2008 OUTLOOK: If you look at the 5-7 record amassed by Derek Dooley in his first year at Louisiana Tech, you see a team that went through a tough travel schedule, almost beat Hawaii early and then came within a game of becoming bowl eligible. That's a big jump from the three wins the previous season and Dooley should be able to continue to build in 2008 -- especially now that he was able to add QB Taylor Bennett late. Former Bulldog Terry Bradshaw is pumped, looking at the Aug. 30 opener against Mississippi State and saying, "We're going to beat those guys."

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The Bulldogs went through spring camp with three quarterbacks, including Auburn transfer Steve Ensminger, battling for playing time. When camp ended, word came that Taylor Bennett, a 12-game starter at Georgia Tech last year, was coming and would be able to play immediately. That changes things -- a lot. The running game looked good in spring and there are playmaking receivers. The Bulldogs should be able to score some point.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
LB Quin Harris, one of the best players in the WAC, says the defense has "great chemistry," adding, "We've lost some people, but I believe we are returning a lot of key players, as well. It's just a matter of filling in the gaps." The Bulldogs did lose key guys in Josh Muse, Chris Pugh and others, but Harris and safety Antonio Baker are outstanding and LB Brannon Jackson, out last year because of injury, is back.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
P Chris Keagle has already been named preseason honorable mention All-American by at least one outlet so that part of the game is fine. K Danny Horwedel will be missed, with senior Brad Oestricher, who has some previous experience, taking over. The return game, led by Patrick Jackson, Phillip Livas and Philip Beck, should be fine.

ROSTER REPORT

--New QB Taylor Bennett was 162-for-327 for 2,136 yards and seven touchdowns for Georgia Tech last season. He started bowl games the last two years for Tech and now transfers to Louisiana Tech with immediate eligibility.

--The Bulldogs enter 2008 with three new coaches on Derek Dooley's staff.

--WR Josh Wheeler, injured last year, returns.

--Michael Mosley had moved from QB to WR.

--G David Accardo was back after missing the last nine games of last season with an injury.

--QB Steve Ensminger, who sat out last year after transferring from Auburn, was 12-for-32 for 222 yards and an interception in the spring game, while Ross Jenkins was 16-for-27 for 148 yards, a touchdown and two INTs. Al Hawkins was out with an injury.

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