Quick Update

Sorry I've been under the weather and haven't felt up to writing much. I'll get caught up here soon though.

Where The Hell Is the Pass Rush Coming From in 2009?

Every college football pundit is quick to point out that Mike Leach is stuck with the unenviable task of replacing Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. However, the issue being continually overlooked is where the heck is Defensive Coordinator Ruffin McNeill going to find a pass rush. He's charged with having to replace Brandon Williams, McKinner Dixon, and the 19 sacks that they took with them.

Who will Ruff turn to?

A converted defensive tackle.
A player who played in the "Joker" package almost exclusively in 2008.
A 2* JUCO player whose career best game consisted of two tackles (one assisted) at Texas A&M.
A local boy who has never played in a Big 12 game.

At first glance, that list is sure to inspire confidence.

But as Mr. Corso would say...

Not...so fast my friend!

Rajon Henley, a close friend of Brandon Williams (4th round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys), has talked with him at length about the position switch and what Henley needs to do to get ready for the NFL. As a result, Henley has dropped at least 20 lbs, shaved over a tenth of his 40 time and by all accounts has made a very smooth transition to the outside.

The other three players referenced above are Daniel Howard, Brandon Sharpe, and Ryan Halliburton. Depending who you ask, Howard and/or Sharpe have been unstoppable at times during fall camp . Both have welcomed the increased playing time and responsibility that comes with replacing a pair of All-Big 12 players. Halliburton is coming along nicely as well but won't be asked to shoulder quite as much of a burden as Rajon's backup.

One player that I failed to mention is Brandon Sesay. One of the top JUCO prospects in the country when he signed in 2008, Sesay has continued to struggle both on the field as well as off it. He wasn't fully qualified until just before the season started last year and then failed to perform up to his abilities on a consistent basis once he stepped onto the gridiron.

By all accounts, he was starting to "get it" during spring practice and was going to be a nice compliment to Henley. Unfortunately, his lack of interest in going to class caught up to him yet again. He is still listed on the fall camp roster and no official announcement has been made regarding his status (both academic and athletic) with Texas Tech, but it doesn't look like we will see Mr. Sesay donning the red and black this fall.

Despite Sesay's loss, the Red Raiders still have a promising and experienced group of defensive ends suiting up on Satudays. The optimist in me hopes Henley logs eight sacks and nabs Second Team All-Big 12 honors. As a group, expect 18.5 sacks (down from 23.5) and a high level of energy from the defensive bookends this fall.

Crabtree 2.0 Or the No-Name Receiving Corps?

Every Texas Tech fan is waiting, hoping, and praying for the next Michael Crabtree to show up at the Jones this fall.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news; he's not in Lubbock and won't be this year.

However, that doesn't mean that the Air Raid isn't going to just as much of a nightmare for opposing coaches as it was with No. 5 in the lineup.

In fact, one could easily make the case that this is the most talented crop of pass catchers that Capt. Leach has ever put on the field.

Yesterday, I mentioned true freshman Eric Ward. He is a four-star recruit that was committed to Oklahoma before switching to Texas Tech. We are still 10 days away from the North Dakota game but it looks like he might be redshirted.

Think back to 2005. At that time it was inconceivable to think that the Red Raiders would be in a position talent-wise to redshirt an elite prospect, much less one who plays wide receiver.

Back to what you can expect to see this fall.

The Air Raid will again feature a QB that passes for 4,000+ yards. It will again feature eight or nine guys that catch 15 or more balls, gaining 100+ yards, and scoring at least one touchdown.

However, don't expect to see Detron Lewis or Ed Britton grabbing 95 balls for 1,110 yards and 12 TD's. They simply are not the difference makers that Crabtree was.

Nobody on this roster (or any other roster in FBS except for maybe Julio Jones) should be expected to deliver a Crabtree-esque performance.

