Louisiana Tech begins its season against Northwestern State on Saturday night at 6:30 at Joe Aillet Stadium, and the matchup brings back a series with real history as well as a clear expectation: the Bulldogs should be in control, but they still need to start cleanly.
This is the first meeting between the schools since 2023, when Louisiana Tech won 51-21, and the Bulldogs also lead the all-time series 55-20-5. The two programs were once regular rivals when both were in Division II, and from 1946-87 they met each year in the State Fair Classic in Shreveport. The longer view matters here because Northwestern State is trying to make the game feel meaningful again, while Louisiana Tech is looking to open 2025 in the right way.
McCorkle wants the rivalry to matter
Blaine McCorkle has been keen to frame the game as more than just another regional matchup. He called it an exciting week for Northwestern State fans because of the long history between the schools, while also noting that the rivalry is not what it used to be because the teams are no longer at the same level.
That is an honest way to put it. Louisiana Tech may carry the stronger recent record, but the history still gives the fixture a little extra weight. McCorkle also stressed that he wants his players to understand that this is about more than simply facing a regional FBS opponent, and that pride still runs through the game for both sides.
Northwestern State will need that edge after a rough start. The Demons lost 42-37 to Louisiana Christian last week in their season opener, and they have won only one game since the 2022 season. That makes this trip to Ruston a difficult early test, even with the history attached to it.
Cumbie wants calm from Baker early
For Louisiana Tech, the main immediate storyline is who starts at quarterback. Sonny Cumbie has made clear that Blake Baker is expected to get the nod, and his message is simple: settle in early, play calm, and make the routine throws before trying to force anything.
Cumbie said Baker has an incredible arm strength and the timing to fit the ball into tight windows, but he also emphasized the importance of a steady start. That is particularly relevant because Baker missed time last season with a knee injury, and Trey Kukuk became the starter after that setback. Now Baker gets the chance to re-establish himself in the opening game of the season.
Cumbie added that Baker has shown plenty throughout fall camp, and that he is likely to be excited for his first game in a while. That is exactly why the first few series matter so much: if Baker settles quickly, Louisiana Tech can lean into its strengths rather than worrying about early mistakes.
What Louisiana Tech must do
Cumbie also highlighted Northwestern State as an explosive offense that has done a good job at quarterback. So this is not a game where Louisiana Tech can simply show up and expect the result to sort itself out.
His broader offensive message was equally direct: hit the explosives, run the football, and control the game. That is the right approach for an opener, especially when the opponent has the motivation that comes with a rivalry game and the chance to make a statement against a higher-level program.
In the end, Louisiana Tech should feel like the stronger side, and the series record backs that up. But openers are often about rhythm as much as talent. If Baker starts calmly, the Bulldogs should be in good shape. If they allow Northwestern State to hang around, history is nice to have — but it will not be enough on its own.
Saturday night at Joe Aillet Stadium will tell us a lot about how Louisiana Tech wants 2025 to begin.
