Neal LaHue’s first season as head coach at Texas Lutheran started rough, with losses in its first three games before the Bulldogs rallied to finish with four wins in their final seven games. A closer look at the schedule shows three of TLU’s six losses were to eventual DIII playoff teams. Another challenging schedule awaits the Bulldogs this year with road trips to Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Southwestern, Sul Ross, Hardin-Simmons, and Howard Payne.

The Bulldogs could make some noise in the ASC this year with the return of quarterback Seth Cosme and running back DaKory Willis. LaHue said his team emphasized executing in critical situations during the spring and believes that focus will allow TLU to remain competitive this year. Execution on third down will be essential for a defense this season that finished last in the ASC, allowing opponents to convert on 46.2 percent of their third down attempts.