I see the 2009 edition of the Air Raid being a virtual mirror of the 2005 group. Four players catching between 65 and 75 passes, scoring five touchdowns each, and collectively gaining over 3,000 yards.

If you want a sleeper to watch this fall, then check out Lyle Leong. He and Taylor Potts were arguably the most dynamic QB/WR duo in Texas HS Football in 2004 and 2005. Leong was 1st Team All-State and averaged 22 yards per catch as a senior at Abilene High.

Oh and one other thing...

The Crabtree 2.0 starter kit is on his way to Lubbock. His name is Kadron Boone of Ocala, Fla., and he will be in Lubbock June 1, 2010. Stay tuned...

Will there be any freshman making an impact this year?

I'm glad you asked...the answer is not only yes but ABSOLUTELY YES!!! Mike Leach hauled in arguably his most talented recruiting class to date (the 2010 class might just take that title if it continues developing) and we can expect to see quite a few of these newbies playing meaningful snaps this fall.

Pearlie Graves - This beast of a DT was one of the great surprises of Tech's 2009 recruiting class. Considered a long shot at best just a few days before National Signing Day, Graves faxed in his letter of intent to the Red Raiders early in the day and provided one of the biggest surprises of NSD. Since arriving in Lubbock in June, Graves has made an impression first in the weight room and now on the practice field during fall camp. We aren't totally sure just how much PT Graves will see this fall but he's likely the 5th or 6th DT in the rotation if they are going to skip a redshirt. His progression is especially important now that Rajon Henley is moving to DE this season. If Tech's defense is going to perform close to last year's squad, keeping a fresh DLine is essential and Graves will play a key role in ensuring that the drop off is minimal (if non-existent) when Whitlock, Jones, etc comes off the field. Expect 5-8 snaps/game.

D.J. Johnson - It's not every day that you see a kid go from playing private HS ball to earning playing time as a true freshman on a Big 12 team but that's exactly what D.J. Johnson has done. Every indication is that he will be in the rotation at CB behind Wall, Moore, etc. Expect 9-12 snaps/game.

Eric Ward - Another steal in recruiting, Ward quietly enrolled at Texas Tech last January after committing to Oklahoma. He showed flashes of greatness in the spring but also has a big learning curve to crack the two deep at wideout. While Tech would prefer to not play him, nothing definite has been announced so as I write this Ward is still in contention for the last outside WR spot with Rashad Hawk. If it were up to me, I'd rather see Ward get 5-10 snaps/game instead of hoping that Hawk will finally figure it out this fall. I hate throwing around the word upside...but Ward has it and Hawk hasn't shown anything to make one think that he's on the verge of a breakout season. Also, Ward can contribute on special teams. Expect 15-20 catches, 250 yards, and 3 TD's along with spot work at kick returner

Terrance Bullitt/Daniel Cobb/Will Ford - I'm lumping these three guys together. They are all similar in size, speed, and Rivals rating as recruits. It looks like two of the three will play. Early indications were that it would be Cobb and Ford but Coach Ruff said yesterday after practice that he can comfortably announce that Bullitt and Ford will not be redshirted. He did not make any mention of Cobb. Regardless of who plays this fall, I like the fact that these guys are in the running for playing time right out of the gate. It tells me that 1) Tech is upgrading in talent on the defensive side of the ball and 2) that Ruff is going to put the best players on the field whether that are true freshman or 5th year seniors. Expect 15-18 snaps/game for each player that doesn't redshirt.

Eric Stephens - I tabbed Eric as the star of the recruiting class back in February and he appears to be all that and more so far. When Baron Batch went down with an injury, it gave Stephens the opportunity to take first team reps in practice and he has made the most of his opportunity. If nothing else, he's demonstrated that he's a viable backup to Batch and Jeffers (instead of Crawford being the 3rd man) and that he just might be the best punt returner on the roster. While it would be great to redshirt him, it doesn't look like that luxury is available with Batch's injury history and Crawford unable to consistently practice w/o having to wear a no-contact jersey. This doesn't mean that I think he's going to start taking significant carries away from Batch or Jeffers...but he'll get more than was originally planned. Expect 25-30 carries, 10 receptions, 300 total yards, and at least 2 jaw dropping TD's. He will also see time at punt returner.

