Flags Over Raiderland

Iowa State Game Report

2010-10-06T13:17:00.002-05:00

Due to the incredibly horrible production quality of Fox College Sports (no HD feed) and the Big XII TV package (unable to get every conference game on TV)...charting the Iowa State debacle was a lost cause.

I got through 1.5 quarters and had already missing data on 8 plays because the game never showed the formation before the snap. At that point I cut my losses and am looking forward to having something for the Baylor next week.

As far as officiating goes, despite many Tech fans having much disdain for Randy Cristal, nothing stuck out to a badly missed/incorrect call at first watching. Granted my RC/CR consumption might've impacted my attentiveness...but we won't try and break that down in this post!

See ya next week...

Texas Game Officiating Report

2010-09-24T19:49:00.002-05:00

***Disclaimer*** I don't claim to be an expert on officiating. I am merely somebody that actively enjoys officiating football and am pursuing to improve my ability. Reviewing game films of collegiate officials is one way that I can do that.

I noted 17 penalties and also made comments on 4 other items that stuck out to me. I’ll noted everything as “good call, marginal call, bad call.” My scorecard is as follows:

Good call – 15

Marginal Call – 4

Bad Call – 1

Good Calls of Note

- 3:34 1^st Quarter (Unnecessary Roughness) – Waddle should’ve been ejected from the game for throwing a punch. He was definitely given the benefit of the doubt. This could be considered a marginal call but in the heat of the moment it’s possible it was seen as a shove instead of a punch.

- 13:52 2^nd Quarter (Unnecessary Roughness) – TT #42 steps in and shoves a Texas player to the ground

- 9:58 2^nd Quarter (Facemask) – On the punt, DJ Johnson grabs the facemask of the Texas defender and yanks his head violently to get past him and down to the return man.

- 3:17 2^nd Quarter (Intentional Grounding) – This was not a screen play. Potts was under duress and Aaron Crawford was serving as a pass blocker. Potts did not throw the ball into an area where Crawford could reasonably make attempt to catch the ball.

- 12:57 3^rd Quarter (Running into Kicker) – The Texas player was laying under the leg of the punter and didn’t make direct contact with his leg after the kick. The punter fell over the Texas player when bringing his leg back down.

- :55 3^rd Quarter (Offensive Holding) – Could have been called as block in the back. Penalty was announced as #63 (who had a questionable takedown of Bird) but #64 came in and pushed Bird in the back while he was engaged with #63 and that lead to him falling down.

- 14:23 4^th Quarter (Unnecessary Roughness) – Will Ford walks into the backside of a play where players are standing around and shoves a Texas player to the ground.

Marginal Calls/Non-Calls of Note

- 12:50 4^th Quarter (Taunting) – Ford makes a hit (likely not on a defenseless receiver) and then stands over him and does something. Not enough information to make a determination if this was a good/bad call.

- 9:50 4^th Quarter (Offensive Pass Int) – Leong was serving as a downfield blocker on this play instead of a receiver. He continued to block his defender after the pass was thrown and one could reasonably assume that the defensive player could make a play on the ball (a key element in pass interference) that was thrown in their vicinity. A reverse endzone angle would be very helpful for seeing if this was a good/bad call.

- No time recorded 4^th Quarter – Block in the back by #4 was missed on Bird as he tried to tackle the punt returner. I only mark it was marginal because the return man went out of bounds within a second of Bird being hit in the back and at the same yard line. As such, I can understand why it wasn’t flagged.

- 3:44 4^th Quarter – The Texas defender made a great play on the ball but he might have been playing “through the back” of Leong which would result in DPI. I would need a better TV angle to determine if this was a good/bad call.

Bad Calls of Note

- 5:01 2^nd Quarter – You know exactly what non-call I’m referring to here. The H (who can’t see the drop) rules a catch by Mike Davis. However, the U crashes in on the play and is signaling no catch and pointing at the ground to properly “sell the call” by saying the ball hit the turf. Without any further explanation or discussion the catch is granted and Texas gets a first down.

This play was screwed up by the R for granting the first down despite the U strongly selling “no catch,” the replay booth for not taking a second look (by the way when was the last time a TV game has ZERO replays), and the Tech coaching staff for not challenging the play.

Charting on Texas...

2010-09-24T19:30:00.005-05:00

I know this won’t be earth shattering news to anybody reading this blog but there is simply no good way to spin Texas Tech’s offensive performance vs Texas.

Consider these stats:

- 5 of 14 (35.7%) on passes thrown beyond 5 yards downfield.

- 2.8 yards/play gained.

- Only 2 of 16 run plays ever got outside the tackle box..

- Only 4 balls were thrown beyond 15 yards. The only one caught was for a 15 yard touchdown by Lyle Leong Jr .

Conclusions I reached about the Tech offense from charting the game:

- Potts strongly favors the right side of the field. 20 of 38 passes were thrown to his right and 30 of 38 were thrown over the middle or to his right.

- He was 6 of 8 for 30 yards on throws to his left. However 4 of those completions were on WR screen passes thrown under 5 yards downfield.

After looking at the breakdown of play calls, I must say that Greg Davis did an excellent job managing Garrett Gilbert in this game.

I say that because:

- Gilbert was very balanced between throws to his left (14) and his right (18).

- Gilbert threw 17 of 38 balls (44.7%) more than 5 yards downfield.

- Running plays were also very well balanced with 16 going to the left and 18 to the right. I wonder if this was done in part to keep Bront Bird even more confused at his MLB position.

Despite this great balance, there was a glaring weakness in Gilbert’s performance on Saturday.

He was an atrocious 4 of 18 (22%) on passes thrown to his right. At 41 yards of passing, that works out to an abysmal 2.27 yards/attempt. Gilbert was at 7.64 yards/attempt to the right and 13 yards/attempt over the middle. However, Davis kept letting him throw to his right side as 18 of his 38 passes went that direction.

To contrast, Taylor Potts was between 3.5 and 4.1 yards/attempt to the various parts of the field.

Texas Game Charting Spreadsheet

***note*** The game charting is on 2 separate pages of the same spreadsheet.

Bringing a blog back from the dead...

2010-09-21T00:33:00.005-05:00

I started this blog a few years ago because I needed an outlet for all of the thoughts going through my head about Texas Tech football. Life went in a different direction and I found myself unable to write in the way that I wanted to so I stopped writing altogether.

I'm certainly not going to do anything nearly as ambitious as I did in the past. Instead, I'm going to focus on reviewing each game from a purely statistical perspective.

I'm pulling out the names and numbers of the players and simply looking at formations, types of plays, and the yards that they do or don't produce. If you're familiar with the work of Bob Sturm then you've seen him do this for the Cowboys/Jason Garrett in recent seasons.

I will also use my moderate knowledge of the rules of the game to look at each penalty called and give it a thumbs up/thumbs down. I'll try to explain what made a call good/bad and also point out if I see something that could've been officiated in a different way. I don't consider myself an expert in officiating the game. However, it is something that I have a developing love for and hope I can apply my experiences in as unbiased of a way as is possible for a fan that has a built-in bias towards Texas Tech.

To give you a small sampling of data...here is what I have on Tech by formation from Saturday: (for the record, my charting has 1 more play for 7 yards than what the box score shows. I'm assuming this has to do with how they counted a play with a penalty applied to it that I overlooked).

Formation	Count	Yards Gained	Yds/Play
S0	3	10	3.3
S1	40	157	3.9
S11	3	3	1.0
Total	55	151	2.7

The formations are:

S0 - 0 RB, 0 TE, 5 WR
S1 - 1 RB, 0 TE, 4 WR
S11 - 1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR
S2 - 2 RB, 0 TE, 3 WR

**The S2 formation includes the 21 yards lost when the ball was snapped over Potts on the first play from scrimmage for Tech.

In the 9 plays run from the S2 formation you had the following occur:

- Snap over Potts head
- Intentional grounding on Potts
- Sticks sacked for a loss of 10
- Potts' INT over the middle in the 3rd quarter
- Detron on a WR sweep
- Motion used on 4 of 9 plays from this formation

Hopefully I'll get a little better with my html skills and learn how to align tables better as I progress in this endeavor.

I hope you enjoy that sample and I'll be back with my final breakdown of the game in the next day or two as time allows!

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

2009-08-27T08:48:00.001-05:00

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?

2009-08-26T17:10:00.001-05:00

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?

2009-08-25T09:15:00.003-05:00

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

2009-08-25T09:03:00.006-05:00

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

2009-02-06T09:30:00.003-06:00

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...

2008-11-29T10:58:00.004-06:00

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...

2008-11-22T10:22:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-19T11:21:00.007-06:00

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

2008-11-15T11:10:00.005-06:00

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.

Live from Winston-Salem...

2008-11-08T10:00:00.005-06:00

It's time for my weekly picks. I'm out in Winston-Salem for the Wake Forest homecoming game vs Virginia...but don't worry as I'll be watching the Red Raiders run all over the T Boones from Stillwater later tonight. I don't have an exact count in front of me but I believe I'm 16-11 ATS on the picks I've posted here. So follow me to the bank...or to bankruptcy court! ;)

Ohio State 20
Northwestern 17 (+11)

Texas 47 (-27)
Baylor 13

Georgia Tech 23 (+4...maybe play the moneyline???)
North Carolina 20

Kansas 31 (+1.5)
Nebraska 26

Oklahoma 42
Texas A&M 24 (+27)

Wake Forest 20 (-3)
Virginia 14

Texas Tech 40 (-3.5)
Oklahoma State 34

Alabama 24 (-3.5)
LSU 14

Texas Tech vs Oklahoma State - Simulation

2008-11-06T13:19:00.005-06:00

With clear skies and cool weather...we bring you this great matchup between the #2 Texas Tech Red Raiders and the #9 Oklahoma State Cowboys. Herbstreit feels this game will come down to the play of OSU's QB Zac Robinson.

The Cowboys win the toss and defer to the 2nd half so Texas Tech will get the ball first in this one...

- Ed Britton opens things up by taking the kickoff back to the Texas Tech 39 yard line where Graham Harrell and company will take over.
- Harrell has found Adam James twice on the opening drive and the Red Raiders are in the red zone for the first time today.
- In methodical fashion, Texas Tech goes 59 yards in 10 plays and finishes off the drive with Harrell finding Crabtree at the goal line from 6 yds out for a Red Raider TOUCHDOWN!!!

Texas Tech 7
Oklahoma State 0
11:30 1st Quarter

- Tech's defense starts very strong again. This time it's a quick 3 and out and they get the ball back to the offense at the Tech 44 after a 13 yd punt return from Eric Morris.

- Harrell has started this game 10 for 10 but can't quite squeeze a deep ball into Ed Britton at the OSU 25 and his completion streak ends there. Tech still in business though inside the OSU 40.
- On 4th and 1 at the OSU 27, Harrell audibles into a run and Baron Batch gets 11 yds down to the 16 yd line.

- Eric Morris splits 2 defenders and weasels his way down to the 4 yd line to set up 1st and goal.
- On 2nd and goal, Baron Batch gets into the endzone from a yard out for another Texas Tech touchdown!!!

Texas Tech 14
Oklahoma State 0
4:40 1st Quarter

- On a pass intended for Dez Bryant, LA Reed makes a great break off his man and knocks the ball to the turf. 3rd and long coming up for the Cowboys.

- Dez Bryant gets in the stat book but comes up 2 yds short thanks to a nice Marlon Williams tackle. The Red Raiders take over at their own 27 yd line after a fair catch from EMo.

- With a 9 yd completion to Baron Batch, Harrell has now gone over 100 yards in the first half.
- On 1st and 10 at the OSU 49, the Pokes try to get to Harrell with a CB blitz, but instead he finds Detron Lewis on a deep post with no safety back to help...TOUCHDOWN RED RAIDERS!!!

Texas Tech 21
Oklahoma State 0
0:25 1st Quarter

- The Cowboys move the ball to their own 34 and we're at the end of the first quarter.

Texas Tech 21
Oklahoma State 0
2nd Quarter

- On 4th and 2 at their own 49, the Cowboys pitch to Hunter, he breaks a poor arm tackle by Jamar Wall at midfield and scampers down to the Tech 30 yd line before Taylor Charbonnet comes over to knock him out of bounds.

- This time it's 4th and 1 at the Tech 21 and the Pokes go for it again. Hunter takes the toss, makes a defender miss, the game glitches out (see video below) and he goes untouched into the endzone.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 21
Oklahoma State 7
11:54 2nd Quarter

- Tech is driving down the field again but this time Harrell is picked off on a deep fade to Lyle Leong and the Cowboys take over at their own 22 yd line.

- A few first downs for the Cowboys via the run game but they give the ball back to the Red Raiders at the Texas Tech 31.

- Crabtree gets held up by his own man on a crossing route and the Cowboys easily pick off the pass. They're back in business at their own 42.
- On first down, the screen pass fools everybody in the stadium and they're in Tech territory at the 31 yd line.
- It only takes 1 more play as Hunter goes 31 yards off right tackle to paydirt.

Texas Tech 21
Oklahoma State 14
1:17 2nd Quarter

- Tech is trying to get down and score before the half, but the PS3 likes INT's and Harrell is picked off for a 3rd time on what should've been an easy completion to Tremain Swindall. Nonetheless, the Cowboys take over at midfield with 28 seconds left.

- Zac Robinson finds Dez Bryant deep over the middle but he's tackled at the Tech 9 and the Pokes will have to attempt a short FG.
- The FG is good...but there's holding on the play and the clock is now at 0:00. Penalty accepted and 3 points come off the board for OSU.

Texas Tech 21
Oklahoma State 14
HALFTIME

Noteable Stats
- Graham Harrell is 23 of 30 for 225 yds 2 TD's and 3 INT's
- Michael Crabtree has 6 catches for 45 yds and 1 TD. 8 other WR's have catches and 6 of them have at least 2 catches.
- Baron Batch has 9 carries for 40 yds and 1 TD
- Daniel Charbonnet has 6 tackles and 1 pass deflection
- Darcel McBath has 5 tackles and 2 pass deflections
- Brandon Williams has 4 tackles including 2 for a loss.
- Zac Robinson is 10 of 14 for 85 yds. He also has 13 yds on 3 carries.
- Kendall Hunter has 10 rushes for 87 yds and 2 TD's. He also has 4 catches for 37 yards.
- Dez Bryant has 1 catch for 19 yards.

---3rd Quarter---

- Bryant returns the kick to the 30 yd line and that's where the Cowboys will start their drive.
- On the first play, Robinson goes play action and tries to find Bryant on a deep crossing route. However, Brian Duncan gets between him and the pass and intercepts it at the 35 before returning it to the OSU 29 yd line.

- One play...one pass to Crabtree...TOUCHDOWN Red Raiders!!!

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 28
Oklahoma State 14
14:26 3rd Quarter

- This time it looks like a miscommunication between Robinson and Bryant. Dez breaks to the outside, the pass is thrown to the inside, and Jamar Wall catches it at the 34 and there's nobody between him and the endzone!!!

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 35
Oklahoma State 14
14:04 3rd Quarter

- Tech with another beautiful drive that finds them in the red zone once again. This time on 3rd and short from the 6, Harrell fakes a handoff to Woods and jogs into the endzone untouched.

