One of the things a sportswriter learns pretty quickly when covering a football beat -- whether it's high school, college or pro -- is that coaches constantly look for positives, even amidst a 49-10 beating at the hands of an in-state opponent.

It may seem like a rehashing of old ideas, but sophomore running back Ryan Moats has developed into a legitimate superstar.

Heading into the game, LSU's rush defense was second in the country, allowing just over 50 yards a game.

No team -- yet alone a single runner -- had gone over the century mark against the Tigers this year.

However, all that changed Saturday night in Death Valley.

A glance at Moats' overall stats from the game (16 carries for 124 yards) shows a below average game for the halfback from Dallas.

After all, Moats had averaged 170 yards a game as a starter over the past four games heading into the famed showdown with LSU. Therefore, 124 yards is technically below average, but it is still very good.

Consider the week before: LSU's rush defense held Auburn running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams -- a preseason Heisman candidate -- to just 61 yards on 20 carries.

Also consider Moats' halftime numbers: 13 carries for 117 yards. No back had gained 100 yards against LSU, but Moats did it in the first half alone.

His second-half stats were basically non-existent. The Bulldogs trailed so much that they went to the air in the third quarter, and head coach Jack Bicknell put in the second string for the fourth quarter. So, Moats was not able to add to his first-half total.

When all was said and done, Moats was the only real positive to come out of traveling down to Baton Rouge and facing off with the Tigers.

He moved up to 943 rushing yards on the season, despite not being the starter over the first four games of the season. He needs 408 yards to break the single season rushing record, and he has three games remaining to do it.

Although the passing game was greatly publicized coming into the season (and rightfully so), Ryan Moats has easily been the Most Valuable Player on this year's squad.

Moving on from the offense, Tech's defensive effort was atrocious.

To its credit, the Bulldog defense has been decimated by injury as of late. However, the secondary was intact and put up the worst performance of the season.

It's understandable to give up big plays to a better athlete and a better team. However, the secondary played completely scared.

Explain how, when you're giving a 10-yard cushion to Michael Clayton and Devery Henderson, they run right by the corners for wide-open touchdowns.

Tech's secondary made Mauck and LSU's receivers look like All-Americans.

Heading into the final three games, there is a lot to correct.

The passing game did not have much time and could not get downfield.

Tech's defense looked downright horrible, as the Tigers racked up 653 yards total offense in the game.

One thing remains constant over the past five games -- Ryan Moats.

The coaching staff must continue to get the speedster involved in the game for the Bulldogs to have any chance at winning.

Bret H. McCormick is a senior journalism major from Ruston and serves as associate sports editor for The Tech Talk.