The 2012 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team represented Louisiana Tech University as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) during the 2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by third-year head coach Sonny Dykes, the Bulldogs played five of their six home games at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana and one at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Bulldogs finished the season 9–3 overall and 4–2 in conference play to place third in the WAC. Despite having one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Bulldogs did not play in a bowl game. They were initially invited to the Independence Bowl, but asked for more time to decide to see if other options opened up. No other bowl invited them, and the Independence Bowl selected Ohio instead.
This was the Bulldogs last season as members of the WAC as they joined Conference USA in 2013.
Before the season
Recruiting
Four student-athletes in Louisiana Tech's 2012 signing class were already enrolled at Tech prior to signing day. After signing with Louisiana Tech on National Signing Day in 2011, running back Tevin King was finally declared eligible by the NCAA after waiting out the 2011 season, and his scholarship will count towards Tech's 2012 signing class. On November 24, 2011, Sonny Dykes announced that four walk-on players would be receiving football scholarships which count towards the 2012 signing class. These players earning football scholarships include wide receiver D.J. Banks, defensive back Craig Johnson, running back Hunter Lee, and wide receiver Hayden Slack.
Death of Tyrone Duplessis
Early on the morning of February 2, 2012, Louisiana Tech redshirt sophomore running back Tyrone Duplessis awoke in distress at his off-campus apartment in Ruston, Louisiana. He reportedly sprung to a seated position in bed, pounded himself in the chest, and fell backward, never to rise again. He arrived at Northern Louisiana Medical Center before 5:00 a.m. and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The autopsy report showed Duplessis suffered a massive heart attack. Toxicology reports came back negative with no drugs or alcohol found. On February 10, approximately 1,000 people celebrated the life of Duplessis at a memorial service at the Thomas Assembly Center on the Louisiana Tech University campus. The funeral was held on February 11 at the L. B. Landry High School auditorium in New Orleans. The Tyrone Duplessis Memorial Fund was established with the Louisiana Tech Foundation.
T–Day spring game
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The T–Day spring game was held at Joe Aillet Stadium on April 14, 2012.
Rankings
*Source: ESPN.com: 2012 NCAA Football Rankings
Schedule
Game summaries
At Houston
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Rice
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Quarterback Colby Cameron was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 3) for his performance against Rice.
At Illinois
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Linebacker Antonio Mitchum was named WAC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 4) for his performance against Illinois. Wide receiver Quinton Patton was awarded an ESPN helmet sticker for his performance Week 4 against Illinois. Colby Cameron was named the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 4.
At Virginia
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Placekicker Matt Nelson was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 5) for his performance against Virginia.
UNLV
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Running back Kenneth Dixon was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 6) for his performance against UNLV.
Texas A&M
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This game was originally scheduled for August 30 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. However, the game was postponed until October 13 due to Hurricane Isaac.
Wide receiver Quinton Patton was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 7) for his performance against Texas A&M. Colby Cameron was nominated for the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 7.
Idaho
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Running back Kenneth Dixon was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 8) for his performance against Idaho.
At New Mexico State
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Punter Ryan Allen was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 9) for his performance against New Mexico State.
UTSA
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Punter Ryan Allen was named WAC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 10) for his performance against UTSA. Colby Cameron was nominated for the Manning Star of the Week for his performance in Week 10.
At Texas State
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