Texas Tech 42
Oklahoma State 14
8:27 3rd Quarter

- Okie Lite is moving the ball but on 3rd and 7 from the Tech 42, McKinner Dixon gets to Robinson for the Red Raiders first sack of the day.
- The punt is killed at the 2 yd line and the Red Raiders will be working with a lot of green ahead of them.

- On the first play, Baron Batch is almost tackled in the endzone but he breaks a tackle and gets out to the 21 yd line.
- Tech is putting together another very solid drive (14 plays and counting) and they're once again down inside the OSU 20.
- The Red Raiders now face a 4th and 3 at the OSU 7 as we reach the end of the 3rd quarter

---4th Quarter---

- This isn't a problem though as Matt "Lynwood" Williams comes on and calmly kicks a 24 yd FG.

Texas Tech 45
Oklahoma State 14
14:57 4th Quarter

- The Cowboys finally show a little bit of quick strike potential as they go 60 yds in 3 plays and Robinson finds Artrell Woods for a 31 yd TD down the right sideline.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 45
Oklahoma State 21
14:04 4th Quarter

- The Air Raid moves the ball to the 45 yd line but the drive stalls and they give it back to the Pokes at their own 32 with just under 12 minutes left.
- Robinson finds Woods for a long gain to the Tech 43 yd line. However, he's tackled from behind by Darcel McBath and goes off the field with a sprained ankle. His return is doubtful.
- Kendall Hunter with another nice run down to the Tech 15. I don't have the exact number in front of me but he has to be somewhere around 125 yds on the day.
- On 4th and 4 from the 8, Robinson breaks what would be a Colby Whitlock sack and finds a wide open Kendall Hunter for a TD on a busted play.
- The Pokes go for 2 but LA Reed stops Hunter in the backfield before he ever makes the corner.

Texas Tech 45
Oklahoma State 27
6:50 4th Quarter

- The Red Raiders recover the onside kick and will look to milk some clock here.
- On the 3rd down, Batch takes the option pitch from Harrell and runs 20+ yards down to the OSU 21.
- After 2 runs are stopped in the backfield, Harrell finds Detron Lewis on a corner route and he beats the defender to the pylon. TOUCHDOWN RED RAIDERS!!!

Texas Tech 52
Oklahoma State 27
2:58 4th Quarter

- The Cowboys can't do anything else with the ball and turn it over on downs with just over a minute left.
- Texas Tech runs out the clock and this game is OVER!!!

Texas Tech 52
Oklahoma State 27
FINAL

FINAL STATS (Tech...OSU)

Total Offense...525...391
Passing Offense...39 of 50 373 yds 4 TD's 3 INT's...21 of 29 233 yds 2 TD's 2 INT's
Rushing Offense...28 carries 152 yds 2 TD's...27 carries 158 yds 2 TD's

Graham Harrell - 39 of 50 373 yds 4 TD's 3 INT's (155 rating) 3 carries 31 yards 1 TD
Zac Robinson - 21 of 29 233 yds 2 TD's 2 INT's (148.8 rating) 5 carries 13 yards

Baron Batch - 18 carries 101 yards 1 TD
Shannon Woods - 7 carries 20 yards
Kendall Hunter - 17 carries 140 yards 2 TD's

Michael Crabtree - 9 catches 86 yds 2 TD's
Detron Lewis - 5 catches 83 yds 2 TD's
Eric Morris - 5 catches 44 yds
Adam James - 5 catches 39 yds
Britton, Batch, Woods, Swindall, and Leong - 15 catches 121 yds

Kendall Hunter - 7 catches 44 yds 1 TD
Artrell Woods - 4 catches 74 yds 1 TD
Brandon Pettigrew - 3 catches 37 yds
Dez Bryant - 3 catches 29 yds

Daniel Charbonnet (played 80% of game as nickel back) - 12 tackles 1 pass deflection
Darcel McBath - 8 tackles 2 pass deflections
L.A. Reed - 7 tackles (1 for loss) 2 pass deflections
Brian Duncan - 6 tackles (2 for loss) 1 INT, 1 pass deflection
McKinner Dixon 4 - tackles (3 for loss) 1 sack

Tech defense - 8 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 INT's, 1 defensive TD

Another week of football...another week of picks

2008-10-31T11:32:00.004-05:00

5-4 last week puts me at 10-7 for picks posted on here this season (yeah...only been doing it here for 2 weeks). Anyways...thought I'd sneak this in early before heading off to Lubbock in a little while:

Central Michigan 24 (+2)
Indiana 21

Virginia 20 (-2.5)
Miami 17

Kansas 47 (-9)
Kansas State 35

Texas A&M 27 (-4)
Colorado 17

Missiouri 45 (-21)
Baylor 21

Wake Forest 20 (-7.5)
Duke 7

Florida 44
Georgia 38 (+7)

Florida State 20 (+3.5)
Georgia Tech 21

USC 66 (-46)
Washington 13

Texas Tech 41 (+4)
Texas 38

Texas Tech vs Texas - Simulation

2008-10-30T16:19:00.004-05:00

The weather is perfect, the boys are in black, and it's the game we've all been waiting for!!!

#1 Texas vs #6 Texas Tech

Kirk Herbstreit comments that a game like this will come down to whomever steps up and makes big plays and tonight Micheal Crabtree will be that guy.

The Longhorns win the coin toss and will have the ball first to start the game...

- Quan Cosby takes the opening kick out to the Texas 48 yd line but Vondrell McGee is called for clipping and the Horns will start the drive at their own 21.
- The Longhorns get a first down on the drive but Colt McCoy is stopped a yard shy of another one by McKinner Dixon and the Horns are forced to punt. Texas Tech takes over at their own 36 after a 10 yd return from Eric Morris.

- The results are much different for the Red Raiders as they get a first down but a drive is cut down as Brian Orakpo gets to Graham Harrell on 3rd down to force a punt.
- On 4th down, Jonathan LaCour shanks a punt off his foot and the Longhorns take over at midfield.

- With nobody open, Colt McCoy tries to force a deep ball into Shipley but Darcel McBath steps in the way of the pass for an interception at the 8 and returns it out to the TT 27 yd line.

Texas Tech 0
Texas 0
7:24 1st Quarter

- 3 and out for the Red Raiders. Both teams are playing good defense early on as neither QB is having much time to go through his progression.

- McKinner Dixon with back to back tackles of McGee and Whitaker in the backfield to make it 3rd and 15. However, on 3rd down he hits McCoy late and gives the Horns a 1st down when they would've had to punt.
- 3 straight passes to Shipley...3 straight first downs and a trip to the redzone.
- Tech's defense comes up big though and forces the Horns to try a field goal.

Texas Tech 0
Texas 0
END OF FIRST QUARTER

- On the first play of the 2nd quarter, the Longhorns attempt a 35 yd FG from the right hash but Lawrence bounces the kick off the left upright but it just falls over the crossbar.

Texas Tech 0
Texas 3
14:54 2nd Quarter

- Under tremendous pressure on 2nd and long at their own 44, Graham Harrell rolls out to pass...

and finds Michael Crabtree down inside the 5 yard line to set the Red Raiders up with a 1st and goal at the 2.

- Harrell to Crabtree...touchdown Red Raiders!!!

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 7
Texas 3
11:44 2nd Quarter

- dink and dunk and dink and dunk and INTERCEPTION Jamar Wall!!! 54 yards...Touchdown Red Raiders!

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 14
Texas 3
8:38 2nd Quarter

- Another Longhorn drive that games 30 or so yards...another Red Raider INT. This time it's L.A. Reed going up and making the pick at the Texas Tech 37 yd line.

- Harrell and company waste no time in moving down the field and in 3 plays they're down inside the Texas 30 yd line.

- 4 Baron Batch carries...29 Baron Batch yards...1 Texas Tech touchdown!

Texas Tech 21
Texas 3
1:07 2nd Quarter

- At the end of the 1st half the Longhorns try a 57 yd FG but it's wide right.

Texas Tech 21
Texas 3
HALF

Noteable Stats
- Graham Harrell is 10 of 15 for 114 yds and 1 TD
- Michael Crabtree has 3 receptions for 53 yds and 1 TD
- Baron Batch has 7 carries for 37 yds and 1 TD
- Brandon Sesay has 2 tackles, 1 QB sack, 2 tackle for loss, and 1 INT
- Darcel McBath has 6 tackles, 1 INT, and 2 pass deflections
- The Swarm has 6 tackles for loss, 3 INT's, and 1 TD.
- Colt McCoy is 11 of 17 for 95 yds and 3 INT's

---3rd Quarter---

- On 3rd and 10, Baron Batch takes a screen pass at his own 22 and runs all the way down to the Texas 16 yard line.
- First and goal at the 1 yd line, Tech fakes the inside run and Harrell rolls out to pass. He's got Lyle Leong open but Gideon steps in front of the pass and takes it back to the UT 7 yd line.

Texas Tech 21
Texas 3
11:42 3rd Quarter

- McCoy gets the Longhorns out to the 35 yd line but the drive stalls and they have to punt.

- Harrell and Batch lead the team down to the Texas 30 but a costly interception at the 10 yd line on a ball intended for Crabtree ends the drive. Same score...3:49 left in 3rd quarter.

- This is just a weird play...Colt tries to running, there is holding on the play, then Colt tries to throw...and Jamar Wall takes it back 30 yds for a TD.

Texas Tech 28
Texas 3
2:21 3rd Quarter

- Texas goes 3 and out and Tech gets the ball back before the end of the 3rd quarter.

- In 5 plays, the Air Raid gets down to the 22 yd line at the end of the 3rd.

---4th Quarter---

- The Red Raiders line up for a 39 yd FG attempt to start the 4th quarter. Unfortunately, Donnie Carona misses wide right and the Longhorns take over.
- Texas goes 3 and out and gives the ball back to Tech with about 11 minutes left. However, Tech goes 3 and out as well and then LaCour shanks another punt (for some reason I can't punt all of a sudden) and the Horns have the ball at the TT 30 with about 10:24 left on the clock.

- After a sack of McCoy on 1st down, Colt finds Ogbonnaya in the flats, he breaks a tackle and goes 33 yards for the Texas touchdown.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 28
Texas 10
9:52 4th Quarter

- Wow...a surprise onside kick and the Horns get it back at midfield!!!

- 12 yd run for McGee and then an 18 yd pass has them down to the 20 yd line.
- McCoy finds Malcolm Williams on a deep post for another Texas TD. 2 pt conversion is good and we've got ourselves a ball game!

Texas Tech 28
Texas 18
8:48 4th Quarter

- Harrell gets too much air under a ball to Morris on a deep crossing route and it's picked off. Texas in business at the TT 47 yd line.

- Tech's defense forces a 4th and 1 but Vondrell McGee JUST gets past the marker to keep the Longhorns in business with under 6 minutes to go.
- On 3rd and short, McCoy rolls out and finds the TE formerly known as Blaine Irby down at the Tech 2 yd line and it's 1st and goal with under 3 minutes left.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

- It only takes 1 more play as Ogbonnaya takes it in from 2 yards out.

Texas Tech 28
Texas 25
2:08 4th Quarter

- Texas Tech will start at their own 27 yd line with a 3 pt lead and 1:58 left on the clock. Both teams still have all of their timeouts.
- Two runs and a short pass and the Red Raiders will give the ball back to the Longhorns with just over a minute left and Texas still having 1 timeout.
-LaCour gets off a great punt this time and Texas has to call for a fair catch with 1:07 left on the clock and the ball at the Texas 24 yd line.

- Poor clock management by McCoy and Mack combined with great pressure from Tech's defensive line...and the Horns don't even sniff field goal range. Jamar Wall bats down the final pass of the game at the 20 yd line and this one is in the books...

Texas Tech 28
Texas 25
FINAL

FINAL STATS (Tech...Texas)

Total Offense...400...417
Passing Offense...28 of 41 344 yds 1 TD 3 INT's...38 of 49 375 yds 2 TD's 4 INT's
Rushing Offense...18 carries 81 yds 1 TD...33 carries 52 yds 1 TD's

Graham Harrell - 28 of 41 344 yds 1 TD 3 INT's
Colt McCoy - 38 of 49 375 yds 2 TD's 4 INT's

Baron Batch - 17 carries 76 yards 1 TD
Vondrell McGee - 19 carries 28 yards

Baron Batch - 7 catches 115 yds
Michael Crabtree - 7 catches 102 yds 1 TD
Shannon Woods - 5 catches 72 yds
Eric Morris - 5 catches 44 yds

Jordan Shipley - 9 catches 81 yds
Vondrell McGee - 6 catches 56 yds
Quan Cosby - 8 catches 68 yds

Brian Duncan - 12 tackles (3 TFL) 1 sack
Jamar Wall - 7 tackles (2 TFL) 1 sack 2 INT's 2 TD's
Marlon Williams - 8 tackles (4 TFL)
McKinner Dixon - 7 tackles (3 TFL) 1 sack

Tech Defense - 16 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 4 INT's, 2 TD's

I like numbers...breaking down Tech vs Texas

2008-10-27T16:32:00.002-05:00

NOTE: All numbers are for Big 12 Conference play only

Let's play with numbers for a few minutes kids:

Scoring Offense:
Texas Tech - 50.2 pts (1st)
Texas - z41.8 pts (3rd)

Rush Offense:
Texas Tech - 130.5 yds (7th)
Texas - 161.5 yds (3rd)

Pass Offense:
Texas Tech - 410.5 yds (1st)
Texas - 329.5 yds (3rd)

Total Offense:
Texas Tech - 541 yds (2nd)
Texas - 491 yds (3rd)

Pass Efficiency:
Texas Tech - 175.7 (1st)
Texas - 174.9 (2nd)

Offensive 3rd Down Conversion %:
Texas Tech - 66.0% (1st)
Texas - 65.5% (2nd)

Red Zone Offense:
Texas Tech - 90% overall and 80% TD's (11 rush TD's and 13 pass TD's)...(2nd)
Texas - 87.5% overall and 75% TD's (13 rush TD's and 5 pass TD's)...(5th)

Time of Possession:
Texas Tech - 30:12 or 50.33% of game (4th)
Texas - 36:02 or 60.o6% of game (2nd)

Offensive Category Totals:
Texas Tech Offensive Aggregate - 19
Texas Offensive Aggregate - 23

Survey Says...Texas Tech by 4

Scoring Defense:
Texas Tech - 26.2 pts (4th)
Texas - 26.0 pts (3rd)

Rush Defense:
Texas Tech - 102 yds (3rd)
Texas - 86 yds (1st)

Pass Defense:
Texas Tech - 245 yds (2nd)
Texas - 280.2 yds (5th)

Total Defense:
Texas Tech - 347 yds (1st)
Texas - 366.2 yds (3rd)

Defensive Pass Efficiency:
Texas Tech - 133.2 (2nd)
Texas - 145.7 (5th)

Sacks:
Texas Tech - 9 (3rd)
Texas - 13 (2nd)

Defensive 3rd Down Conversion %:
Texas Tech - 43.8% (3rd)
Texas - 44.4% (5th)

Red Zone Defense:
Texas Tech - 92.9% overall and 71.4% TD's (9th)
Texas - 81.2% overall and 68.8% TD's (5th)

Defensive Category Totals:
Texas Tech Defensive Aggregate - 27
Texas Deffensive Aggregate - 29

Survey Says...Texas Tech by 2

Now take away from this what you will...and by Saturday night the only number that will matter is on the scoreboard. Also remember that UT's competition over the first 4 games has been better...but don't forget that 3 of Texas Tech's 4 games were on the road including 2 trips up to Kansas.