2009 Preseason Blog Schedule

2009 Preseason Blog Schedule

I'm alive and (more importantly) Flags Over Raiderland is making a return appearance to the Tech County blogosphere. Here is the preseason blog schedule leading up to the start of the 2009 season next Saturday (we're going to ignore the spare schedule of games on Thursday and Friday unless you really want to get my thoughts on ND State @ Iowa State or USC @ NC State).

August 25 - Who are the true freshman that will play this fall?
August 26 - Will we see a Crabtree 2.0 or a more balanced receiving corps?
August 27 - Who replaces Brandon Williams and McKinner Dixon?
August 28 - Who fills the CB spot opposite Jamar Wall?
August 29 - How will the reloaded OL look and play in 2009?
August 30 - What should you expect from Taylor Potts?
August 31 - Will the 2009 run game resemble that of 2008 or 2006?
September 1 - Who will come out of nowhere (non-freshman) to make an impact?
September 2 - Which ranked team(s) will Tech upset this fall?
September 3 - Off, Def, ST, Frosh, and Coach MVP's for 2009
September 4 - 2009 Season Prediction
September 5 - Week 1 Picks ATS

2009 Recruiting Class Thoughts

Well my day is pretty much over at 9:30 (at least the work part of it) so I thought I'd do a little wrap up on recruiting.

Star of the class: A lot of people will point towards 4 Star DT Pearlie Graves as the biggest get for the Red Raiders. However, I'm going to go in another direction and take Eric Stephens, RB Mansfield Timberview. Initially committed to Minnesota, Stephens spent a long time looking at Tech (including multiple visits to Lubbock) before finally switching to the good guys after the Texas game. The reason I'm excited about him is that the pipeline at running back is WELL stocked for the next few years with Batch, Jeffers, and now Stephens. As we all saw this year, the emergence of the running game in the Air Raid had as much to do with this team's success as anything else. Stephens is rated by Rivals as the 3rd best RB in space and ESPN notes that he's arguably the most elusive back in this country this year with an ability to reach top speed in a few steps. Most importantly, he is by all accounts a great character kid who takes care of himself in the class and will represent Texas Tech very well. If the Red Raiders are to continue having 10 win seasons in the future, Eric Stephens will be a big reason for that success.

Sleeper of the Class: Derrick Mays, ATH Killeen Shoemaker. I debated whether to put him here or at Immediate Impact because there's a VERY good chance that Mays is on the field come August. He has low 4.4 speed and runs a sub 21 second 200m dash. If there's one thing that this team is missing...it's speed across the field (see Ole Miss game for further explanation). While Mays will likely end up playing CB in a few years for Tech, expect to see him returning kicks and punts in 2009 along with the occassional designed play for him on offense. Leach showed some wrinkles last year (Crabtree and EMo taking snaps, Harrell running a zone read, the play action pass to the FB in goalline situations) so I wouldn't put it past him to find a way to get the ball in the hands of Mays next year.

Immediate Impact: One player is already on campus as a spring enrollee and that is Eric Ward, WR Wichita Falls Rider. Ward literally jumped ship on the Sooners at the 11th hour, visiting and subsequently enrolling at Texas Tech in a matter of a few days as classes were starting back up this semester. Not only is Ward the highest rated WR of this class, he is already working out with the team and learning the various receiver roles in Leach's scheme. Expect to see him take over the H slot formerly filled by Amendola and Morris and bring a new level of athleticism to the position that hasn't been there in previous years.

