RUSTON, La. — Louisiana Tech opened its season with an emphatic statement, posting an 80-6 victory over Northwestern State on Saturday night and setting a program scoring mark in the process.
Bulldogs set program high
The 80 points eclipsed the previous Louisiana Tech single-game high of 76, a total set against Rice on Nov. 29, 2014. The Bulldogs established control early, taking a commanding 63-3 lead into halftime and effectively turning the contest into a routing from the first quarter onward.
Quarterback Blake Baker played a central role in the offensive explosion, responsible for three of Louisiana Tech’s 10 touchdowns. On the Bulldogs’ opening play from scrimmage, he connected on a 75-yard scoring strike to Jalen Mickens, immediately swinging momentum back to the home side after Northwestern State had opened the game with a field goal.
Baker followed with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Jay Wilkerson on the next possession and later threw a 9-yard scoring pass to Eli Finley as Louisiana Tech continued to pile up points before halftime.
Balanced attack, big numbers
The Bulldogs finished with 528 yards of total offense while holding Northwestern State to just 129 yards. Mickens led the receiving corps, compiling three catches for 133 yards and one of six touchdown receptions for Louisiana Tech in the contest.
Contributions came from across the roster. Trey Kukuk and Joshua Brantley combined to complete 5 of 5 passing for 61 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, running backs Dylone Brooks and Talyn Shettron each reached the end zone, adding balance to an offense that repeatedly stretched the field.
- Team touchdowns: 10 for Louisiana Tech
- Halftime score: Louisiana Tech 63, Northwestern State 3
- Total offense: Louisiana Tech 528 yards; Northwestern State 129 yards
Northwestern State opened the scoring when Payne Williams III kicked a 33-yard field goal to cap the opening series, briefly giving the visitors a 3-0 lead. Williams later added a 37-yard field goal inside the final minute of the game.
| Category | Louisiana Tech | Northwestern State |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 80 | 6 |
| Total yards | 528 | 129 |
| Leading receiver | Jalen Mickens — 3 catches, 133 yards | — |
Depth and efficiency showcased
Louisiana Tech’s production reflected both big-play capability and efficient short-yardage execution. The long touchdown on the first offensive snap set the tone, and the Bulldogs continued to capitalize on opportunities through multiple scoring avenues — deep passes, efficient backup passing and productive runs.
Northwestern State struggled to mount offensive drives after the opening field goal. The Demons’ total yardage and scoring output were limited as Louisiana Tech’s defense forced short possessions and quick punts for much of the night.
For Louisiana Tech, the lopsided opener will provide a statistical highlight and a confidence boost as the Bulldogs move deeper into the schedule. For Northwestern State, the game underscored areas in need of adjustment, especially against a team that executed across phases.
The Bulldogs will carry the momentum and the record-setting performance into their next game at home, while Northwestern State will look to regroup and find solutions on both sides of the ball.
Box score details and individual statistics from the game underscore the comprehensive nature of Louisiana Tech’s victory: multiple touchdown connections from Blake Baker, a standout receiving effort from Jalen Mickens and effective passing by Kukuk and Brantley in relief.
This opening-night statement in Ruston leaves little doubt about Louisiana Tech’s offensive potential, at least as shown in the first game of the season.
