Bulldog defense shows early signs of progress

The offseason chatter of an improved Louisiana Tech defense has earned real standing through two games this fall.

Led by a dependable linebacking corps of Kolbe Fields, Zach Zimos, and CJ Harris, the Bulldogs’ fall camp bark has led to early regular season bite, with the unit ranking No. 2 in Conference USA in scoring defense (23.5 points per game), and No. 1 in CUSA in total defense ( 280.5 yards per game), rushing defense (106.5 yards per game), and passing defense (174 yards per game).

Take away two pick sixes by Tech’s offense and the Bulldog defense has allowed just 33 total points (16.5 points per game).

It’s two games, so drawing grand conclusions would be a stretch. But there’s no doubt the defense is different from where Tech left off last season.

Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie said the Bulldogs (1-1) have confidence in themselves, especially after holding a dynamic NC State offense to just two field goals in the first half and less than 365 yards of offense for the game.

Now, it’s on the unit to carry the momentum forward into this weekend against Tulsa (1-2).

“I think our kids understand what we’re capable of, and I think they have a lot of belief and expectations in themselves and in this team,” Cumbie said. “ I think it’s a great opportunity this week against a really good Tulsa team on Saturday night at six o’ clock at Joe Aillet Stadium.”

The Bulldogs have some of the best linebackers in CUSA, led by Zimos with a team-high 16 total tackles, while Fields, an LSU transfer who sat out last year, has 14 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and an interception.

Harris, transferring in after spending the previous two seasons at Kent State, put up 10 tackles and 3 TFL against NC State.

Harris, now in his sixth year of college football, enjoys playing in a scheme like Johnson’s that demands percision.

“Every practice we try to compete. There’s depth at every level, from D-line, linebackers, to the secondary,” Harris said. “ Every day you’re going to go out there and compete with the next dude because not every spot is certified, so you gotta execute when you go out there, you gotta play with violence. That’s the biggest thing I see.”