Biggest Project: Myles Wade, DT unattached. Hard to think that I could label a guy that was an Army All-American and Rivals 100 member in 2007 as a "project." For those who aren't familiar with Mr. Wade, you are truly missing out an inspirational story of a young man that's already dealt with a lot in his life. Committed to Oregon out of high school, he was unable to qualify and Oregon placed him at a JUCO in Yuma, AZ. However, after playing there in 2007, Wade was then asked to sit out of competitive football in 2008 so as to preserve his eligibility (he has 3 years to play 3) for his eventual return to Oregon He spent the fall at a local college going to school and working out every day at 6AM with a trainer while also taking care of his terminally ill mother (she passed away in late December I believe). Unfortunately, Mike Bellotti and his staff pulled the plug on Myles this fall and said that he was no longer a fit for their program. Enter Coach Ruff and Texas Tech. They started talking with Myles and finding out that this is a kid who has done everything that's been asked of him in hopes of getting to the Division 1 level. Myles finally decided to visit in late January. After he left Lubbock, Ruff and Leach practically followed him back up to Portland to meet his father and sister. After a lengthy and emotional in-home visit, Myles committed to Texas Tech. I for one will be rooting like hell for this kid to make it. He's been through a lot to get to where he is today and it's hard not to applaud a kid for doing everything possible to improve his situation despite the obstacles that kept piling up in front of him.

Now that you've read his story...let me state the obvious for why I listed him as the biggest project. Yes he's got plenty of rust that he's going to have to work off before he'll be ready to play Big 12 football (insert Dan Hawkins voice.) However, he's my "biggest project" because if and when he gets to Lubbock, gets fully qualified, and gets himself adjusted to football at the highest collegiate level, he gives the Red Raiders an explosiveness on the interior d-line that they've never had before. Combined with Pearlie Graves, they could form one of the most formidable run stopping duos in the conference for the next few years.

Don't Get Too Excited: James Scott, LB Coldspring (HS), TX. While he certainly passes the eye test at 6'3" 220" w/ 4.5 speed and the limited footage on him is very impressive...he's got a long ways to go before he'll qualify. It's likely that Tech will place him in a JUCO and keep in touch with him for the next two years and try to get him in the fold after that.

Glad to be back in the world of blogging...have a good weekend everybody!

Don't Stop Believin...

Last weekend was rough...but at least it was quick and painless. Last week was 5-2 so I'm now at 30-20 ATS. Time to finish up the regular season on a winning note:

Virginia Tech 21
Virginia 24 (+7 or maybe even the +250 if you're feeling crazy!!!)

Missouri 42
Kansas 31 (+16)

Georgia 21
Georgia Tech 17 (+8)

Houston 48 (-3)
Rice 31

Texas Tech 42
Baylor 28 (-22)

Florida 27
Florida State 17 (+16.5)

Alabama 23
Auburn 13 (+14.5)

Oklahoma 38 (-7.5)
Oklahoma State 28

Oregon State 31
Oregon 34 (+3)

We're stormin Norman...

I've got 30 minutes or so until I hit the road for the land of boomer. I won't lie...I was up until 3, I was dreaming about the game tonight, and I woke up more anxious than I've been since I proposed to my fiancee a year ago. Ok...enough about me. Time to make some picks. I'm now at 25-18 so a winning week would be very nice heading towards the bowl season next month.

Ohio State 33 (-19.5)
Michigan 10

Notre Dame 34 (-20)
Syracuse 7

Houston 38
UTEP 30 (+17)

Ole Miss 30 (+135 or +3.5)
LSU 27

Boston College 20 (+2.5)
Wake Forest 16

BYU 17
Utah 27 (-7)

Texas Tech 38 (+7)
Oklahoma 34

Texas Tech vs Oklahoma - Simulation

Kirk and Lee think that Jamar Wall's play tonight against Iglesias and Johnson will go a long way in determining the outcome of this one. Oklahoma wins the toss and elects to receive...here we go from Norman!



