Neighboring university, Louisiana Tech made their second appearance in the Associated Press poll since 1999.
This season the Bulldogs hold a winning record of 5-0, as a result they are ranked No. 23 in the AP poll and No. 24 spot in the USA Today/Coaches poll.
Thirteen years ago, with a record of 8-2, the Bulldogs earned the No. 25 spot in the AP poll, but this is the first time in school history placing in the USA Today/Coaches poll.
With the tension of earning their respect, the team still remains humble after being ranked and they find their current ranking irrelevant.”That is just a distraction,” said coach Sonny Dykes, who replaced Tech’s former head coach, Derek Dooley in January 2010.
“We are just trying to win games. Go to practice every day, work hard every day, execute everything and just get ready to win.”
Dykes understands the significance of a high scoring offense, holding the title of the longest regular season winning streak with 12 games, No. 2 in turnover margin, No. 3 in scoring offense and No. 11 in total offense. However, he is focusing on what matters most to him and his team, winning.
“At the same time, if you are worrying about that stuff, it kind of clutters your mind and you lose focus on what really matters and what is important,” said Dykes.
This Saturday, kickoff for Tech starts at 8:15 p.m. against No. 22 Texas A&M under the lights of Independence Stadium in the Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs are looking forward to this challenge and treating it like its still week one.
In preparation for the big game against mobile quarterback Johnny Manziel, the team is focusing on executing the little details.
“We know things are going to get harder for us,” said No. 27 defensive back, Quinn Giles. “We are going in there with our mind-set of getting ready to prepare for this game so everybody is focused and we are just ready to play.”