News Sports Features Opinion Obituaries eNewspaper Legals
LOUISIANA-TECH
Louisiana Tech vs. Miami: Independence Bowl Q&A preview with Post's Tom D'Angelo
Cory Diaz
The News Star
RUSTON — Louisiana Tech jumpstarted its current five-game bowl game winning streak, tied for the longest active mark in FBS with Wisconsin, against a Power 5 opponent, defeating Illinois, 35-18, in the Heart of Dallas Bowl back in 2014.
Against national brand Miami from the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Bulldogs (9-3) have the shot to earn a program-record sixth straight bowl victory in the Independence Bowl Dec. 26 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. The game is slated for a 3 p.m. (CST) kickoff and will be televised on ESPN.
Tech finished second in Conference USA West division with an eight-game winning streak during the season before stumbling down the stretch, going 1-2 over its final three games. The two losses the team played without starting redshirt senior quarterback J'Mar Smith, who served a suspension for violating athletic department policy.
Miami had its fair share of struggles under first-year head coach Manny Diaz, who was Tech's defensive coordinator the year it knocked off Illinois in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. The Canes finished 6-6 in what many argue was a weak ACC league this season and dropped its final two games, including a 40-34 loss to FIU, Tech's conference mate.
To preview the Indy Bowl matchup between Louisiana Tech and Miami, the News-Star caught up with Palm Beach Post's Tom D'Angelo, who covers the Canes, along with other college football teams in Florida, for a Q&A:
Cory Diaz: How short did Miami fall of its expectations in head coach Manny Diaz's first year?
Tom D'Angelo: Miami was not close to meeting expectations, especially with all the hype surrounding Diaz's hiring and the way he built up the program over the summer. Because of the schedule and a very weak ACC, many expected at least eight regular season wins and some even 10. Fans still were optimistic after the close loss to Florida to open the season but by the end — especially after losses to FIU and Duke — that all changed and many fans were turning on Diaz.
Diaz: Canes defensive coordinator Blake Baker was previously at Louisiana Tech. How would you describe his impact on the defense in his first season at Miami?
D'Angelo: Defense was Miami's strength during the Mark Richt era, when Diaz was the coordinator. Despite decent numbers, 12th national in total defense, the defense was somewhat of a disappointment this year, especially at the end giving up 57 points to FIU and Duke. Even when it was playing well, the defense gave up crucial drives that cost Miami games early in the season.
Diaz: Where has Miami been the most inconsistent this season?
D'Angelo: Just like the last few years, Miami just can't get it together offensively. The running game was non-existent, finishing last in the ACC, and the offensive line once again was the worst unit on the team. And UM just can't find a steady quarterback. Jarren Williams looked fine at the start of the season and everyone believed he was the answer, but he peaked in that first month and regressed, partly because of a shoulder injury but mostly because of inconsistent play. Williams' season in a nutshell came in consecutive games against Louisville, when he set a school record with six touchdown passes, and FIU, when he had three interceptions in the first half. Because of that, Diaz has not announced whether Williams or N'Kosi Perry will start the Independence Bowl.
Diaz: Who are the Hurricane players Bulldogs fans need to watch for and what matchups in the Independence Bowl are the most intriguing for Miami?
D'Angelo: Offensively there isn't much to see other than who starts at quarterback. The offense took a hit when it lost its best back, DeeJay Dallas, who suffered an elbow injury in the FIU game. Defensively keep an eye on two players, DE Greg Rousseau and LB Shaq Quarterman. Rousseau led the ACC with 14 sacks. He was a unanimous All-ACC pick and the league's defensive rookie of the year. Quarterman is a four-year starter and was named to the all-ACC first team. The linebackers are the strength of the defense.
Diaz: Where do you anticipate Miami's motivation level to be for the Independence Bowl?
D'Angelo: That's going to be tough. This team's fans do not travel that well as it is, and I cannot see them having a big crowd for a bowl game being played the day after Christmas. The two things that possibly could be used as motivation is the possibility of having a losing season if they are not ready and losing to a Group of Five team for the second time in three games, even though Louisiana Tech, right now, is every bit as good as Miami.
Follow Cory Diaz on Twitter @CoryDiaz_TNS and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CoryDiazTNS/
Independence Bowl
Louisiana Tech (9-3) vs. Miami (6-6)
Kickoff: 3 p.m. CST
Location: Independence Stadium, Shreveport
Watch: ESPN
Listen: KXKZ 107.5 FM (Ruston)
© 2023 www.thenewsstar.com. All rights reserved.