- Iglesias returns the opening kick to the 25 where he's met by Taylor Charbonnet.
- On 3rd and short, Marlon Williams sneaks through the line and brings down Murray a yard shy of the first down line.

- After a 9 yd punt return by Eric Morris, Texas Tech takes over at their own 36 yd line.
- On 3rd and 4, Harrell finds Lyle Leong over the middle for a first down inside OU territory.
- On 1st and 10 from the 30, Alexander blows past Rylan Reed and gets to Harrell for the first sack of the game.
- 2nd and 10 from the 16, Harrell finds Morris behind the secondary but he can't quite haul the ball in for a touchdown.



- On 3rd down, they throw the fade to Britton on the wide side of the field...he out jumps his defender and comes down in the endzone. Touchdown Red Raiders!!!

Texas Tech 7
Oklahoma 0
9:32 1st Quarter

- 2nd and 3 for the Sooners at their own 29, Bradford rolls left but is chased down by Colby Whitlock for a sack before he can get a pass off. The boy from Noble, OK is making his presence felt early in this one.
- DeMarco Murray is stuffed by Dixon and Charbonnet on a toss play and the Sooners have to punt agian.

- Crabtree lined up in the left slot, ball at midfield on the right hash. Harrell drops back, scans the field, fires deep to the corner...Crabtree's got it at the 20 and the rest is a formality. Touchdown Red Raiders



Texas Tech 14
Oklahoma 0
5:48 1st Quarter

- Despite a slow start to the game, Bradford and company are starting to open things up quick. After a 12 yd pass and catch to Iglesias gets them a 3rd down, Murray takes a screen pass for 18 yards and Darcel McBath keeps him from taking it to the hosue.
- Doesn't matter...on the next play Murray takes a toss and goes 49 yards to paydirt.

Texas Tech 14
Oklahoma 7
2:41 1st Quarter

- Tech is advancing the ball steadily down the field but come up a foot short on 4th down at the OU 47. No fear though as Captain Leach calls for a quick screen to Morris and the chains are moved as we reach the end of the 1st quarter.

Texas Tech 14
Oklahoma 7
End of 1st Quarter

(note: Graham Harrell is 13 of 18 for 143 yards and 2 TD's after 1 quarter of play. Sam Bradford is 3 of 4 for 25 yards.)

- 2nd and 1 from the 9 yard line and Harrell connects with Crabtree on a crossing route and he beats a slew of OU defenders to the endzone.



Texas Tech 21
Oklahoma 7
14:47 2nd Quarter

- Iglesias returns the kick to the OU 42 yard line. On first down, LA Reed picks off a Bradford pass.
- However, on the Red Raiders first play, Harrell tries to squeeze a deep ball into Crabtree over 2 defenders but Nic Harris comes up with the pick and returns it back to the OU 31.

- Ruffin McNeill feels that his defense stopped Murray a yard shy of a first down, but a favorable spot and a poor review gives the Sooners a first down at their own 41. On the next play, Bradford finds Jermaine Gresham on a designed clearout play for the big TE, and he breaks 2 tackles (including running over L.A. Reed) on his way to the endzone.



Texas Tech 21
Oklahoma 14
12:18 2nd Quarter

- After a nice kick return by Ed Britton, Harrell finds Lyle Leong for 26 yards and a Tech first down inside the OU 40.
- Two plays later, and Adam James makes a great catch in traffic to put the ball at the OU 19.
- Two more plays, and Harrell finds Crabtree for a 3rd touchdown and it's only the first half. Nessler and Herbstreit comment that this WR is the best player in the country and Corso states that he'd hate to be the defensive back (this time it's safety Nic Harris) because Harrell and Crabs are just toying with him.



Texas Tech 28
Oklahoma 14
9:10 2nd Quarter

- A lot of Murray with a few short passes sprinkled in and the boomers are down to the Tech 23 yard line.
- On 3rd and 5 from the Tech 18, Chris Brown takes a shovel pass from Bradford but is knocked down immediately by Mr. Duncan and the Sooners have to settle for a FG.

