Tech looks for QB,
new Moats

A year hasn't settled much between Matt Kubik and Donald Allen.

Kubik won the Louisiana Tech starting quarterback job last fall, only to lose it to Allen. Then Allen got hurt, and ... well, you get the idea.

So the fifth-year seniors are sweating it out again this August to see who is the better fit to lead the Bulldogs attack. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Kubik is more of a drop-back passer (10 passing TDs last year), and Allen (6-2, 189) can run; he kept for three scores in 29 attempts and a 4.5-yard average.

One thing for sure is the quarterbacks won't have Ryan Moats to help them out. Moats rushed for 1,774 yards and was the Western Athletic Conference offensive player of the year last year as a junior. To no one's surprise, he left early for the NFL and is with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sophomores Fredd Franklin and Mark Dillard are the candidates to pick up the considerable slack.

Franklin (6-0, 182) played in 10 games and got some action because Moats was banged up. He was impressive with 75 yards against Auburn's stout defense when Moats left early with a sprained ankle.

Dillard (5-11, 208) saw much less action, but is expected to play a lot this fall.

LaTech's most intriguing offensive player is speedy junior wide receiver Jonathan Holland, a junior who so far has accomplished more on the track than the football field. Coach Jack Bicknell said this might be Holland's year to put it together after he caught 19 passes for a sporty 22.2 yard average, but just one touchdown.

All-WAC senior Aaron Lips (6-5, 317) returns to anchor an otherwise young, but fairly experienced, offensive line.

On defense, the Bulldogs welcome back three starting linebackers, including all-conference Byron Santiago (6-2, 222), who made 82 tackles last fall.

Cornerback Tramon Williams intercepted a team-high four passes in 2004.

Noseguard Ladrius Love (6-4, 325) and Quarvay Winbush (6-5, 262) and Moqut Ruffins (6-5, 279) are the expected starters up front in the 3-4.

Punter Matt Butler and kicker Danny Horwedel, both sophomores, are expected to retain their positions.

LaTech went 6-6 against one of the nation's tougher schedules last year. It might not be enough to keep Bicknell off the hot seat.

He led the Bulldogs to a league championship in 2001, but hasn't had a winning season since. Bicknell joked at last month's WAC Media Days that his timing was a little off.

"I suggest (to the coaches of the three new WAC teams) struggling first, then winning the title and getting yourself a new 5-year contract."

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Basic Offense: Multiple, one back
Basic Defense: 3-4
2004 Record: 6-6 (5-3 WAC)
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 44/24
Starters Returning: 11
Head coach: Jack Bicknell (33-38)

2004 Results

Date	Opponent	Result
Sept. 6	Nevada	W, 38-21
Sept. 11	Louisiana-Lafayette	W, 24-21
Sept. 18	Miami	L, 48-0
Sept. 25	Tennessee	L, 42-17
Oct. 2	Fresno State	W, 28-21
Oct. 9	Auburn	L, 52-7
Oct. 16	SMU	W, 41-10
Oct. 23	UTEP	L, 44-27
Nov. 6	HAWAII	L, 34-23
Nov. 13	Tulsa	W, 38-21
Nov. 20	Boise State	L, 55-14
Nov. 29	Rice	W, 51-14

2005 Schedule

Date	Opponent
Sept. 10	at Florida
Sept. 17	at Kansas
Oct. 1	New Mexico State
Oct. 8	HAWAII
Oct. 15	at Nevada
Oct. 22	North Texas
Oct. 29	San Jose State
Nov. 5	at Utah State
Nov. 12	at Idaho
Nov. 26	Boise State
Dec. 2	at Fresno State