Louisiana Tech sits at 1–0 after demolishing Northwestern State 80–6 in Week 1, but the rating hasn't budged: they're holding steady at –9.1 and ranked 99th per GIE. That lopsided win came against a vastly inferior opponent, so the model is withholding enthusiasm. The real test arrives this week when Louisiana Tech travels to Baton Rouge to face LSU—a step up in class that will clarify whether last week's offensive explosion is sustainable or a mirage. Red-zone execution has been shaky (14% TD rate), and third-down conversion sits at 38%, both areas that will need tightening against SEC competition. GIE projects Louisiana Tech to win around 7 games this season, though the playoff door remains firmly closed.