Louisiana Tech Dominates Sam Houston 55-14

RUSTON, LA – September 9, 2023 – Louisiana Tech delivered a resounding performance at Joe Aillet Stadium on Saturday, overwhelming Sam Houston with a dominant 55-14 victory. The Bulldogs’ offense exploded for 443 total yards, while their defense stifled the Bearkats, holding them to just 260 yards and forcing three crucial turnovers.

The win improves Louisiana Tech’s season record to 2-1, while Sam Houston, in their inaugural year as a Conference USA member, falls to 0-2.

Running back Clay Thevenin was the undisputed star of the night for the Bulldogs, tearing through the Sam Houston defense for 143 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Blake Baker also showcased a dual-threat capability, throwing for a touchdown and adding another score on the ground.

Louisiana Tech wasted no time establishing control. Thevenin initiated the scoring with his first touchdown run, putting the Bulldogs up 7-0. Sam Houston briefly threatened to shift momentum when quarterback Keegan Shoemaker connected with K.C. Clifford for a 24-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. However, the Bulldogs had an immediate and stunning answer. Keldric Bell fielded the ensuing kickoff and raced 100 yards untouched for a touchdown, swinging the momentum decisively back in Tech’s favor at 14-7.

The offensive onslaught continued from there. Baker found Ethan Adkins for a 45-yard touchdown pass, further extending the lead. Special teams then got in on the action when Omardrick Douglas blocked a Sam Houston punt and recovered it in the end zone for another touchdown, truly piling on the points. By halftime, Louisiana Tech was comfortably ahead with a 31-7 lead.

The Bulldogs showed no signs of letting up in the second half, adding a massive 24 points in the third quarter alone. Cyrus Dumas contributed with a 36-yard touchdown run, and Thevenin continued his stellar day, finding the end zone for his second and third scores of the game. Sam Houston managed one more touchdown in the third quarter with a 20-yard run from John Gentry, but it was a mere consolation in the face of Tech’s overwhelming lead. Kicker Will Reed was perfect on the night, adding two field goals and seven extra points for the Bulldogs.

Sam Houston’s struggles were compounded by three turnovers – two interceptions and a lost fumble – which Louisiana Tech consistently capitalized on. The Bulldogs’ defense was consistently stout, ensuring Sam Houston never found a rhythm.

“This was a complete team effort tonight, from offense to defense to special teams,” said Louisiana Tech Head Coach Sonny Cumbie after the game. “Our guys executed the game plan exceptionally well, and the energy in Joe Aillet Stadium was electric. We need to carry this momentum forward as we prepare for our next challenge.”

For Sam Houston, the loss underscores the challenges of transitioning to the FBS level and Conference USA. “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” commented Sam Houston Head Coach K.C. Keeler. “We made too many mistakes, and Louisiana Tech is a good team that made us pay for every one of them. We’ll learn from this and continue to work to improve every single day.”

Louisiana Tech will look to continue their winning ways when they host North Texas next Saturday, September 16, at 6 p.m. CT. Sam Houston will travel to Jacksonville State for their next contest on Saturday, September 16, also with a 6 p.m. CT kickoff.