Carry On Our Wayward Raiders...

2008-10-25T09:54:00.004-05:00

and leave no peace in Kansas when you are done! I've got a few minutes before heading to a christening at 10:30...so let's throw a few picks out there. I was 5-3 last week if memory serves me right so hopefully dumb luck will hit me again. All lines are as of this morning:

Texas Tech 42 (-1)
Kansas 34

Minnesota 27 (-2.5)
Purdue 21

Boston College 21
North Carolina 34 (-2.5)

Central Michigan 34 (-4)
Toledo 23

Nebraska 34
Baylor 24 (+14)

Texas 45 (-12)
Oklahoma State 28

TCU 24
Wyoming 14 (+31)

Alabama 17
Tennessee 14 (+6)

USC 34
Arizona 20 (+14)

A&M drive-by...

2008-10-18T10:27:00.003-05:00

Thought I'd throw out a few picks (with the game spread listed next to the team I'd play) before the game gets started:

Texas Tech 42
Texas A&M 24 (+21)

Wake Forest 23 (-1.5)
Maryland 16

Oklahoma State 47 (-17)
Baylor 24

Oklahoma 45 (-19.5)
Kansas 21

Buffalo 17
Army 10 (+11)

Penn State 38
Michigan 14 (+25)

Texas 41 (-4.5)
Missouri 31

Arizona 31 (+3)
Cal 27

a W is a W...

2008-10-11T17:23:00.000-05:00

is a...

Texas Tech 37
Nebraska 31

The last time Nebraska came to Lubbock...

2008-10-10T14:51:00.002-05:00

this happened...

Here's to another Husker beating in 2008!

My prediction:

Texas Tech 48
Nebraska 24

Big 12 Roundtable, Week 5

2008-10-02T09:14:00.003-05:00

Well I'm waiting on a call back to fix my main work application...so I've got a few minutes to say hello to those in the blogosphere. I'll get things started today with my thoughts from this week's Big 12 Roundtable, courtesy of the fine folks over at Burnt Orange Nation:

1.

#7 Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0)

Opponent
Result

Eastern Washington
W, 49-24

@ Nevada
W,35-19

SMU
W,43-7

Massachusetts
W, 56-14

Offensive MVP: Shannon Woods, RB and Baron Batch - Woods has seen himself go from multi-year starter, to scout team, to off the team, to graduating in 3 years, to back on the team, and back to the starter role...all in less than a year. He saw most of the carries in the first 2 games but Baron Batch has continued to show that he's healthy and ready to run and has seen increased carries. The 2 have combined for 515 yds on 75 carries (6.9 ypc) and 9 TD's through the first 4 games. Woods is the better inside runner (and the #1 pass blocker) and gets most of the goal line touches (see his 7 TD's) but Batch is a great spark off the bench and in 2-back sets that is a threat to create a big play every time he touches the ball (9.1 yards per touch). If the Red Raiders are make a serious run at the Big 12 title this year, it will be in large part thanks to the running backs for keeping defenses honest against the Air Raid.

Defensive MVP: McKinner Dixon and Brandon Williams, DEs - For a team that failed to get pressure the QB under former DC Lyle Setencich, Dixon and BWill have been set free with Coach Ruff at the helm. Combining for 8 sacks so far, they lead an improved Red Raider D-line that is finally 1) pressuring the QB and 2) allowing the LB's to make plays (2 of the top 3 tacklers are LB's which didn't happen in recent years). The defense exhibited a bend but don't break mentality as the offense struggled at Nevada...and they'll need to have AT LEAST that same mentality against the immensely talented offenses in the Big 12 if the Red Raiders are to win 10+ games this year.

Big 12 Schedule - at Kansas State, vs Nebraska, at Texas A&M, at Kansas, vs Texas, vs Oklahoma State, at Oklahoma, vs Baylor.

Projected Big 12 Finish: 6-2, 2nd, South Division - Tech will start the Big 12 3-0 and demolish the aggies at Kyle Field. However, the 2-6 post-Aggie slump will move to 2-7 as they fall 34-30 at Kansas. After a decisive 45-31 victory over Texas in Lubbock...they'll find themselves at 9-1 and ranked #6 in the country as they travel to Norman. Win this game...and you're booking a ticket to Kansas City. Unfortunately, the Sooners step up big with 10 points in the 4th Quarter and win this won 31-24 on a late Bradford to Johnson TD pass.

2. This might be the best offense that the Pokes have had since Rashaun Woods (one of the Top 3 college WR's I've ever seen) was leading them to the Cotton Bowl. They're #1 in rushing, #3 in scoring and #4 in pass efficiency. One thing that's overlooked is that their defense is 42nd in the country (5th in the conference). At this same point last year, they were 101st in the nation and 10th in the conference. Attribute that to whatever you want, but the Cowboys are definitely a team of interest in the Big 12 South and won't be an easy out for anybody. Unfortunately, they play @ Mizzou, @ Texas, and @ Texas Tech before finish with the Sooners at home...so their schedule will likely be their downfall this year.

3. Bob Stoops. Unlike any other coach in the Big 12, he KNOWS how to win Big 12 Championships. Also, he's been able to continually reinvent his team to fit his personell. Leach used to work under him at OU and Seth Littrell (RB Coach) is a former team captain for OU's MNC team of 2000, so he'll have some familiarity with the offensive scheme and somebody on the coaching staff. Now just give us back Leach for the BCS game! :)

4. I'm torn between Daniel and Bradford. Daniel is definitely a better leader and has spent a lot more time in a spread offense that has taken a few pages out of the TT playbook so despite my personal disdain for him, I'd have to go with Daniel.

5. You see I'm torn here...because I'm really not a fan of the 2008 ACL lineup. Can I choose from the 04 or 05 lineup maybe? Ok, I'll go with Eli Young Band. They're fairly new to the scene but for those tied in with the Texas Music (Country/Rock...call it whatever) scene then you've known of them for a while now. They've made the rounds and continued to earn respect throughout the industry. They're latest album (Jet Black & Jealous was released in Mid-September...so go pickup a copy) is a big step in them becoming a player on the national stage. However, they're not quite there yet. At the end of the day, their music is too good to not catch on across the country so they'll have their day in the sun soon enough.

6. Answer all of the following in no more than two sentences:

(A) Conference's best quarterback? Sam Bradford makes it look too easy. Chase Daniel and Graham Harrell make you wonder how the hell they didn't end up playing for one of the Big Boys in college football.
(B) Conference's best offense? Missouri. Maclin and Daniel bring the star power but TE Chase Coffman steals the show.
(C) Big 12 South winner? Oklahoma
(D) Big 12 North winner? Missouri
(E) Big 12 champion? Oklahoma. Until Mizzou's defense shows that they could do anything to slow down the boomers, I'm going to stick with the safe pick.
(F) Big 12 team you would adopt as your favorite if forced to abandon your own? Nebraska if I wanted to go out of state. Texas because it would make things MUCH easier for me on the homefront! ;)
(G) One prediction that might surprise the rest of us? A&M WILL beat Baylor...damn it I can't lie to myself like that just for the sake of creating a surprise. I'll go with this...Texas will give up 100+ points between the OU and Mizzou games.

Texas Tech vs SMU - Simulation

2008-09-13T13:53:00.003-05:00

Well this has been a frustrating time trying to put this game together. Even with Ike just barely reaching Dallas...my power has flickered off/on a few times and it's just enough for the PS3 to cut off. I've run 2 simulations of the game...and the furthest I got was Tech 22 SMU 3 middle of the 2nd quarter. I went ahead and ran a full "quick sim" of the game (one w/o pics) and I came up with a final of Texas Tech 59 SMU 13. I like that pick as it covers the spread, puts the game over 69 points, and it means that Tech probably had a good day on offense so maybe the fans will stop their bickering for at least 1 day.

Ok...off to have a few beers, root for my picks, and get ready for another romp of the Ponies.

Below is what I blogged from the simulation when my power cut off:

The temperatures are in the low 60's, the rain is coming down hard, the wind is out of the southeast at 15 mph...so let's play some football! Much like the last time SMU and Texas Tech met up in Lubbock (2006), the weather is less than desirable for this matchup. The Red Raiders come in as the heavy favorite, with the Vegas line currently having them at 37 point favorites. Personally, I'm setting the # of passes between the two teams at over 100. Something tells me that's a safe number. SMU will get the ball to start the game so let's get to it...

1st Quarter

- The Ponies have definitely taken a play out of the Eastern Washington playbook asthey've come out throwing all sorts of screens and hitches as Mitchell stars the game 6 of 7 and leads the Ponies into the endzone. Wait...holding on DeMyron Martin and now it's 1st and goal at the Texas Tech 20.

- On 3rd and goal from the 12, Marlon Williams breaks up a pass to an otherwise wide open WR and Mustangs settle for a FG.

SMU 3 Texas Tech 0 10:52 1st Quarter

-I know it's random, but Kirk Herbstreit commented that, "This (Texas Tech) offense has been waiting all week to get back out on the field and show what they're made of." A nice, subtle reference to the Nevada game.

- SMU brings a lot of pressure on Tech's first drive and while they don't get to Harrell...he can't get in an early rhythm and it's 3 and out for the Air Raid. SMU takes over at their own 25 after a nice punt.

(EDITORS NOTE: Despite my best efforts, the game keeps lining up Jamar Wall at slot WR instead of Detron Lewis. I've decided to take over control of the offense and this keeps Wall out of the game. The defense will still be played by the CPU.)

- This time the Air Raid moves right down the field in 6 plays and Harrell finishes off the drive with a 10 yd TD pass to Adam James.

(picture)

Texas Tech 7 SMU 3 6:04 1st

- Brandon Sesay is playing like a man possessed early on. He and Rajon Henley are beating their opponent on a consistent basis and have been VERY close to getting to the QB.

- On 3rd and long, Daniel Charbonnet steps in front of a Bo Levi Mitchell pass and Texas Tech takes over at the SMU 23 yard line after a nice return.

- 3 pass completions later...and Graham Harrell hooks up with Shannon Woods from 7 yds out for another touchdown.

(picture)

Texas Tech 14 SMU 3 2:10 1st Quarter

- This time Sesay bats Mitchell's pass up in the air but he can't hol on to the ball for the INT and it falls harmelessly to the ground.

- SMU is driving again and Mitchell is 13 of 19 for 121 yds and 1 INT at the end of the 1st Quarter. To compare, Harrell is 10 of 11 for 97 yds and 2 TD's.

2nd Quarter

- Somebody must've run the wrong route because the only guy within 10 yards of where Mitchell threw this pass was Brian Duncan.

(video)

- Just like last game, Harrell finds Michael Crabtree for a long TD pass. This one is good for 71 yards. A bad snap on the extra point...but Potts picks it up and finds Adam James wide open for the 2 point conversion.

Texas Tech 22 SMU 3 12:21 2nd Quarter

- After another failed SMU drive, Tech takes over in good field position. Unfortunately, Shannon Woods is hurt on the first play of the drive (bruised ankle) and the Red Raiders go 3 and out.

- Brian Duncan and Daniel Charbonnet ALMOST get in to block a punt but the ball is just out of reach...

(picture)

Navigating the High Seas of Lubbock

2008-09-12T16:20:00.003-05:00

For those that aren't aware...they've had a good bit of rain in Lubbock the last few days. So much in fact that Coach Leach decided to break out his pirate ship to view the situation.

Rest assured though that the water will be gone by 6PM tomorrow.

I had some trouble with picture uploading for the SMU sim game. I'll have it up either tonight or tomorrow before the game.

Nevada Game Recap

2008-09-09T14:33:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately...I don't really have much of one this time around. I was at the Rangers/Red Sox derby for the first half of the game and was only able to listen parts of the 3rd and 4th quarter on the radio (when it wasn't cutting out) so I don't have too many direct thoughts on this one. Here are the consensus thoughts I've taken from reading up on the game the last few days:

Graham Harrell had his worst game ever. I think that's a fairly safe and accurate statement to make. (Some could argue that he had a worse game vs TCU 2 years ago but I think more of his mistakes that day were attributed to TCU's defense instead of his own poor performance.) Including the Nevada game, Harrell has had 4 games in which he completed less than 65% of his passes. Oddly enough, they've all been on the road (he did complete exactly 65% vs Northwestern St last year in a 75-7 romp). Here's how Tech fared in those games:

9/16/06 TCU 12 Texas Tech 3...23 of 47 (48.9%) for 204 yds 0 TD 0 INT's
11/11/06 OU 34 Texas Tech 24...26 of 48 (54.2%) for 250 yds 2 TD's 1 INT
10/20/07 Missouri 41 Texas Tech 10...44 of 69 (63.5%) for 397 yds 1 TD 4 INT's
9/6/08 Texas Tech 35 Nevada 19...19 of 46 (41.3%) for 297 yds 1 TD 2 INT's

So looking at these numbers, we see that in games where Harrell has previously performed "below par" (he's completed 68.7% for his career at Texas Tech) that the Red Raiders don't come out on top. However, something changed in Reno on Saturday. Tech finally won a game in which Graham performed poorly. So now let's try to find the "how the hell did they pull this off" answer:

Possible Reasons for Victory

~~Jon Bible was officiating the game.~~ Nevermind...
The defense played a great game. Well yes...and no. Any time you give up 488 yds of offense it's hard to say that it was a "great game." However, when a team is 3 of 5 in red zone scoring opportunities and can only muster 9 points, then it's safe to say that defense stepped up when it had to. For the first time in a long time...Tech's defense exemplified a "bend but don't break" mentality. They allowed plenty of yards all over the field but once Nevada got close to the end zone, then the defense held strong and forced a fumble at the goal line and intercepted a pass.
The offense ran the ball effectively. For the second game in a row, Tech ran for over 100 yards as a team. The 22 carries allowed the Air Raid to chew up some much needed clock (they only held the ball for 23 minutes) and keep Nevada's defense on edge. On the season, Tech is 88th nationally in rush offense at 113.5 ypg, 1 spot (and yard) ahead of aggie...and on 27 fewer carries. By comparison, Tech was 119th (aka dead last) in 2007 with 59.3 ypg and only 3.13 ypc (vs 4.83 ypc this year). Also, Tech is running the ball 6 times more per game this season.
~~Leach's superior play calling abilities overcame Harrell's poor performance.~~ Sorry...forgot about the multiple failed 4th down plays INSIDE TECH's 30 YARD LINE!!!

A few other miscellaneous thoughts that I'll toss in at the end:

- Donnie Carona has now had 3 kicks (2 FG, 1 XP) blocked in his first 2 games. Some might argue that the kick protection is poor...but Carona's kick are still coming off too low and this definitely increases the chance of them being batted down (just like Harrell's low balls to WR's over the middle thrown between/over lineman). DC definitely has the leg to be a great kicker but maybe it's time to give Cory Fowler a few shots so that Leach has more confidence in his kicking game before conference starts. The last thing anybody needs is to lose a game like Mizzou last year when Leach keeps going for it instead of allowing a kicker to try a long FG...and Leach had every reason to have faith in Trlica's kicking ability last year too.

