STRENGTHS · With the hiring of a new head coach, programs have an emotional lift that change will eventually bring success. Just don’t look for that to happen right away for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

New head coach Derek Dooley, son of famous father Vince, has the proper pedigree and blueprint to lay a foundation for the beleaguered program. Finding the right players to build it is another matter.

For that to happen, top returning running back Patrick Jackson has to stay on his current career path. He was third in the WAC and seventh nationally in all-purpose yards with 144.8 per game.

The defense returns 10 starters, including linebacker Quin Harris. He led the team in tackles last year with 95, and managed one sack and one interception.

WEAKNESS · Anytime you hire a coach, a new system has to be learned in all three phases of the game. It is difficult and time consuming, but necessary to rebuild confidence in a struggling program. The seniors aren’t always enamored with these changes because coaches often turn to the underclassmen in these reclamation projects.

Dooley is also battling a tight budget that pales in comparison to LSU’s, where he served as an assistant for five years under Nick Saban, including the national championship season of 2004.

But a new locker room was waiting for the players at fall camp as they try to overcome the problems of 2006 that led to a 3-10 finish.