Texas Tech 28
Oklahoma 17
2:42 2nd Quarter

- And bad luck just hits the Red Raiders in bunches. Ed Britton dislocates his elbow on the kickoff. On the next play, Baron Batch fumbles a screen pass and it's recovered by the Sooners at the Texas Tech 25.

- Two runs by Murray and the Sooners have 1st and goal at the 1.
- On first down, Brian Duncan stops Murray at the line of scrimmage.
- On second down, Bront Bird brings down Manuel Johnson back at the 4 on a WR screen.
- On third down, Marlon Williams gets to Murray on a toss to the wide side of the field and stops him at the 7 yard line. Again...the Sooners settle for a FG.

Texas Tech 28
Oklahoma 20
:49 2nd Quarter

- Harrell to Swindall for 21 yards...31 seconds left...timeout!
- Harrell to Crabtree...incomplete
- Harrell to Swindall...caught at the 32 yard line. Wait...official review...no catch!!! 19 second left
- Harrell to Crabtree for 16 yards...14 seconds left...timeout!
- Harrell to Lewis...dropped
- Harrell to Crabtree...2 yards 4 seconds left...timeout!
- Donnie Carona just sneaks in a 49 yd FG to end a wild first half.


Texas Tech 31
Oklahoma 20
HALFTIME

Noteable Stats
- Graham Harrell is 23 of 31 for 256 yds 4 TD's and 1 INT
- Michael Crabtree has 8 catches for 108 yds and 3 TD's. 9 other WR's have a combined 15 catches and 5 of them have at least 2 catches.
- Baron Batch has 6 carries for 34 yds and 2 catches for 6 yards
- Brian Duncan has 5 tackles and 1 pass deflection
- Darcel McBath has 5 tackles
- Colby Whitlock has 3 tackles and 1 sack
- Marlon Williams has 4 tackles and 2 for loss
- Sam Bradford is 7 of 9 for 132 yds 1 TD 1 INT
- DeMarco Murray has 17 carries for 85 yards and 1 TD
- Jermaine Gresham has 3 catches for 80 yards and 1 TD

---3rd Quarter---

- Texas Tech gets the ball first and Harrell leads the boys on a methodical 12 play 78 yard drive. Unfortunately, they come up a yard shy as their 4th and goal from the 2 QB option is blown up in the backfield by a blitzing Nic Harris as Harrell tries to run it in for the TD. OU ball at the 5.

Texas Tech 31
Oklahoma 20
10:32 3rd Quarter

- On 2nd and 6 from the 9, Darcel McBath "pulls a Gideon" and drops an easy interception. On the next play, DeMarco Murray runs for 12 yards and a first down.
- The Sooners put together a nice drive but again have to try a FG. This time however, a kick from 53 yards out is just wide right. Tech takes over with about 4:30 left in the 3rd quarter.

- Harrell and Batch move the offense right down the field to the 12 yard line. However, Harrell throws just behind Tramain Swindall and it's picked off at the 3 yard line.

- Two plays later, Manuel Johnson takes a WR end around and runs all the way to the 34 yard line before Daniel Charbonnet makes a touchdown saving tackle.
- A rare Jake Ratliff sighting as he stops Murray for a 2 yard loss on the next play.
- On 3rd and long, Bradford finds Chaney open along the sideline but L.A. Reed does an awesome job making up ground and breaks up the pass.



Texas Tech 31
Oklahoma 20
End of 3rd Quarter

- On the first play of the 4th quarter, Harrell throws a quick hitch to Crabtree. He turns and is blindsided by an Jackson and Clayton picks it up and runs it back for a 28 yd touchdown.

- DeMarco Murray just breaks the plane of the endzone and the 2 pt conversion is good.


