Louisiana Tech football can't defend the run game in 47-27 loss to North Texas

Louisiana Tech football continues to struggle on the road after a 47-27 loss to North Texas on Saturday.

The Bulldogs ( 2-4, 1-1 Conference USA) trailed early but changed the pace of the game after Beejay Williamson intercepted North Texas quarterback Austin Aune seconds left before halftime.

Louisiana Tech threatened coming out of the half but was unable to power ahead of the Mean Green (4-3, 3-0 CUSA).

Here are three takeaways from the road trip.

ON THE FIELDHow Beejay Williamson has emerged as a leader this season for Louisiana Tech football

CONFERENCE WINLouisiana Tech football hold UTEP

Struggling against the run game

A common struggle with the Bulldogs is defending the run. This rang true again Saturday when they allowed a 92-yard TD run by Ayo Adeyi in the second quarter.

North Texas finished with 475 yards and four TDs rushing. The Louisiana Tech defense held the Mean Green to 196 passing yards and racked up 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, a pass breakup, a quarterback hurry, a forced fumble and an interception.

"We've got to learn to tackle and stop the run game better," Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie said.

Air raid on display

Cumbie is known to favor passing, highlighting an air-raid type offensive scheme.

The Bulldogs favored their receivers with 424 passing yards among their 504 total yards. Quarterback Parker McNeil went 26-for-37 for 424 yards and two TDs and was sacked seven times.

"I have a lot of pride in how he's playing and just how he completes and how he leads," Cumbie said.

Smoke Harris finding his footing

Cumbie has said that Harris needed to relax and simplify the game to find success.

Harris worked on that during the bye-week, and it was evident in the UTEP game. Now that they are back in a weekly game schedule, Harris leaned into that self-scouting report once again against North Texas.

The wide receiver hauled in 10 receptions for 156 yards versus the Mean Green.

"I think we're getting a better idea of where we can give him the football and allowing him to be his most effective self," Cumbie said.

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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: La Tech football cant keep up with North Texas's run game, falls 47-27