Let's compare ourselves to Cincinnati rather than LA Tech.
Cincy has only had this success for the past 4 seasons as they were 4-8 in 2017. They were ranked #24 (11-2) in 2018, #21 (11-3) in 2019, #6 (9-1) in 2020 and now #4 (13-0) this year. During that 4 year period, they beat a handful of P5 schools including UCLA, Indiana, Notre Dame, VA Tech and Boston College while losing to Michigan, Ohio State and Georgia. Of course, they played in the AAC, the top G5 conference and have now parlayed that into a P5 conference invite to the Big 12.
UL has had Top 20 national rankings for two years, last year and this year, and having a 13-1 record this year. However, we have only 1 signature win vs. Iowa State and in that 4 year period have lost to Miss State (twice), Alabama, Texas and Tulane (AAC in bowl game). Bowl wins have been vs. unimpressive G5 opponents.
UL needs to improve OOC scheduling and improve bowl game appearances or play bowl games vs. P5 schools. We have only 1 opportunity next year with Florida State. The SBC is improving, but still lacks perception that the AAC has. It will be interesting to see how perception of both conference changes with the AAC losing its 3 best teams and replacing them with CUSA schools while the SBC adds 3 CUSA schools and an FCS program.
UL has an opportunity to continue that success for a 3rd year in 2022. Win our conference and a weak OOC schedule (except Florida State) should keep us ranked. A win over our only P5 school next year in Florida State should improve our standing. We have to play and defeat P5 schools if we hope to improve our national perception and mirror what Cincy has accomplished as a G5 program.