- Eric Morris returned a punt 86 yards for a TD in the 1st quarter. This is the first punt return TD for Texas Tech since Danny Amendola accomplished the feat in 2004 @ Kansas State.

- Brandon Williams had sacks on back to back plays. McKinner Dixon recorded 1.5 sacks. The team now has 7 sacks (9th in the country) in 2008. They only had 26 in 2007 (64th in the country).

- Tech's defense is averaging 6.5 tackles for a loss in 2008. They averaged 6 in 2007. While that doesn't sound like a big difference...the yardage gain (or lost for the offense) is significantly better this season. In 2007, Tech generated 25.1 ypg on plays that went for negative yardage...or 4.12 yards lost per play. In 2008, Tech has generated 41.5 ypg on plays that lost yards...or 6.38 yards lost per play. With this info is from a limited sample, we can already see what difference Ruffin McNeill's defense is making in 2008. For comparative purposes, the 2005 defense that went to the Cotton Bowl averaged 4.58 tackles for a loss at only 3.69 yards lost per play. Great job Coach Ruff. Keep up the good work!

Ok that about wraps up my thoughts on Nevada. Tune in tomorrow (hopefully) for the Tech vs SMU NCAA 09 Simulation. I'm going to start jacking with the depth chart in the game (i.e. - remove LA Reed, keep Jamar Wall from showing up at WR) to try and generate as real of a simulation as is possible. I'm also tweaking the game's AI some to create a "real outcome" with a sample size of 1. Until tomorrow...enjoy this:

Thoughts for Saturday/Nevada/etc

2008-09-06T11:54:00.002-05:00

I'm not as worried about this game as I should be. Maybe I'm crazy...but I think Tech wins this one with a nice margin of victory.

Texas Tech 41
Nevada 21

Now on to other more exciting things...

Mr Crabtree has shown up on Youtube again. This time in a workout video. It looks like a piece for Gameday later this year but there's no way to tell just yet. Maybe this means Gameday is considering a trip to Lubbock for the Texas game!

For the betting folks today...here's who I'm playing:

Texas -27
Tulsa -22
ECU - 8

That's all I've got on a Saturday. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RAIDERS!!!

Crabtree blogging for the New York Times

2008-09-04T20:37:00.002-05:00

Michael Crabtree is blogging for the New York Times this season. His first entry is a quick introductory post about himself, his family, and what a brief look at what his life is like in Lubbock.

Texas Tech vs Nevada - Simulation

2008-09-04T12:00:00.004-05:00

Well the plus side is that I've got some pics and videos for this game. However, since EA Sports didn't see fit to add Mackay Stadium into the game...I decided to move the game to UNLV's Sam Boyd Stadium.

First Quarter

- Nevada wins the coin toss and will start at their own 32 yd line.
- After a nice QB draw by Kaepernick, he goes play action only to find that Marlon Williams has snuck in front of his intended WR and intercepted the ball at the Nevada 43 yd line.

- Nevada has pressured Harrell on every pass he's thrown, but he's completed the first 3 to 3 different WR's and the Red Raiders are down inside the 10 yd line. 1st and goal.
- On 3rd and goal, Shannn Woods makes a nice catch along the sideline but is stopped a yard short of the goalline. No worries though as he walks into the endzone on 4th down behind a pair of nice blocks from Rylan Reed and a pulling Brandon Carter.

Texas Tech 7
Nevada 0
10:50 1st Quarter

- We have our first penalty of the day as Franklin Mitchem rips off the helmet of the Nevada return an and the Wolfpack will start the drive at their own 48 yd line.
- Rajon Henley gets to Kaepernick on 1st down for an 8 yd sack. However, Nevada is able to convert on 3rd and 15 to get inside the Texas Tech 40 yd line.
- What looks like a play action screen is negated as Colby Whitlock gets to Kaepernick for a 6 yd sack.

- Taylor Charbonnet breaks up what would've been Nevada's third 3rd down conversion on the drive and the Wolfpack come up just short on a 48 yd FG attempt.

6:56 1st Quarter

- Graham has found Crabtree with 3 consecutive passes for just over 25 total yds. Nevada is keeping a lot of tight pressure on #5 to keep him from putting up the YAC yardage.
- Two pass plays to the Elf...and you've got 36 yds and another Texas Tech touchdown!

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 14
Nevada 0
4:30 1st Quarter

- Be glad that you aren't the one having to face Brandon Sesay...here he goes sky high to swat down a pass on 3rd and long to kill another Wolfpack drive.

- The final play of the 1st quarter finds Kaepernick hitting the turf for the 4th time.

2nd Quarter

- On the first play of the 2nd quarter, Nevada tries a screen play but Marlon Williams sheds his block, intercepts the pass, and goes 16 yards untouched to the end zone.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 21
Nevada 0
14:55 2nd Quarter

- Jamar Wall has seen a little bit of time at slot WR and has had 2 nice catch and runs on quick outs.
- Adrian Reese lines up in the slot and has a very nice 14 yd catch in traffic to move the chains on 3rd down.
- Harrell fakes a draw to Shannon Woods on 3rd and long and throws towards the endzone to Detron Lewis. Unfortunately the ball is just underthrown and Nevada picks it off and returns it to their own 18 yd line.

8:08 2nd Quarter

- Nevada is using some 3-3-5 and getting really nice pressure on Harrell.
- On 3rd and long, Harrell finds a wide open Detron Lewis on a wheel route and he goes the distance for another Texas Tech touchdown.

Texas Tech 28
Nevada 0
4:26 2nd Quarter

- Nevada is doing a really nice job moving the ball through the air. Unfortunately, their offense is built to run the ball and they aren't have much success on the ground. Still, they're inside Tech territory with under a minute left until halftime.
- Brandon Sesay drops into zone coverage on a RB and snags first INT as a Red Raider. He tries to take it back about 70 yds but is finally caught by a Nevada RB around the 5 yd line after carrying him on his back for close to 10 yds.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

- This time it only takes 1 play as GH finds Eddie B for a 6 yd TD just before the half.

Texas Tech 35
Nevada 0
Halftime

Noteable Stats
- Graham Harrell is 16 of 21 for 207 yds 3 TD's and 1 INT
- Michael Crabtree has 4 receptions for 40 yds
- Ed Britton has 3 catches for 35 yds and 1 TD
- Brandon Sesay has 2 tackles, 1 QB sack, 2 tackle for loss, and 1 INT
- Marlon Williams has 4 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, and 2 INT's
- The Swarm has sacked Kaepernick 5 times and picked off 3 of his passes in the first half.
- Nevada has 93 net yards in the first half (98 passing, -5 rushing)
- Texas Tech has 210 net yards in the first half

3rd Quarter

- The Air Raid is having a VERY methodical drive this time, having chewed up almost 5 minutes off the clock. Unfortunately, it ends with 33 yd Donnie Carona FG this time after 12 plays and 62 yards.

Texas Tech 38
Nevada 0
10:08 3rd

- Another Nevada drive, another Texas Tech INT. This time it's Brian Duncan stepping in front of a pass.

- The Red Raiders go 3 and out but this time Donnie Carona's 54 yd FG attempt falls short after hitting the bottom bar.

- Eddie B is having a really nice day today. He's had 3 big time catches to keep this drive going down into the Nevada redzone.
- On 3rd and goal, Harrell finds Aaron Crawford out of the backfield for a Red Raider touchdown. I doubt we see the starters out on the field too much longer.

Texas Tech 45
Nevada 0
1:28 3rd Quarter

- Bront Bird strips Kaepernick on 3rd down and Brandon Williams recovers at the Nevada 43. The first team offense is coming back out on the field for Texas Tech.

4th Quarter

- Despite having to fight through double coverage most of the game, Michael Crabtree finalls gets in the endzone for his first TD of the day.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Texas Tech 52
Nevada 0
13:38 4th Quarter

- It took 3+ quarters but the Wolfpack finally find the scoreboard late in the 4th against Texas Tech's backups.

- The Red Raiders run the clock out and this one is over!

Texas Tech 52
Nevada 7
FINAL

FINAL STATS

Total Offense...398...242
Passing Offense...33 of 48 356 yds 5 TD's 1 INT...20 of 34 184 yds 1 TD 4 INT's
Rushing Offense...26 carries 42 yds 1 TD...24 carries 58 yds 0 TD's

Graham Harrell - 30 of 42 336 yds 5 TD's 1 INT

Ed Britton - 8 catches 104 yds 1 TD
Michael Crabtree - 7 catches 65 yds 1 TD
Detron Lewis - 4 catches 86 yds 1 TD
Eric Morris - 5 catches 60 yds 1 TD

Jamar Wall - 10 tackles 2 pass deflections
Marlon Wiilams - 7 tackles (2 for loss) 2 INT's (1 for TD)
Brian Duncan - 6 tackles (2 for loss) 1 INT
Brandon Sesay - 4 tackles (4 for loss) 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR

Thoughts on Eastern Washington Game

2008-09-02T15:58:00.003-05:00

As usual...I'm the last one to the blogosphere party after a game. We stayed until early in the 4th quarter on Saturday and then drove to Amarillo...and I didn't get back to Dallas until about 11:30 PM last night. As a result, I'm pretty beat and haven't had time to write anything yet. With that out of the way, I'm going to start with a list of reasons I DO NOT think the sky is falling on this team:

1) The defense gave up 300 yards passing. Eastern Washington had a VERY good gameplan for this game. They have a very talented QB and a couple of quality WR's. However, they also know that Texas Tech's defense has better athletes than their pass catchers. As a result, they ran all sorts of quick outs, hitches, and other quick hitting passes that 1) got the ball out of the QB's hands ASAP, 2) negated Tech's athletic superiority by not allowing them to make plays, and 3) kept the ball out of the hands of the Red Raiders. They were able to sustain long drives with this scheme. Note that they gained 5.4 yds/pass vs Tech's 9.2 yds/pass...and Tech didn't take very many shots downfield. They had were 74% to 26% pass/run. Oh...and I won't even get into how wide open their guys were on two TD passes.

2) We only won by 25 points against a 1-AA team. For anybody that thought we'd beat EWU along the lines of the 75-7 Northwestern St win from 2007 or 80-21 over Sam Houston in 2005...you were sadly mistaken. It didn't take a lot of research to realize that Eastern Washington was going to be a much better team. A little bit of googling will teach you that the Eagles lost in the 1-AA Quarters to Appalachian State, they're a Top 10 FCS team, and they've got a plenty of All-Conference and few All-American players. As a point of reference, UMass is #4 in 1-AA and they LOVE to run the ball. This will be a nice test for Ruffin's D.

3) Our team looked uninspired and inconsistent. Hmm...this goes a bit against the last point but I'll do it anyways. You're playing a 1-AA team, you're expected to blow them out, you've got the most explosive offense in the country...the list goes on and on for why the guys looked less than interested at time. What impressed me the most was hearing EMo, Harrell, Duncan, etc comment after the game that they were disappointed in the performance and they all acknowledged that they didn't give EWU enough respect. I doubt it happens again this week.

Now...let's get to 2 reasons to be worried about the future:

First and foremost, we better start praying that our starting O-Line stays healthy this season. As was the case last year against Mizzou when Shawn Byrnes went down with an injury and the line struggled to protect Harrell for the rest of the game...the same thing happened with EWU. They weren't able to sack Graham but 3 1-AA lineman shouldn't be getting that kind of pressure on him on a consistent basis. With Vasquez injured (though he should play on Saturday) and Rylan Reed still returning from a broken ankle in last year's Gator Bowl (he was limping throughout the contest with EWU), the possibility of a Chris Olson, Lonnie Edwards, or Mickey Okafor playing significant minutes is very real...and given what we've seen so far there is definitely cause for concern for the Red Raider Nation.

Also, 18 penalties is down right scary. I don't care who the opponent is or what the circumstances were...a team that commits 18 penalties doesn't deserve to win. What's more, the # of 15 yd penalties (8) is the most demoralizing. I counted 6 personal fouls, a pass interference, and a kick catch interference. It doesn't matter what level of effort we see in future games. If sound fundamentals and discipline aren't there then it WILL cost Texas Tech at least one victory this season.

I'll just throw out some quick hits on things that I was pleased with:

- Run defense looked great. Then again EWU stopped running after the 1st quarter and only ran in situations where it was obvious they were going to...but 22 carries for 23 yards is good no matter who you are.
- Detron Lewis is going to be a nice improvement over Amendola. Don't get me wrong...I've always liked DA and was thoroughly pissed at the Cows when they cut him (but were able to get him to the practice squad)...but Detron (aka The Truth) brings an improved level of size and athleticism to the position that was missing the past few seasons.
- Having 3 guys that are capable running backs is a great problem to have. When one guy struggles (Woods) then the other guys (Batch and Crawford) can come in and offer different looks to the defense. This allows the offense to be more versatile and control the field that much more than in the past. I felt that Woods had a few too many touches last Saturday and Matt Moore indicated this week that he's going to try and balance out the carries a bit more.

Ok...that just about all for now. I'll be back later with my NCAA 09 blog and simulation of Texas Tech @ Nevada.

Texas Tech 2008 Season Prediction

2008-08-29T21:35:00.003-05:00

It's Friday night...which means some of you have started up your first tailgate of the year. I'm stuck in Dallas for another 9 hours before I make the first of 3 treks to Lubbock this season (I'll also be at SMU and Texas as well as OU in Norman) to root on the Red Raiders. Since we're just about as close as we can get to the start of the Big 12 season (we won't consider Baylor's shellacking last night)...it's time for my 2008 predictions.

Texas Tech 56 Eastern Washington 13 (1-0) - Harrell and company will pick apart an Eagles secondary that is without both starting CB's for 300 yds by halftime as Tech heads to the locker room up 42-3. At this point it's a matter of how long the Leach and Ruff want to play the starters.

Texas Tech 52 Nevada 17 (2-0) - A game that's 17-14 Tech at the half is out of reach by the start of the 4th. The offense kicks it in gear after a slow start as Harrell takes a few drives to adjust to throwing the ball at 5000 ft elevation. The defense turns in another very solid performance despite giving up 14 early points due to good field position for Nevada.

Texas Tech 70 SMU 14 (3-0) - June Jones is welcomed to West Texas with the Ponies' worst loss of the season. Tech scores as much as they want in this game as the Air Raid throws for 500+ against the Ponies and Shannon Woods turns in a nice 100 yd rush/50 yd receiving game.

Texas Tech 66 UMass 7 (4-0) - One more rout as the Red Raiders finish off their ho hum non-conference schedule. The defense is the star in this one, holding the Minutemen to under 150 yds total offense and scoring at least 1 TD.

Texas Tech 48 Kansas State 17 (5-0, 1-0) - The Red Raiders make their first big statement of the year in the "Little Apple" as Woods, Batch, and Crawford combine for 150 yds on the ground and remind Daniel Calvin over and over of his mistake in choosing to play for the Wildcats. Oh...and the Swarm repeatedly tells Josh Freeman to STFU as they get to the QB for 4 sacks and hit him 10+ times!

