Matt Broha News

Football folks often say you can tell a lot about a program in a coach's third year.

Louisiana Tech, which was one of just 14 FBS programs that didn't make a single change on its coaching staff from 2010 to 2011, appeared to be heading towards another disappointing campaign when it opened with a 19-17 road loss to Southern Miss, and then needed overtime to defeat Central Arkansas in the home opener.

When Louisiana Tech and Texas A&M hook it up next week in Independence Stadium in the season opener for both clubs, thousands of football fans and a press box full of media won't be the only folks intent on watching what unfolds in the contest.

Summer's the slowest time of the year for a college football team, but Sonny Dykes has been pleased with his players' work ethic thus far.