Texas Tech 31
Oklahoma 28
14:44 4th Quarter

- On 1st and 10 from their own 28, Graham Harrell can't find anybody open and is sacked by Jeremy Beal for a 10 yard loss.
- Tech is forced to punt and the Sooners take over at their own 33 yard line. 12 minutes left in the game...

- On 3rd and 4 from the OU 39, Bradford completes a 15 yard pass to Manuel Johnson for a first down. Unfortunately, Phil Loadholt is called for holding and on 3rd and 14, Brandon Williams sacks Sam Bradford and forces the Sooners to punt.

- On consecutive 3rd downs, Harrell checks into a run play and the boys up front do their part to allow the backs to keep the drive alive with consecutive first downs. 8 minutes and ticking with the ball inside the OU 45.
- Harrell tries to squeeze an out route in to Ed Britton but Dominque Franks steps in front of it and returns it to Tech 49 yard line.

Texas Tech 31
Oklahoma 28
6:17 4th Quarter

- On 2nd down, Brian Duncan drops what would've been a HUGE interception at the Tech 40 yard line. 3rd and 10



- No worries though as Jamar Wall intercepts Bradford at the Tech 23 yard line on a pass 4intended for Adron Tennell. 4:42 left in 4th quarter.

- First down...first down...and first down...Tech is down inside the OU 40 yard line and the clock is under 2 minutes.
- Baron Batch up the middle for 2 yards. Timeout OU...1:47 left
- Batch ona quick toss to the right for 2 yards. Timeout OU...1:39 left
- Harrell over the middle to Crabtree for 5 yards. 1:30 and ticking...4th and 1 at the OU 32 yard line.
- The offense lines up like they're going to run a play and in fact snaps the ball for a successful QB sneak. However, Lyle Leong is called for a false start and it backs the team up 5 yards.
- Leach sends out Carona to try a 51 yard FG...it's straight enough...it's long enough...OOO it's off the cross bar. NO GOOD!!!

Texas Tech 31
Oklahoma 28
:58 4th Quarter

- OU has the ball at their own 34 with 1 timeout and 58 seconds left. Earlier in the game their kicker showed he had the leg for 53 yards but was just off the mark.
- Rajon Henley jumps and gives the Sooners a free 5 yards. 1st and 5 at the OU 39.
- Quentin Chaney catches a pass at midfield and is immediately tackled by Duncan and Reed. 53 seconds and ticking...
- Jamar Wall breaks up a pass intended for Tennell at the 45. 2nd and 10 at midfield. 43 seconds left...clock stops.
- Ruffin dials up a nickel blitz, Bradford breaks the would be tackle of Brent Nickerson and throws the ball away. 3rd and 10...38 seconds left.
- Bradford finds Chaney on a crossing route and he gets down to the Tech 33 yard line. 32 seconds and clock is running.
- With trips to the left, Bradford throws deep to Iglesias at the 15...but it's broken up by McBath. 21 seconds left.
- Bradford tries a screen pass to Murray but FB Matt Clapp is blocked into the pass and it falls incomplete. 3rd and 10...18 seconds left.
- Rajon Henley gets free on 3rd down and levels Sam Bradford as he's throwing. The Sooners recover back at their own 40 yard line but officials review and call it an incomplete pass.
- 4th and 10...15 seconds left. OU is lined up for a 50 yard FG. Tech calls timeout to ice the kicker!
- The kick is up...it's long enough...and it just curves back inside the left upright. The 51 yard FG is good.



Texas Tech 31
Oklahoma 31
:10 4th Quarter

- Harrell completes a pass to Crabtree at the 40 yd line with 1 second left.
- The hail mary pass is batted down and we're on our way to overtime.

Texas Tech 31
Oklahoma 31
OVERTIME

- OU wins the toss and takes the ball first. Strange tactics indeed.
- Pass complete to Iglesias down to the 11.
- Bradford to Murray...touchdown OU.


