Like father, like son. Longtime Georgia football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley's son Derek has been in Ruston, La., less than three years. He took over before the 2007 season and took only two short seasons to get the Bulldogs back into a bowl for the first time since 2001 only the third time since 1978. Wanting to keep him around, the Louisiana Tech administration added the title 'athletic director' to his responsibilities. Sound familiar? Dooley takes after his daddy in several regards. Tech was able to win eight games last fall largely because of its ability to run the ball, stop the run and not make mistakes. The Techsters ran for 182 yards per game on 4.6 yards per carry, and allowed just 3.1 ypc. It also helps that they were plus-10 in turnovers and scored EIGHT (!) touchdowns via special teams or defense.

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Nine starters return to the offense, including steady junior QB Ross Jenkins. After taking over in the middle of last season, he guided the Bulldogs to a 6-2 record despite completing only 53 percent of his passes and throwing for just seven scores. Jenkins only had three picks in 174 passes, helping the Bulldogs in the all-important turnover column. The Techsters lose most receivers, but dynamic 5-8 Phillip Livas (team-high 43 catches and three kick returns for touchdowns) is back. Many WAC observers rate both sides of the LT line as the best in the league. All linemen return on both sides. Senior FS Antonio Baker was an all-WAC choice last fall and will be the anchor in the secondary. All linebackers and corners must be replaced, an obvious concern.

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