mean Green are 0-2 this season after they lost to FIU by a score of 46-39 last week. North Texas led this game by a score of 20-17 at the half, but allowed FIU to score 29 points in the second half for the loss. North Texas out gained FIU by a total of 548-514 yards and both teams turned the ball over three times. This FIU offense really struggled in their first two games, so it is not a good sign for the North Texas defense that they allowed 46 points. North Texas lost to Cal by a score of 58-21 in their first game. The North Texas offense is averaging 30 points per game with 240.5 passing yards per game and 146 rushing yards per game, while going 28% on third downs this year. Stone Earle has thrown for 270 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions, while also rushing for 59 yards for North Texas. Oscar Adaway III has rushed for 73 yards and one touchdown, while Ja’Mori Maclin has caught seven passes for 183 yards and three scores. The North Texas defense is giving up 52 points against per game this year.
Louisiana Tech Preview
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are 2-1 this year after they defeated Northwestern State by a score of 51-21 in their last game. Louisiana Tech led this game 31-14 at the half and added another 20 points in the third quarter for the win. La Tech out gained Northwestern State by a total of 478-324 and forced three turnovers. Louisiana Tech lost to SMU by a score of 38-14 in Week 1, but did defeat FIU by a score of 22-17 in Week 0. The Louisiana Tech offense is averaging 29 points per game with 228.3 passing yards per game and 169.7 rushing yards per game, while going 39% on third downs this season. Hank Bachmeier has thrown for 684 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions for the Bulldogs this year. Keith Willis Jr. has rushed for 226 yards and three scores, while Smoke Harris has caught 20 passes for 211 yards and one touchdown. The Louisiana Tech defense is allowing 25.3 points against per game this season.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Team Facts
- Louisiana Tech has won each of its last 15 September games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Louisiana Tech has covered the spread in six of its last seven games at Joe Aillet Stadium.
- Louisiana Tech has lost the first half in six of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
- Each of Louisiana Tech's last six games against non-conference opponents at Joe Aillet Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.
North Texas Mean Green Team Facts
- North Texas has lost each of its last 10 September games as an underdog.
- North Texas has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games.
- North Texas has won the first quarter in six of its last eight games against opponents from the Conference USA.
- North Texas has won the first half in six of its last seven road games against opponents from the Conference USA.
- Each of North Texas' last five September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Louisiana Tech ranked 35th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (7.6).
- North Texas ranked T10th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (20.2).
- North Texas ranked T12th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.643).
Pick
North Texas has really struggled defensively in their first two games and they allowed 46 points to a bad FIU team in their last game. Louisiana Tech played that same FIU team in Week 0, where they won 22-17. Louisiana Tech should have a big day against this North Texas defense, but I also think the Mean Green will move the ball well. Ultimately, I have less faith in the North Texas defense than I do with Louisiana Tech’s, so I am going to take the Bulldogs to get the win here.
David’s Pick Louisiana Tech -4.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
