Louisiana Tech today moved one step closer toward finalizing their 2016 out-of-conference schedule, the university announced.

The Bulldogs will play at Arkansas (September 3), at Texas Tech (September 17) and against UMass at Gillette Stadium (October 15).  The fourth game will likely feature an FCS opponent making the trip to Ruston, according to the release.

“In arranging the schedule this way I am trying to find an ideal balance between having a schedule in which our team can be competitive in but one that also addresses our financial needs,” said (Louisiana Tech athletics director Tommy) McClelland. “I also want to schedule opponents that will play key match-ups at home in Ruston and this will help us achieve that in future years.”

No date was given for finalizing the last 2016 opponent.