Texas Tech 31
Oklahoma 38
1st OT

- Harrell...Crabtree on a slant...25 yards...TOUCHDOWN RED RAIDERS!!!


Texas Tech 38
Oklahoma 38
End of 1st OT

- Tech gets the ball first this time.
- Harrell rolls out and finds Adam James for 13 yards down to the OU 12.
- Incomplete to Lewis in the endzone.
- Batch runs for 2 yards.
- Nic Harris knocks down a pass intended for Crabtree.
- Carona misses a FG from the left hash off the right upright!!!

Texas Tech 38
Oklahoma 38
Middle of 2nd OT

- Bradford can't find anybody open and throws it away.
- Bradford underthrows Iglesias on a corner route and it's picked off by Jamar Wall!!!

Texas Tech 38
Oklahoma 38
End of 2nd OT

- Tech wins the coin toss and will go on defense first.
- Bradford on a QB draw for 9 yards.
- Gresham seperates from Marlon Williams and has all day to haul in Bradford's ball in the endzone.
- OU tries a fake handoff to the FB and a pitch to Murray...but Darcel McBath snifs it out and the 2 pt try fails.

Texas Tech 38
Oklahoma 44
Middle of 3rd OT

- Harrell finds Lyle Leong all alone behind the defense for an easy 25 yard TD.
- Trips to the left...Crabtree to the right. Crabtree on a slant...he's got it.



- Your Big 12 South champs...Texas Tech Red Raiders!!!

Texas Tech 46
Oklahoma 44
FINAL

FINAL STATS (Tech...OU)

Total Offense...547...390
Passing Offense...48 of 65 479 yds...15 of 30 236 yds
Rushing Offense...21 carries 68 yds...33 carries 154 yds 1 TD

Graham Harrell - 48 of 65 479 yds 6 TD's 3 INT's (153.9 rating) 5 carries 5 yards
Sam Bradford - 15 of 30 236 yds 3 TD's 3 INT's ( 129 rating) 4 carries 20 yards

Baron Batch - 14 carries 66 yards
Shannon Woods - 2 carries 16 yards
DeMarco Murray - 26 carries 109 yards 1 TD

Michael Crabtree - 16 carries 163 yards 4 TD's
Baron Batch - 7 catches 52 yards
Detron Lewis - 6 catches 42 yards
Tremain Swindall - 4 catches 54 yards
Lyle Leong - 3 catches 55 yards 1 TD
Adam James - 3 catches 30 yards
Eric Morris - 3 catches 27 yards
Shannon Woods - 3 catches 20 yards
Ed Britton - 3 catches 34 yards 1 TD

Quentin Chaney - 4 catches 53 yards
Jermaine Gresham - 4 catches 96 yards 2 TD's
DeMarco Murray - 3 catches 29 yards 1 TD
Manuel Johnson - 3 catches 46 yards
Juaquin Iglesias - 1 catch 12 yards

Marlon Williams - 9 tackles (3 for loss)
Darcel McBath - 8 tackles (2 for loss), 2 pass deflections
Brian Duncan - 7 tackles (1 for loss), 3 pass deflections
Bront Bird - 5 tackles (2 for loss), 1 pass deflection
Rajon Henley - 5 tackles (1 for loss), 1 sack

Tech defense - 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 INT's

Bye Week Bonanza

I'm out picking wedding invitations so I'll make this quick...

Northwestern 20 (+3.5)
Michigan 17

Texas 38 (-14)
Kansas 34

Wake Forest 23 (-3.5)
NC State 17

Baylor 31 (-8)
Texas A&M 30

Missouri 44 (-26.5)
Iowa State 13

USC 45 (-24)
Stanford 10

Oklahoma State 26
Colorado 24 (+18)

SMU 21
UTEP 44 (-14)

I was 3-5 last week which has me at 19-16 I believe so it's time for another winning week.