Editor’s Note: Steve Nitz is reporting from Shreveport, La.

Quarterbacks

The first five games of the season, Louisiana Tech went with senior Georgia Tech transfer Taylor Bennett, who started every game for the Yellow Jackets in 2007 (Bennett received an academic waiver that allowed him to be eligible this season. Normally players have to sit out one season when they transfer).

However, Bennett struggled, completing only 40 percent of his passes and throwing six interceptions to only two touchdowns.

Sophomore Ross Jenkins has taken over the signal calling duties and has completed 54 percent of his passes for 1,011 yards. Jenkins has thrown for seven touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

The Bulldogs are 5-2 with Jenkins at quarterback.

Grade: C+

Running Backs

Junior Daniel Porter is arguably the Bulldogs best player on offense. Porter finished the regular season third in the WAC with 1,086 yards and eight touchdowns, all of this coming in just eight starts. Porter also caught 11 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown.

Senior Patrick Jackson started the first four games of the year and leads the team in touchdowns with 11. Jackson currently ranks ninth in the WAC in rushing with 644 yards.

A second-team All-WAC selection last season, Jackson is fifth on Louisiana Tech’s all-time rushing list and third in career touchdowns.

Grade: B+

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Sophomore Phillip Livas leads Louisiana Tech with 39 catches for 589 yards. Livas has two receiving touchdowns on the season and has also carried the ball 27 times for 327 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior Phillip Beck is second on the team with 23 catches for 251 yards, but has yet to get into the end zone this season.

Louisiana Tech’s two main tight ends, juniors Dennis Morris and Dustin Mitchell, have combined for just 13 catches this season.

Don’t expect anybody to catch a ton of passes as the Bulldogs are mainly a running team. The Bulldogs have only attempted 316 passes this season, the lowest total in the WAC.

Louisiana Tech ranks last in the WAC in passing offense while it ranks second in rushing offense.

Grade: C-

Offensive Line

Louisiana Tech’s offensive line is young, as the Bulldogs start three sophomores, a junior and a freshman.

But the line has done a good job this season, paving away for the league’s second-best rushing attack, while ranking fourth in the conference in sacks allowed.

Sophomore 305-pound left tackle Rob McGill is a second-team All-WAC selection.

McGill, left guard Ben Harris, and center Lon Roberts have started every game this season. Roberts has started every game at center the last two years.

Freshman Kris Cavitt is the team’s starting right guard while sophomore Cudahy Harmon starts at right tackle, weighing in at 335 pounds.

Grade: B-