Texas Tech 35 Nebraska 20 (6-0, 2-0) - The good news for Nebraska...they hold Tech to half the points that they allowed the last time they visited Lubbock. The bad news for Nebraska...they can only double their offensive output from the last time they visited Lubbock. Joe Ganz makes some nice plays and Bo Pelini's defense shows flashes of greatness...but the Huskers still have a ways to go as Tech easily rolls over Big Red for a 35-6 lead before the Huskers get 2 late 4th quarter TD's against Tech's 2nd and 3rd string defense.

Texas Tech 52 Texas A&M 17 (7-0, 3-0) - The 12th Man is worked into a frenzy midway through the 3rd quarter when JaPorky Lane belly flops into the endzone and the football explodes. Unfortunately the score is now and 42-10 and aggie is quickly returned to their miserable existence as this happens:

Welcome to the new Big 12 Mike Sherman!

Texas Tech 41 Kansas 38 OT (8-0, 4-0) - Tech falls in a HUGE hole early (think 24-3 middle 2nd quarter) as the perennial A&M hangover is evident on the team. However, this year is different...and the Air Raid gets a late TD just before half and comes out with a strong drive to start the 3rd quarter and cut the deficit to 24-21.

A quick 3 and out from the Jayhawks and Harrell finds Detron Lewis in the endzone 4 plays later. It feels like the rout is at 28-24 on but these aren't your daddy's Jayhawks. Kansas goes on a methodical 14 play drive and chews up the rest of the 3rd quarter, putting a TD on the board to start the 4th quarter with a 31-28 lead. Unfortunately for Rock Chalk, the Air Raid is operating at 100% efficiency and finds pay dirt with just under 10 minutes left and reclaims the lead at 35-31.

Todd Reesling refuses to lose this game and is scrambling all over the backfield to avoid Sesay, Williams, et al and finally gets a TD on the board after converting 3 3rd downs and 1 4th down on a drive that takes just under 8 minutes off the clock.

This time, the Air Raid moves the ball down the field but can't reach the endzone in time and has to call on true frosh Donnie Carona to keep the dream season alive from 42 yds out. Fortunately, Carona quickly stamps his name in TT lore and shows ice cold veins just like his predecessor, Alex Trlica.

In overtime, L.A. Reed makes his switch to defense worthwhile as he steps in front of a Todd Reesling pass and takes it 78 yds to pay dirt. However, Randy Christal is officiating the game and flags Reed for excessive celebration/taunting on his way into the endzone. Thanks to rule changes in 2008, this is a 15 yd penalty and Texas Tech takes over at the KU 40 yd line for it's first possession of overtime.

Fortunately for the Red Raiders, Christal can't do much about Michael Crabtree as he picks up 21 yds on consecutive passes from Harrell. Leach wastes no time in getting out of Lawrence with a victory and sends in Carona for a 34 yd FG attempt on 2nd and 8 (Harrell ran a QB sneak to get the ball in between the hashes). Carona comes through again...Raiders win...get the hell out of Kansas before Mangino gets hungry!

Texas Tech 55 Texas 31 (9-0, 5-0) - Graham Harrell send the Horns and their putrid secondary packing. Will Muschamp just might be the latest and greatest DC on the market...but very few times your first experience facing the Air Raid a good one...and his is no different. This is Harrell's statement game for the Heisman as he throws for 450+ and 5 TD's.

Texas Tech 42 Oklahoma State 21 (10-0, 6-0) - Yet another year of the home team winning this game. Tech is sluggish to get going for an 11AM start and it's 14-14 at the half. Things finally click late in the 3rd quarter with the score knotted at 21 all and the Red Raiders win going away...setting up a HUGE showdown in Norman in 2 weeks.

Oklahoma 38 Texas Tech 34 (10-1, 6-1) - The Red Raiders channels visions of the 2007 OU game as they go up 27-10 in the 2nd quarter. However, Sam Bradford finds Manuel Johnson for a late TD and the teams go to the locker room at 27-17. A big 3rd quarter has the Sooners taking a 38-27 lead into the final period of play. Harrell and company are able to orchestrate one scoring drive to get within 4 points with under 4 minutes to play...but they can't get the ball back until there's 30 seconds left on the clock and 70 yds of field in front of them...and the dreams of a perfect season fall just short on a bitterly cold night in Norman.

Texas Tech 42 Baylor 24 (11-1, 7-1) - The Bears show glimpses of improvement under Art Briles and they hang with Tech through halftime with the scoreboard reading 21-17. However, the Red Raiders superior talent shines through in the 3rd quarter and Leach finally calls the dogs off early in the 4th quarter after 3 straight TD drives with the game in hand. Baylor scores a late TD to cover the spread...and Tech's seniors go out as a part of one of the best Texas Tech classes ever, finishing with 45 wins over a 5 year period.

Parting Thoughts

If the season plays out even remotely close to what I've conjured up, I think many a Tech fan will be able to look back and smile at the end of the year. I'm not going to predict if 11-1 gets Tech into the Big 12 Championship or a BCS game because 1) those things are out of Tech's control and 2) they had their chance to seal a Big 12 Championship in the OU game. If 11-1 puts Tech in the Cotton Bowl vs Auburn or LSU...I'm happy. If 11-1 puts Tech in a BCS Bowl game...I think all but the most naive Red Raider will be thrilled beyond measure.

So now let's sit back...root for our team at all times...stop waiting for the Germans to bomb the Jones...and enjoy the ride!!!

Texas Tech vs Eastern Washington - Simulation

2008-08-27T12:01:00.003-05:00

With temperatures in the low 80's and a nice, steady breeze out of the Southwest, your Texas Tech Red Raiders begin their 2008 season against the Eastern Washington Eagles. Unfortunately, I forgot to save all of the photos that I took from this game so this simulation won't be as fun to look at as future posts.

1st Quarter (EWU will kickoff)

- Ed Britton with a very nice 34 yd kickoff return out to the TT 43 yd line.
- After 2 runs by Shannon Woods net 9 yards, Harrell goes to deep to Crabtree but the ball is knocked away by the defense.
- Tech goes for it on 4th down with a backfield of Crawford and Crabtree. Crabtree takes the ball on a pitch from Harrell and goes 49 yards untouched to the endzone.

Texas Tech 7
Eastern Washington 0
Early 1st Quarter

- Two runs for a loss and a deflected pass and the Eagles are punting.

- Eric Morris with a huge 23 yd return to the EWU 38 yd line.
- On 1st and 10 from the EWU 27, Harrell finds Crabtree at the 13 yd line. He makes 1 man miss and finds the endzone for a TD.

Texas Tech 14
Eastern Washington 0
9:44 1st quarter

- Marcus Bunton welcomes an EWU to the Big 12 with a huge clothesline to break up a pass that would've given the Eagles a first down.

- Finding no luck running the ball, the Eagles try a screen pass on 3rd down but that is quickly snuffed out by the Tech defense and they have to punt again.

- Eric Morris with another great return to give the Air Raid the ball on their opponents 30 yd line.
- Harrell tries to thread the needle on a pass to Adrian Reese on 3rd and long but the ball falls incomplete.
- Donnie Carona calmly converts his first Big 12 FG from 45 yds out.

Texas Tech 17
Eastern Washington 0
7:22 1st quarter

- Anthony Hines steps in front of a pass on 1st down and returns it to the EWU 13 yd line before being knocked out of bounds.
- 2 plays later, Crabtree again finds the endzone, this time on a WR sweep.

Texas Tech 24
Eastern Washington 0
6:44 left in 1st quarter

- Marcus Bunton picks off a pass at the EWU 43 yd line and returns it for a TD. This is absolutely brutal. I could be leaving before halftime!

Texas Tech 31
Eastern Washington 0
4:12 left in 1st quarter

- Things are turning around for EWU now. They get a nice kickoff return and a first down before having to punt. This time they stop EMo after a 3 yd punt return and the Air Raid will take over at their own 25 yd line.
- Things don't stay that way for long though as Harrell finds Ed Britton behind the safeties for a 69 yd completion and TD.

Texas Tech 38
Eastern Washington 0
1:14 left in 1st quarter

- Another 3 and out for the Eagles but the first quarter is FINALLY over!

Texas Tech 38
Eastern Washington 0
End of 1st Quarter

- Texas Tech is unable to move the ball and tries a fake punt on 4th and long from the EWU 46. However the pass is knocked down and the Eagles take over.
- After EWU gets 2 first downs, Brandon Sesay destroys the QB on 3rd down and his pass falls hopelessly to the ground.

- After a relatively quiet start to the 2nd quarter, Crabtree streaks down the sideline and is an easy target for Harrell to find; this time it's for a 66 yd TD, Crabtree's 4th of the day.

Texas Tech 45
Eastern Washington 0
8:12 2nd Quarter

- Harrell goes deep over the middle but underthrows Adrian Reese and the pass is easily picked off by a waiting safety with just under 6 minutes left.
- Former Tech WR turned CB (he's currently injured in real life) L.A. Reed makes up for his old QB's mistake and intercepts a pass 3 plays later.
- This time it's a 2 play drive that ends with Harrell finding Detron Lewis for a 19 yd TD.

Texas Tech 52
Eastern Washington 0
4:23 2nd Quarter

- The Red Raiders finally have a long, sustained drive that ends with Harrell finding Adrian Reese in the corner of the end zone on a 3 yd pass.

Texas Tech 59
Eastern Washington 0
0:23 2nd Quarter

- For good measure, Brandon Sesay bull rushes the opposing OT and sacks the QB to end the first half.

Texas Tech 59
Eastern Washington 0
HALFTIME

Noteable Stats
- Graham Harrell is 18 of 27 for 279 yds 5 TD's and 1 INT
- Michael Crabtree has 7 receptions for 139 yds and 2 TD's as well as 2 carries for 51 yds and 2 TD's
- Ed Britton has 3 catches for 81 yds and 1 TD
- Brandon Sesay has 2 tackles, 1 QB sack, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 QB hurries
- The hypothetical L.A. Reed leads the defense with 5 tackles and 1 INT. He also has 2 pass deflections
- Eastern Washington has 28 net yards in the first half (37 passing, -9 rushing)
- Texas Tech has 341 net yards in the first half

Start of 3rd Quarter

- The backups are in now for Tech's offense. The defense is a mixture of starters and 2nd string guys.

- EWU drives inside Tech's 35 yd line but can't make a 48 yd FG.

Texas Tech 59
Eastern Washington 0
8:39 3rd Quarter

- Taylor Potts leads the offense to the EWU 26 yd line but badly misjudges the defense and throws the ball to a wide open LB.
- On their next possession, Potts is 3 of 3 and finishes off the drive by finding Harrison Jeffers on a screen pass where he's able to show off his talent by making 3 guys miss on his way to a 39 yd TD catch and run.

Texas Tech 66
Eastern Washington 0
4:40 3rd Quarter

- Anthony Hines picks off a pass at the EWU 32 yd line but Tech has to settle for a FG to start the 4th quarter.

Texas Tech 69
Eastern Washington 0
14:44 4th Quarter

- Another inconsistent drive from Taylor Potts ends with Donnie Carona bouncing a 37 yd FG attempt off the left upright...8:19 left in the 4th

- Taylor Potts finds Detron Lewis in the corner of the endzone for a 14 yd TD pass.

Texas Tech 76
Eastern Washington 0
3:46 4th Quarter

- Eastern Washington gets the ball down inside the Tech 5 yd line but loses 3 yds on 3 plays. They go for it on 4th down but Brandon Sesay blows up the halfback on an attempted HB screen and the Eagles still don't get on the board.

Texas Tech 76
Eastern Washington 0
2:02 4th Quarter

- Graham Harrell in at QB now (no idea why). After a long run is called back due to holding, Harrell finds Detron Lewis for a 97 yd TD pass with just under a minute left.

Texas Tech 83
Eastern Washington 0
:53 4th Quarter

FINAL STATS

Total Offense...663...166
Passing Offense...33 of 60 589 yds 8 TD's 2 INT's...15 of 36 134 yds 0 TD's 4 INT's
Rushing Offense...12 carries 74 yds 2 TD's...36 carries 32 yds 0 TD's

Graham Harrell - 19 of 29 376 yds 6 TD's 1 INT
Taylor Potts - 13 of 29 199 yds 2 TD's 1 INT

Michael Crabtree - 7 catches 139 yds 2 TD's, 2 carries 51 yds 2 TD's
Detron Lewis - 11 catches 234 yds 3 TD's
Eric Morris - 7 catches 86 yds

Brian Duncan - 7 tackles 1 tackle for loss 1 INT 2 pass deflections
L.A. Reed (hypothetical) - 7 tackles 1 INT 2 pass deflections
Brandon Sesay - 5 tackles (3 for loss) 2 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR

College Football Pick'Em Contest

2008-08-26T16:39:00.003-05:00

I'm going to be running a college football pick'em contest this year.

If you are interested, post a comment to this thread WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS and I'll send you over the info on how to sign up.

Here's how it will work:

- Pick 5 teams (1 from Pool A, 1 from Pool B, 1 from Pool C, 1 from Pool D, 1 from Pool E)
- You earn points each time your team wins a game.

Here's the point structure:
1 pt for non-conference win
2 pts for conference win
3 pts for conference championship
5 points for bowl game win
8 points for BCS bowl game win
10 points for BCS National Championship

- Points will be tallied up at weekly and sent out via email.

Tiebreak Procedures:
1. Your team wins national championship
2. # of BCS bowl teams on your roster
3. # of BCS bowl game wins
4. # of bowl game wins
5. # of conference championships
6. # of wins from Pool E team

E-mail me your picks by this Friday at 5PM CST. If you can't have them to me by that time, let me know and I can give you an extension until Saturday morning. Feel free to pass this along to others that you think might be interested.

Football Season is FINALLY here!!!

2008-08-25T12:16:00.002-05:00

I guess now is as good a time as any to come out of hibernation. Football season is upon with the season opening game vs Eastern Washington coming up this Saturday. Here's what I'm working on this week:

- Season prediction (all games, scores included)
- NCAA 09 prediction of EWU vs TT
- Preview on EWU

While I return to other less important things, I leave you with this video from a recent EWU football function:

It's a sellout!!!

2008-08-20T15:40:00.002-05:00

That's right...season tickets for Texas Tech's 2008 season are all gone as of this morning. A press release hasn't come out yet but you can no longer buy any season tickets online.

Additionally, single game tickets Texas (and the 2 game mini-pack option), @ aggie, and @ OU are also sold out. You can buy a 3-game pack for EWU, Okie Lite, and Baylor for $125/ticket. There are a limited number of seats available in the north endzone and the upper level corners.

If there was ever a year that the athletic department needed the money (with them needing to get Leach a new contract ASAP) this was the year for the sellout. Now it's time for a 10+ win season and increasing national and statewide prominence for the Red Raiders.

Get well soon Jessie!!!

2008-07-27T18:41:00.001-05:00

I ran across this today and wanted to share her story.

Texas Tech vs Oklahoma - NCAA 09 Simulation

2008-07-17T22:39:00.009-05:00

So I got bored and decided to run/watch a simulation of Texas Tech @ Oklahoma...and blog about it. The game was played at night, temperature was 37* at game time with a light breeze out of the north. In other words, your perfect November evening in Oklahoma. I let the game run on 6 minute quarters and All-American difficulty. Next time I'll probably run a simulation on 7 minute quarters for more accurate stats.

1st Quarter

- On OU's first play from scrimmage, Brandon Williams hits DeMarco Murray in the backfield and he fumbles. Jamar Wall picks it up and runs 33 yards to the endzone for a TD.

Texas Tech 7
Oklahoma 0

- Oklahoma goes 3 and out on their second series and Tech takes over at their own 30 yard line.

- Harrell finds Britton for a nice completion on 3rd down but it's a yard short of the 1st down and TT has to punt it away. A nice punt return from Murray and OU takes over on their own 39 yd line.

- DeMarco Murray leads the way on this drive, running for 23 yards on 3 carries. However, he was stopped for no gain by Marlon Williams on 3rd and 2 from at the 10 yd line and the Sooners have to settle for a field goal.

Texas Tech 7
Oklahoma 3

- A nice kick return by Aaron Crawford is negated by a clipping penalty and Texas Tech has to to start the drive at their own 12 yd line.

- Shannon Woods gains 12 yds on a HB screen on 3rd and 9 to keepthe drive going. The next play, Graham Harrell tries to run a speed option. Didn't work out so well. EA needs to take that play out of TT's playbook.

- Tech calls a fake punt on 4th and 3 at their own 48 yd line. The ball is snapped to the upback (Adam James) but he's stopped at the LOS for no gain.

---End of 1st Quarter---

Texas Tech 7
Oklahoma 3

- DeMarco Murray again leads the way with 9 rushing yards on 3 carries and 1 reception for 18 yds. However, the Sooners come up short and have to settle for a 33 yd FG.

Texas Tech 7
Oklahoma 6

- Eric Morris gets his first catch of the game, an 18 yd catch and run on a deep out that moves the ball out to midfield for the Red Raiders.

- On 3rd and 10, Crabtree makes a BEAUTIFUL catch on an 11 yd out route along the sideline to keep the drive alive. Tech now inside the red zone.

- Again on 3rd down, Crabtree catches a slant 2 yds shy of the marker but drags his defender far enough up field for another first down inside the 10 yd line.

- On 2nd and goal, Aaron Crawford is stopped at the goal line. On 3rd down, Shannon Woods gets stuffed in the backfield. Holding called but the penalty is declined.

- In typical Leach fashion, Tech goes for it on 4th down from the 2 yd line. Harrell fakes a run to Woods, pump fakes a fade to Crabtree, and finds a wide open Detron Lewis in the far corner of the endzone.

Texas Tech 14
Oklahoma 6

Middle 2nd Quarter

- Jamar Wall comes out of nowhere to break up what looks like a guaranteed completion from Bradford to Iglesias on 3rd down and the Sooners have to punt.

- On 3rd down at their own 38 yd line, Harrell makes an ill-advised pass and is picked off by SS Nic Harris, who returns it to the Tech 40 yd line. Just over a minute left in the quarter.

- The Swarm is once again up to the challenge in keeping the Sooners out of the endzone and a 55 yd FG attempt is wide right just before halftime.

- On the last play of the half, Harrell throws one up to the endzone but it's picked off by Brian Jackson at the goalline. He returns it all the way to the Tech 30 yd line before Rylan Reed sends him flying off the field...literally.

Texas Tech 14
Oklahoma 6

---HALFTIME---

Key Stats

Graham Harrell - 16 of 22 for 92 yds 1 TD 2 INT's
Sam Bradford - 8 of 11 for 47 yds

Shannon Woods - 4 carries for 13 yds, 2 catches for 11 yds
DeMarco Murray - 11 carries for 24 yds, 4 catches for 16 yds

Michael Crabtree - 4 catches for 29 yds
Jermaine Gresham - 2 catches for 11 yds

NOTE: OU is 0 of 5 on 3rd downs in the 1st half, has 5 first downs and 75 total yards of offense. By comparison, Texas Tech has 104 yds of offense, 8 first downs, and is 2 of 6 on 3rd downs.

- Texas Tech will get the ball to start the second half and Aaron Crawford returns it to the 30 yd line.

- On their first play from scrimmage, Michael Crabtree is lined up in the backfield alongside Graham Harrell w/ Morris, Britton, Lewis, and Leong at WR. Tech runs a HB screen that nets them 7 yds. Nice wrinkle in the playbook.

- Eric Morris with 2 very uncharacteristic drops on back to back plays that would've given the Red Raiders a first down inside the 25 yd line. Not to worry though as Crabtree makes a nice grab along the sidelines to keep the drive alive.

- Graham Harrell keeps it himself on 1st and goal from the 3 yd line for the Texas Tech touchdown!!!

Texas Tech 21
Oklahoma 6

Middle 3rd

- Freshman Donnie Carona puts the kickoff through the back of the endzone with no wind blowing. Pretty impressive and hopefully we'll see plenty of that this year!

- DeMarco Murray does his best to lead the Sooners down the field but he's finally stuffed at the Tech 35. The Sooners try another FG from 51 yds out but this one is no good as it hits the crossbar and falls helplessly into the end zone.

- Wow...Tech tries ANOTHER fake punt from midfield. This time, it's P Jonathan LaCour pulling up and trying to throw to Adam James. However, his pass is knocked to the ground as the 3rd quarter comes to a close.

Texas Tech 21
Oklahoma 6

End of 3rd Quarter

- On the first play of the 4th quarter, Brian Duncan picks off a Sam Bradford pass and returns it to the Texas Tech 48.

- On the next play, Shannon Woods runs for 24 yds to the Oklahoma 28 yd line.

- Aaron Crawford breaks off a nice 15 yd run to get the ball down inside the 5 yd line.

- In what can only be described as superhuman, Michael Crabtree somehow comes up with this pass for a touchdown. As you can see below, it was likely intended for Aaron Crawford and it looks like OU LB Ryan Reynolds is about to intercept the pass. Well nevermind, I can't get the picture to upload. Long and short, Crabtree reaches around (or possibly through) Reynolds and pulls the ball in for a one handed TD.

Texas Tech 28
Oklahoma 6

Middle 4th

- Times are getting desperate for the Sooners. It's taken 2 consecutive 4th down conversions just to get the ball out to midfield. With just under 3 minutes left on the clock, it looks to be too little too late for the boys up ther ein Norman.

- Pete Richardson decides to put the game out of reach as he picks off a Sam Bradford pass at the Texas Tech 18 yardline, sealing all hopes of a late Sooner rally.

- Looking like they were going to run the clock out, Texas Tech runs a PA pass out of the goalline formation on 3rd and short and Harrell's pass is picked off by Lendy Holmes at the Tech 27 yd line.

- With just under a minute left, Bradford finds Juaquin Iglesias on 4th and goal for a meaningless touchdown. It's render further useless as DeMarco Murray is stuffed by 3 or 4 defenders trying to get the 2 point conversion.

- Demonstrating their ignorance, the OU faithful are chanting "OU...OU...OU" after Tech recovers the onside kick. Somewhere, I think I can hear the Tech students that made the trip inserting the word "sucks" after every "OU" from the rest of the crowd!

- On the last play of the game, Brandon Williams puts a beautiful swim move on Phil Loadholt (who's fresh out of rehab) and swats Sam Bradford's hail mary pass back in his face. Ballgame...

Texas Tech 28
Oklahoma 12

FINAL

Key Stats

Graham Harrell - 32 of 47 for 200 yds, 2 TD 3 INT's (one before halftime and another while trying to run out the clock)
Sam Bradford - 22 of 35 for 140 yds, 1 TD 2 INT's

Shannon Woods - 8 carries for 34 yds, 7 catches for 17 yds
DeMarco Murray - 18 carries for 49 yds, 4 catches for 16 yds

Michael Crabtree - 9 catches for 65 yds and 1 TD
Juaquin Iglesias - 6 catches for 33 yds and 1 TD

NOTE: OU was 2 of 12 on 3rd down, had 12 first downs and 193 total yards of offense. By comparison, Texas Tech has 236 yds of offense, 17 first downs, and was 7 of 13 on 3rd downs.

Simulation of the 2008 Season - Part II

2008-07-17T11:00:00.002-05:00

I'm working my way through a campus legend season right now (I'm a backup QB for Georgia) and here's how the game has simulated the 2008 season so far (I'm through November 1st games). I'll update this again after I get to the end of the regular season.

BCS Rankings (only undefeated teams)
1. Wisconsin
2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
4. Texas Tech
5. West Virginia
8. Pitt

Top 10 Rankings (Coaches/AP)
1. Wisconsin
2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
4. Texas Tech
5. West Virginia
6. Pitt/Ohio State
7. Ohio State/USC
8. USC/Pitt
9. Auburn/Arizona State
10. Arizona State/Auburn

Top 5 Heisman Contenders
1. Lucas Taylor
2. Graham Harrell
3. Jeremy Maclin
4. DeMarco Murray
5. Chase Daniel

Texas Tech stats
Graham Harrell - 247 of 330 (74.8%) for 3153 yds (350 ypg) 37 TD's 4 INT's

Michael Crabtree - 70 catches for 912 yds (101.3 ypg) and 11 TD's
Eric Morris - 60 catches for 565 yds (62.7 ypg) and 8 TD's
Ed Britton - 45 catches for 602 yds (66.8 ypg) and 7 TD's
Detron Lewis - 23 catches for 295 yds (32.7 ypg) and 2 TD's

Shannon Woods (starting RB) - 28 catches for 498 yds (55.3 ypg) and 6 TD's
Aaron Crawfod - 26 catches for 376 yds (41.7 ypg) and 7 TD's

Top Defensive Players
Brian Duncan - 44 tackles w/ 8 TFL, 2 sacks and 1 INT
Victor Hunter - 43 tackles w/ 23 TFL and 2 sacks
Marlon Williams - 37 tackles w/ 7 TFL and 8 sacks
Rajon Henley - 34 tackles w/ 9 TFL and 3 sacks
Jake Ratliff - 32 tackles w/ 9 TFL and 4 sacks
Brandon Williams - 24 w/ 12 TFL and 5 sacks
Colby Whitlock - 18 tackles w/ 7 TFL and 4 sacks
Jamar Wall - 18 tackles, 3 INT's (1 returned for TD), 11 passes defended

Misc Stats
Team has 35 sacks (3.75 per game).
Team is allowing 21.2 ppg.
Turnover differential is +10 (23 takeaways, 13 giveaways).
We've committed 58 penalties...roughly 65th in the country.
Wisconsin is last with 79 penalties.
42% conversion rate on 3rd down.
66% conversion rate on 4th down.

Team Rankings
Pass Offense - #1 (followed by BYU, New Mexico State, Mizzou, and SMU)
Rush Offense - #119 (only 216 yds...Hawaii at 463 yds and SMU at 464 yds)
Total Offense - #3 (Georgia and Mizzou are Top 2)

Pass Defense - #46
Rush Defense - #42
Total Defense - #41

Texas Tech Schedule/Results
vs Eastern Washington 55-5
@ Nevada 56-10
vs SMU 42-28
vs UMass 49-7
@ Kansas State 46-14
vs Nebraska 45-35
@ A&M 38-30
@ Kansas45-37
vs Texas42-25
vs Oklahoma St
@ Oklahoma

Big 12 Standings
#3 Mizzou 9-0 (5-0)
#2 Oklahoma 9-0 (5-0)
#4 Texas Tech 9-0 (5-0)
Oklahoma State 6-3 (3-2)
Texas A&M 7-2 (3-2)
#14 Kansas 7-2 (3-2)
#19 Texas 6-3 (2-3)
Nebraska 6-3 (2-3)
Kansas State 4-5 (1-4)
Iowa State 2-7 (1-4)
Colorado 2-7 (0-5)
Baylor 1-8 (0-5)

Simulation of the 2008 Season (courtesy of NCAA 09)

2008-07-16T09:13:00.003-05:00

Holy hell...it's a blog post on FOR. We haven't had one of these in over a month. Yes yes...I'm alive but haven't had too much time to come with anything worth posting. Well with the release of NCAA 2009, that has all changed. I decided to use the game to simulate the 2008 season and share my results with you. Obviously we're looking at a sample size of 1...but for the most part it seems reasonable enough. I'm working my way through a campus legend season right now (I'm a backup QB for Georgia) and here's how the game has simulated the 2008 season so far (I'm through October 11th games). I'll update this again after I get through the Texas game, Oklahoma game, and then post a final one.

A few things to note:

- The game is missing Brandon Sesay and McKinner Dixon. I can't yet edit rosters to have them in the game as there is a roster glitch that EA is working on.
- The game has Victor Hunter as starting MLB and Brian Duncan as starting LOLB. Duncan will be starting at MLB and Sam Fehoko will likely be 2nd on the depth chart over Hunter.
- The First BCS rankings will come out after the next week of games and I'll include those with the Texas game update.

Top 10 Rankings (Coaches/AP)
1. Wisconsin
2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
4. Texas Tech/West Virginia
5. West Virginia/Texas Tech
6. Auburn
7. Kansas
8. Texas (lost to OU in OT)
9. Ohio State (lost to Wisconsin)
10. USC (lost to Ohio State)

Top 5 Heisman Contenders
1. Graham Harrell (166.7 rating, 186 of 256 (73%) for 2409 yds (401.5 ypg) 29 TD 3 INT
2. Chase Daniel
3. Lucas Taylor, WR Tennessee (41 catches for 853 yds (142 ypg) and 11 TD's
4. Tim Tebow
5. Sam Bradford

Texas Tech stats
Michael Crabtree 38 catches for 507 yds (84.5 ypg) and 6 TD's
Eric Morris - 39 catches for 422 yds (70.3 ypg) and 7 TD's
Ed Britton - 33 catches for 438 yds (73 ypg) and 5 TD's
Detron Lewis - 18 catches for 191 yds (31.8 ypg) and 2 TD's
Shannon Woods (starting RB) - 18 catches for 279 yds (46.5 ypg) and 4 TD's
Aaron Crawfod - 17 catches for 302 yds (50.3 ypg) and 4 TD's

Top 6 tacklers are Duncan (LOLB), Hunter (MLB), M Williams (ROLB), Henley, Ratliff, Collier (ROLB).

Williams, Duncan, and Ratliff all have 4 sacks. Team has 24 sacks (4 per game).

Team Rankings
Pass Offense - #1 (followed by Mizzou, SMU, BYU, and New Mexico State)
Rush Offense - #119 (only 212 yds...Hawaii at 305 yds and SMU at 350 yds)
Total Offense - #16 (Hawaii is #119...looks like June Jones knew when to leave)

Pass Defense - #21 (OU is #22, A&M #9, Texas #8)
Rush Defense - #16 (OU is #10, Mizzou #13, Kansas #14, Texas #15)
Total Defense - #16 (OU #15, A&M #14, Mizzou #13, Texas #8)

Texas Tech Schedule/Results
vs Eastern Washington 55-5
@ Nevada 56-10
vs SMU 42-28
vs UMass 49-7
@ Kansas State 46-14
vs Nebraska 45-35
@ A&M
@ Kansas
vs Texas
vs Oklahoma St
@ Oklahoma

Big 12 Standings
#3 Mizzou 6-0
#7 Kansas 6-0
#2 Oklahoma 6-0
#4 Texas Tech 6-0
Oklahoma State 4-2 (1-1) lost to Mizzou
#8 Texas 5-1 (1-1) lost to OU
#25 Texas A&M 5-1 (1-1) lost to Okie Lite
Iowa State 2-4 (1-1)
Colorado 2-4 (1-1)
Nebraska 4-2 (0-2)
Kansas State 3-3 (0-2)
Baylor 1-5 (0-2)

Still alive...just not here

2008-06-09T11:19:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick update. I've been changing jobs the past few weeks and my new job no longer has me in front of a computer all day. As I complete this transition, I'm considering a few routes for the blog as we approach the 2008 season.

On the recruiting recap front, I've slowly been putting together the next few posts but the lists are pretty long and I don't have 3-4 hrs in a day to sit down and work through a list. Nonetheless, I plan to get through the defensive lists this month and take time to revamp the site for the upcoming year.

Looking Back at Class of 2003...Centers

2008-05-31T15:31:00.003-05:00

Full Schedule by Position

Four Star Centers

1. Jordy Lipsey, Virginia - Lipsey was the Cavaliers starting center in 2006 and 2007 but was not picked up by any NFL team following the 2007 NFL Draft. His bio from UVA doesn't indicate that he won any conference or national awards.

2. Jerry Sevin, LSU - Jerry Sevin shows up on LSU's roster his freshman year...but there is no record of him playing for the Tigers...or anyone else beyond the 2003 season.

3. John Sullivan, Notre Dame - John Sullivan logged 40+ starts at center for the Fighting Irish and was named to multiple All-American lists his senior season. He struggled snapping from the shotgun his senior season and saw his draft stock take a nose dive as a result. However, the Minnesota Vikings picked him up in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL Draft as a potential successor to aging veteran Matt Birk.

Other Center of Note

6. Ryan Kalil, USC - Kalil was a very good center for the Men of Troy and started from 2004-2006. He turned in standout performances at the 2007 Senior Bowl and NFL Combine which lead to the Carolina Panthers drafting him in the 2nd Round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He was the 1st center taken in the draft that year. I'm not sure what role Will Ferrell played in preparing Kalil for the draft...but there could be something behind his involvement with USC football. The NCAA should look into this...

Crabtree befriending Pacman???

2008-05-28T12:39:00.003-05:00

The Star-Telegram had an update on Adam "Pacman" Jones today and it includes this little nugget of goodness:

(Pacman) Jones, who moved to Dallas a couple of weeks ago, is working out with Cincinnati Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chicago Bears receiver Devin Hester and Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree at SMU under the guidance of former Cowboys superstar Deion Sanders.

Looking Back at Class of 2003...Offensive Guards

2008-05-19T14:50:00.004-05:00

Full Schedule by Position

Five Star Offensive Guards

1. Ofa Mohetau, Brigham Young - Gifted with the size and skill to be a premier lineman in the NFL for years to come, Ofa had arguably the worst work ethic of any player. Injured at BYU, he transferred to the College of the Sequoias (CA). He signed with Texas Tech in 2006. From here on out, I'm going to provide you with some comments on Ofa I received from the guys at RRS when I asked for their insight on Ofa for the blog:

You won't be able to do that. Ofa ate your blog.
He will sit on you if you act up at the Ghost Bar, where is employed as a bouncer.
By far one of the most talented OL prospects I've seen. However, he had not heart or desire.
My neighbors are friends of Ofa's family and cousins to the Fehoko's. They tell me that in their "community" people can not understand why Ofa blew his chance for a college education and a pro football career.
That's crazy. It's the same feeling we have in my "community."

There you have it...some thoughts on arguably the biggest waste of talent in Texas Tech history. He also provides a good amount of humor for the membership.

Four Star Offensive Guards

2. Drew Radovich, Southern Cal - Radovich suffered from a nagging hip injury early in his career yet he was a 2 year starter for the Trojans. He spent 2006 as their starting left OG before moving to RT his senior year. To Pete Carroll's surprise, Radovich went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but was happily picked up by the Minnesota Vikings.

3. Andrew Bain, Miami (FL) - Serving primarily as a backup (32 games) for the Hurricanes, he moved into the starting role in 2007 and started 10 games. Considered a fringe NFL prospect at best, he signed with the New York Giants after going undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft.

4. Sam Baker, Southern Cal - Moved to tackle during his redshirt year, Baker started 49 games (39 consecutive) for the Trojans, earning All-American status twice (1st - 2006, 2nd - 2007). He suffered from a long line minor leg injuries. The son of AFL commissioner Dan Baker, he was drafted in the 1st Round (21st Overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2008 NFL Draft.

5. Jeff Zuttah, Michigan - A sad but interesting story. Zuttah signed with the Wolverines out of high school. He made them aware of his sickle-cell anemia but the Michigan Athletic Dept decided that Zuttah couldn't play sports in Ann Arbor after he had signed a scholorship to play football for them. To their credit, the Wolverines offered to honor his scholorship and allow him to be a part of the team (but not play), but he chose to transfer to Stanford instead and was granted a waiver by the NCAA so he didn't have to sit out a year. However, he only played in a few games before his career with the Cardinal ended. I found a few mentions that he excelled in track at Stanford but nothing too concrete.

6. Donnie Woods, Maryland - Woods played 4 years for the Terps before enlisting in the military. Enjoy this article about the military, his recruitment out of high school, and a man with a good head on his shoulders.

7. Tripp Carroll, Virginia Tech - Now I bring you the story of a kid who lost the heart to play the game at a high level and quit the team (and football altogether) after 2 seasons in Blacksburg.

8. John Frady, Florida State - Moved to center shortly after arriving in Tallahassee, Frady started the next 3 years for the Noles despite his relatively small stature (6'4" 270 lbs). At one point before his senior year, the coaches looked at moving him to tight end. However, that didn't last for long and he remained at center.

9. Brian Zimpel, Oklahoma - There's not too much info out there on Zimpel as he only lasted a season in Norman before dropping out. I can't find where he surfaced at any other school of note.

10. Kevin Brown, UCLA - He was transitioned to the defensive line during his first year in Westwood. Brown started his final 25 games for the Bruins and was an integral part of their defensive front four. He went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but signed on with the Seattle Seahawks at the same time they picked up Texas Tech WR Joel Filani.

11. Zeb McKinzey, Georgia - Zeb never started a game for the Dawgs of Athens. He spent a season as a reserve offensive lineman but multiple shoulder injuries cut his career short and he left the team sometime during or after his junior season in 2006.

12. PJ Irvin, UCLA - Unlike McKinzey, PJ Irvin stayed healthy during his time with the Bruins but never cracked the starting offensive line. He saw limited action as an offensive lineman but saw playing time on the special teams units.

13. Jarrod Britt, Auburn - Britt was another casualty of multiple shoulder injuries. He had to have multiple major surgeries done to repair his shoulder and decided to leave the program before the 2005 season.

14. Ian-Yates Cunningham, Virginia - A back injury delayed the start to his career but Yates Cunningham was able to start 31 games at offensive guard in Charlottesville. He went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but was quickly signed by the Kansas City Chiefs.

15. Dan Mazan, Penn State - Mazan transferred to Rutgers after redshirting at Penn State in 2003. However, he didn't fare much better with the Scarlet Knights as he was continually passed over on the depth chart by other offensive lineman.

Other Offensive Guards of Note

16. Cody Wallace, Texas A&M - Moved to center at A&M where he started 3 years for the Aggies. Wallace was a 4th round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2008 NFL Draft.

42. Steven Justice, Wake Forest - A 3 year starter at center for the Demon Deacons, Just was a 6th round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2008 NFL Draft.

The Tech Factor

See the Ofa saga along with my post in Offensive Tackles. I included all of the Tech lineman from that year in that post.

I found something worth donating a body part for...

2008-05-16T08:52:00.002-05:00

and Mr. Pete Fiutak...if you're right...you can have my liver (it'll grow back) or a kidney (you only need one!)...

So what the hell am I talking about? Well enjoy the "Way too early 2008 BCS Bowl Projections" from Mr Fiutak. Yes he's a huge Tech fan and gives us more national respect than any other talking head...but at this point I'm not complaining!

FedEx Orange Bowl
Jan. 1 / 8 p.m. Miami Gardens, Fla. FOX
BCS vs. BCS (ACC Champion, if available)
Way Too Early Projection: Clemson vs. Texas Tech
Top 5 Others Considered: 1) Virginia Tech, 2) Boston College, 3) West Virginia, 4) Florida, 5) Georgia

The ACC champion is automatically in, and the assumption is that Clemson, troubled offensive line and all, will get here. The Orange, assuming it doesn't lose the ACC champion to the BCS Championship game, will pick last from the at-large teams. While it might lobby for the second best SEC option and hope to grab West Virginia or Wisconsin because of their traveling fan bases, Texas Tech, the projected loser of the Big 12 championship game, would likely be the last team chosen.

Looking Back at the Class of 2003...Offensive Tackles

2008-05-09T09:11:00.005-05:00

Full Schedule by Position

Five Star Offensive Tackles

1. Jorrie Adams, Texas A&M - Adams epitomizes bust. Considered the perfect OT prospect, the Aggies were looking forward to plugging Adams in at LT for four seasons before sending him off to the top of the NFL Draft. However, Adams couldn't cut it on the o-line and was moved to the defensive side of the ball. He had a nice freshman year in 2004 and was expected to lead the defensive line as a sophmore. However, he was arrested on felony drug charges in College Station after being dismissed from the team and hasn't been seen from since.

2. Martin O'Donnell, Illinois - O'Donnell had a very nice career as a left guard for the Illini. A freshman All-American and 3-time Academic Big Ten, he was also a 4 year starter. An All-American guard in 2007 on the Illinois squad that went to the Rose Bowl, he chose to call it quits instead of pursuing a career in the NFL.

Four Star Offensive Tackles

3. Ryan Poles, Boston College - Poles took over the Eagles' left guard spot in 2006 and was having a very good senior season in 2007 before an achilles injury sidelined him for the rest of his time at Boston College. He went undrafted but caught on with the Chicago Bears and will be in training camp with them.

4. Brian Daniels, Colorado - A four year starter at guard (first 3 years at strong guard, senior year at left guard), Daniels appeared on various All-Big 12 lists during his tenure in Boulder. He went undrafted in 2007 but is currently on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.

5. Joel Holler, Penn State - Holler showed up in Happy Valley somewhere north of 350 lbs (rumors have it as high as 370) and he was never able to get his weight down to the 305 lbs mandated by Joe Pa for him to see the field and elected to transfer to Delaware before the 2005 season. Not sure on his whereabouts after that as he didn't appear on the Blue Hens' 2007 roster, which would've been his senior season.

6. Donovan Davis, Mississippi State - Davis committed to the Bulldogs. However, I can't find any info on his playing career and he doesn't appear on either of their last 2 rosters. I did find mention of a player by the same name having played at Grambling State. He was mentioned as a draft sleeper but he doesn't appear on an NFL roster.

7. Aubrey McPhadden, Florida State - He signed with the Noles but didn't qualify academically and spent the next few years at East Mississippi CC. He signed with Ole Miss in 2006 but I can't find anything where he never appeared on a roster for the Rebels.

8. Eric Young, Tennessee - Young started 23 games for the Vols as an offensive tackle before an injury sidelined him late in the 2007 season. You can find a full bio on his career HERE on page 16 (last page). He went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but signed on with the Cleveland Browns.

9. Will Arnold, LSU - Arnold's career started off great as he started most of his freshman (RS) season as left guard for the Tigers. A 2nd team All-SEC lineman in 2005 and 2006, he missed most of his last 2 years in Baton Rouge due to injuries and didn't catch on with an NFL team after the 2008 Draft.

10. Adam Kraus, Michigan - Originally recruited as a tight end, Kraus switched to the offensive line after his redshirt year in Ann Arbor. A staple along an offensive line that included #1 overall pick Jake Long, Kraus started 35 games overall, including his final 26 consecutive games, at left guard before playing his final 5 games as the Wolverines' center. He signed a free agent contact with the Baltimore Ravens.

11. Steven Jones, Tennessee - Jones appeared in 11 games but never started for the Vols. He earned 1 varsity letter.

12. Trey Chandler, Georgia - Chandler's career was cut short by shoulder injuries before it ever started. He remained a part of the football program while keeping his scholarship.

13. Aaron Sears, Tennessee - A three year starter in Knoxville, he saw time at every position on the offensive line. Noteable awards include being named 1st Team All-American and the Jacobs Award, given to the SEC's top blocking offensive lineman. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Bucs in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

14. Ryan Schuler, Nebraska - Schuler suffered from blood clotting in his legs and high school...and it continued during his short time with the Huskers. He only appears on the team roster for the 2003 season. I haven't found any other information about him beyond that.

15. David Price, Mississippi State - Unfortunately, google is very saturated with information about the other David Price. I've tried multiple searches and can't find anything about this David Price. He doesn't appear on the Bulldogs roster either of the past 2 seasons.

16. Mike Jones, Iowa - Jones continually tried to earn playing time at right tackle for the Hawkeyes but was repeatedly moved back to left guard. At one point he started 34 consecutive games before missing a game his senior year. He was named 1st team All-American by Scout.com and 1st team All Big Ten. He signed on with the Bears after the 2007 NFL Draft, was cut last week and was picked up by the San Diego Chargers.

17. Matt Welsh, Virginia Tech - Welsh spent his time with the Hokies in the offensive line rotation. He primarily played left guard. I can't find any additional information beyond that.

18. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin - Thomas was a fixture at left tackle for the Badgers from 2004-2006. He was a first team All American in 2005 and 2006 as well as winner of the Outland Trophy in 2006. His success in Madison convinced the Cleveland Browns to make him the #3 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He did a superb job protecting Derek Anderson's blind side and earned his first Pro Bowl invite as a rookie.

19. Tyler Luellen, Missouri - Luellen was a fixture at the left tackle position for the Tigers. He started 39 consecutive games. He played an instrumental part in the Tigers winning the Big 12 North and Cotton Bowl during the 2007 season. Despite going undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft, he has signed with the San Diego Chargers.

20. Brandon Keith, Oklahoma - This is an interesting one. He signed with the Sooners in 2003 but quit the team shortly thereafter. He spent 2004 with a directional Oklahoma JUCO and was named 2nd Team All-American. He returned to the land of sooner in 2005 but quit the team again after not seeing the field. He finally landed in Northern Iowa where he was a solid right tackle for them when he wasnt injured. His upside outweighed his baggage though as the Arizona Cardinals drafted him in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

21. Jake Long, Michigan - Named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in both 2006 and 2007, Long was also a 1st Team All-American his last 2 seasons. He moved from right tackle in 2006 to left tackle in 2007. And oh yeah...he was the #1 overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.

22. Akim Millington, Oklahoma - Millington chose the Sooners over the Illini out of North Wheaton HS (Wheaton, IL) in 2003. However, he left Norman for personal reasons after being named the starting right tackle for the 2005 season and came back to Illinois. He was a fixture on the offensive line for the Illini, starting 10 games at left tackle and 13 games at right tackle. He went undrafted but signed on with the New Orleans Saints after the 2008 NFL Draft.

Other Offensive Tackles of Note

35. Gosder Cherilus, Boston College - Cherilus started 31 straight games for the Eagles and was a team captain in 2007. He was drafted in the 1st round by the Detroit Lions in the 2008 NFL Draft.

The Tech Factor

The Red Raiders signed quite a few linemen in 2003 (Dan Christian, Ben Griffin, Matt Grissel, Josh Morris, and Raymond Serres) but Griffin was the only to crack the 2 deep roster by the 2005 season.

Great ESPN Article on Mike Leach

2008-05-07T16:05:00.002-05:00

Really enjoyed this write up on Coach Leach from Mark Schlabach.

Leach, 47, isn't like most of his colleagues in a profession dominated by millionaires and workaholics. He typically reports to the office around 10 a.m. and leaves before 9 p.m. Once Leach returns home, he often stays up until 2 a.m. or later, watching TV programs few others know exist.

"If you're getting to the office at 6 a.m. and getting home at midnight, well, then you're wasting a lot of time," Leach said. "That's just a failure to manage your time. What are you doing in the middle of the day? Are you having a siesta?"

Looking Back at the Class of 2003...Wide Receivers

2008-05-06T19:38:00.009-05:00

Full Schedule by Position

Five Star WR's

1. Andre Caldwell, Florida - Other than missing a season with a broken leg, Caldwell was a standout WR for the Florida Gators and was instrumental in helping the Gators win the 2007 BCS National Championship. His success in The Swamp lead to the Cincy Bengals drafting him in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

2. Chad Jackson, Florida - If Caldwell was a star for the Gators, then Jackson was a superstar during his time in Gainesville. After playing a secondary role in 2003 and 2004, Jackson had a breakout year in 2005 with 88 catches (6th nationally) for 900 yards and 9 TD's. The New England Patriots were so enamored with Jackson that they traded up in the 2nd round of the 2006 NFL Draft to draft him. His first year in the NFL saw him as a reserve WR. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in the AFC Championship loss to the Indianapolis Colts and missed most of the 2007 season as well. He returned in November 2007 as a return man on special teams.

3. Robert Meachem, Tennessee - Despite not starting in his first two seasons of play, Meachem lead a Volunteer team in receptions in both 2004 and 2005. As the go to wideout in 06, Meachem blew up with 71 receptions for a school record 1298 yds and 11 TD's. A first round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 2007 NFL Draft, Meachem missed the entire season with a knee injury. However, he is "100% and ready to dominate the NFL" according to an entry on his wiki page.

Four Star WR's

4. Sean Bailey, Georgia - Serving as a backup for 3 seasons, Bailey moved into a starting role in 2007. He posted a serviceable season of 37 catches for 597 yds and 4 TD's. He went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but signed on with the Kansas City Chiefs.

5. Adarius Bowman, North Carolina - Now known as a star receiver for Oklahoma State, Bowman spent his first two years in Chapel Hill. He was kicked off the team for for undisclosed reasons (he failed a drug test in 2003) and chose to transfer to Stillwater after the 2004 season. In the past 2 years, he's had 127 catches for 2000+ yds and 20 TD's. He's been named 1st team All Big 12 and Newcomer of the Year in 2006. However, Bowman plead guilty to possession of marijuana shortly before the 2008 NFL Draft and as a result he went undrafted. At one time it looked like he was going to catch on with the Philadelphia Eagles but that rumor was quickly shot down and it doesn't appear that he's signed on with anybody just yet.

6. Mark Bradford, Stanford - Bradford was a nice player for the Cardinal. He had 132 catches for 1844 yds and 11 TD's over 4 seasons (he missed most of 2006 with an injury). He went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but was signed by the Dallas Cowboys. He was released after their minicamp last weekend.

7. Jayson Swain, Tennessee - Served as a backup WR for the Vols for 2 years but started opposite Robert Meachem and had 49 catches for 688 yds and 6 TD's. Swain went to camp with the Bears after the 2007 NFL Draft but was released shortly after the rookie minicamp.

8. Anthony Hill, LSU - Hill suffered a severe knee injury and never recorded a catch at LSU. He transferred to South Florida after the 2004 season. I can't find any info or stats from his time at South Florida or where (if anywhere) he went after that.

9. Dorien Bryant, Boston College - Bryant signed with the Eagles before heading to prep school (presumably because of poor grades). He then chose to play for the Purdue Boilermakers in 2004. He had 3 seasons of 80+ receptions and 900+ yds and 21 receiving TD's. He was also used sparing in the running game and had another 6TD's. A very productive receiver, his size scared away NFL teams from drafting him in 2008. However, he signed on with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

10. Mike Mason, North Carolina - Mason spent his first 2 seasons in Chapel Hill before being dismissed from the team following the 2005 season for reportedly violating the school's no tolerance substance abuse policy. He played his last 2 years for Tennessee State before heading to the NFL. He didn't last long with the Cleveland Browns though as he was dismissed shortly after being charged with 3 misdemeanors.

11. Craig Chambers, Washington - A productive but often troubled receiver with the Huskies, Chambers chose to transfer to 1-AA Montana after his sophmore season where he finished his career. One interesting note, he was listed at 6'5" by Rivals, 6'4" by Montana, but only measured to 6'2" by NFL Scouts. Interesting...

12. Craig Davis, LSU - Davis had 3 very productive years with the Tigers before heading to the NFL after his Jr year (2006). The San Diego Chargers took him in the 1st Round (3oth overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft and he had a nice rookie season as a backup WR for the Bolts.

13. Limas Sweed, Texas - An instrumental part of the Longhorns 2006 BCS National Championship. A starter for 3 years, Sweed was regarded as one of the top targets in the Big 12. Unfortunately, he reinjured the ligaments in his wrist vs OU in the 2007 season and missed the 2nd half of the year. He was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

14. Bret Smith, Tennessee - The 3rd receiver of the Vols recruiting class, Smith had minimal production his first 2 years at Neyland. Once Vols OC David Cutcliffe returned the production of all 3 guys increased dramatically. However, Smith was declared academically ineligble for the 2007 Outback Bowl. Things went from bad to worse as Smith, who turned pro early but went undrafted, was arrested by Knoxville police for evading arrest and leaving the scene of a crime.

15. DeCody Fagg, Florida State - Fagg had a very solid career that saw him as a starter for his final 3 seasons. Despite a poor QB situation, he was able to post increasing stats each season with bests of 54 catches for 758 yds and 5 TD's in 2007. Considered a 2nd day pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Fagg suffered a "career ending" injury at the NFL combine. Some speculated that he would still catch on with a team as a free agent but I don't think anything has materialized at this time.

16. Ruben Jackson, unsigned - Jackson committed to Idaho State but didn't qualify academically and ended up at City College San Francisco for 2 years. However, he busted his butt academically in his last 2 semesters and passed 36 hours of courses so that he could attend Oregon State. Though he didn't make it to the NFL, he has a really neat story about persevering against heavy odds.

17. Tyrell Gatewood, Texas - Originally signed as a WR, Gatewood was moved to safety while in Austin. A backup during his tenure on the 40 Acres, he decided that he enjoyed drugs a bit more than football and was eventually kicked off the team after multiple arrests.

18. B.J. Vickers, Louisville - He signed with Louisville, didn't qualify academically, went to Santa Monica CC for 2 years, spent a year with the Arizona Wildcats, and finished his career at West Texas A&M.

19. Matt Caddell, Alabama - He served primarily as a backup with the Tide but exceled when given the opportunity in 2007. He went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but caught on with the St Louis Rams.

20. Lonnie Hurst, Illinois - Hurst had a great start to his career as a true freshman for the Illini in 2003. A knee injury early in 2004 ended that season for him before it really started. He played in 1 game in 2005 but didn't record a catch. ESPN shows that he played for DIII St. Joseph's (IN) in 2006 but had a limited impact.

21. Dwayne Bowe, LSU - Bowe saw the field from the time he arrived in Baton Rouge in 2003. By his senior year, he and JaMarcus Russell had set a school record for most TD's between a QB and WR. Bowe was also named 1st team All-SEC and All-American for the 2006/07 season. His success continued in the NFL in 2007. As a 1st Round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, Bowe had a stellar season and was in contention for NFL Rookie of the Year if not for some guy named Adrian Peterson.

22. Tristen Ross, Oklahoma - Ross spent a few years in Norman and found his niche in skipping class...and thus skipping out on football as he was academically ineligible on a consistent basis. He landed at Louisiana College in 2007 and logged 1 catch for 12 yards.

Other WR's of Note

43. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame - A stellar wideout for the Fighting Irish under Charlie Weis, Samardzija was a finalist for the 2006 Biletnikoff and considered by most to be a high NFL draft pick. However, he chose to pursue a baseball career after being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 5th round of the 2006 MLB Amatuer Draft. He was signed to a 5-year, $10 million contract and is currently pitching for their Double A affiliate, the Tennessee Smokies.

The Tech Factor

For a school known for stockpiling receivers like a Key West resident stockpiles hurricane supplies, the Red Raiders didn't sign any WR's in the 2003 recruiting class.

Under the weather

2008-05-05T13:10:00.001-05:00

Not feeling so good today...so the WR recruiting recap will appear some time tomorrow instead of today. Sorry for the delay. I think at 22 guys this is the largest group so make sure to check back in tmrw!

Looking Back at Class of 2003...Tight Ends

2008-05-02T11:35:00.003-05:00

Full Schedule by Position

Five Star TE's

1. Tony Hills Jr, Texas - Reconstructive surgery on his left knee forced him to redshirt and then move to offensive tackle. He was a key reserve on the Longhorns' 2005 BCS National Championship team and a starter in 2006 and 2007. A fractured left fibula vs Texas Tech in 2007 kept him out of the team's final two games. His talent and consistency as a tackle was enough for the Pittsburgh Steelers to draft him in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

2. Greg Olsen, Miami (FL) - Having originally signed with Notre Dame, Olsen transferred to Miami his freshman year. A shoulder injury forced him to redshirt in 2003 but he took over the starting TE position after Kevin Everett headed off to the NFL. In three seasons at the U, Olsen racked up 1215 receiving yards and 6 TD's. His outstanding collegiate career paid dividends in the 2007 NFL Draft as the Chicago Bears drafted him with the 31st overall selection. He was named to the Professional Football Writers' All-Rookie Team for 2007.

Four Star TE's

3. Louis Irizarry, Ohio State - Saw time on special teams as a true freshman for the Buckeyes. In the spring of 2004, Irizarry was found guilty of felony robbery and sentenced to 3 years in prison. However...he was released after serving 6 months and transferred to Youngstown St. He sat out in 2004 and redshirted in 2005. Louis was the backup tight end and posted respectable stats the past 2 years. The Cincinatti Bengals invited him to their minicamp this weekend but have yet to tender an offer.

4. Vernon Davis, Maryland - Davis played mostly on special teams as a true freshman. He started to emerge as a viable receiving threat in 2004. He had a breakout season in 2005 and was named a consensus All-American and All-ACC player. Davis is also known for being a gym rat and he set every school strength record for a TE. Running a 4.38 40 at the 2006 NFL Combine sent him all the way to the 6th overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers. Injuries have hampered his NFL career but he's expected to be the starting TE in 2008.

5. Chris Barrett, Southern Cal - Barrett fell far short of expectations during his time at USC. He switched between tight end, defensive end, and defensive tackle but never made it to the top of the depth chart. When he wasn't switching positions, he evidently wasn't attending class all that often either as he was declared academically ineligble in the spring of 2007. He hoped to catch on with a CFL team but nothing ever materialized.

6. Jonathan Stupar, Virginia - Lettered 4 years (2004-2007) and started 17 games in his last two seasons. One interesting story, a broken foot in 2005 resulted in 2 surgeries. Before the 2nd surgery, doctors discovered that Stupar had been living for 20 years with a life threatening heart condition that had never been diagnosed.

7. Will Paul, Michigan - Though he's in the TE list, Paul was recruited to Ann Arbor as a defensive lineman. However, he switched to fullback before the 2005 season to serve as a blocking specialist. It's possible that he logged a few carries or maybe even a TD or two but the stats pages I found do not reflect any offensive statistics for him.

8. Garret Bushong, Purdue - Bushong played as a reserve his freshman year. During the season, HC Joe Tiller switched his number from 3 to 93, "to get his focus off wearing a single-digit number." He didn't play in 04 and saw very limited action in 2005. As he continued to drop on the depth chart...things fired up off the field. First Bushong was arrested for DUI. Then he decides to write a letter to the school newspaper complaining about his DUI being a "big story" and the bad press that athletes were getting for their various transgressions. Finally, his career unceremoniously came to a close in 2006 when he left the team due to a series of injuries that he was unable to overcome. Boilermaker Banter has all of the details on their site. It's an interesting read to say the least.

9. Josh Barbo, Missouri - Barbo never made an impact for the Missouri Tigers. After not really seeing any PT as a tight end, he switched to the defensive line in the Spring of 2005. Even so, he never got higher than 3rd on the depth chart as a DT or a DE (he played both at various times). He eventually left the program after the 2006 season with 1 year of eligibility remaining.

10. Josh Mueller, Nebraska - Mueller was a staple in the TE rotation for the Huskers. He played in 44 games over 4 years and made 5 starts. Mueller was mainly called upon in blocking situations as he only logged 6 career receptions. He was also a contributor on special teams. His most noteable acheivement was being named to the Big 12 Academic Honor Roll 7 different semesters.

Other TE's of Note

28. Martin Rucker, Missouri - Unlike #9 TE Josh Barbo, Rucker made a big impact for the Tigers. A 2nd team Freshman All-American in 2004, Rucker followed that up with a solid 2005 campaign. His stock soared even higher the next 2 years as he had 137 catches for 1,345 yards and 13 TD's while earning All-Big 12 and All-American during his time in Columbia. His exceptional size (6'5" 255 lbs) earned him the title of 4th round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2008 NFL Draft.

44. Brad Cottam, Tennessee - An injury plagued career with the Vols would leave many thinking that he's go undrafted in the NFL. However, he was healthy for the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine and did enough there to convince the Kansas City Chiefs to take the 6'8" 270 lb TE with their 3rd round pick.

52. Craig Stevens, Cal - A steady performer for the Cal Bears, Stevens appeared in 37 games (20 starts) during his tenure at Berkeley. Playing in an offense that doesn't feature the TE, he consistently produced 15 or so catches per season for 3 years. Most experts pegged him as a late round pick but the Tennessee Titans took a leap and grabbed him in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

The Tech Factor

37. David Weems, Texas Tech - I've searched and searched but can't too much info on him. The only tidbit out there is a fall practice report from August 2003 where Don Williams doesn't think that Weems will redshirt. He doesn't appear on the 2004 roster so redshirt or not...he didn't hang around on the team for too long. Somebody feel free to fill me in on this one.

Looking Back at Class of 2003...Running Backs

2008-05-01T10:26:00.009-05:00

Full Schedule by Position

Five Star RB's

1. Reggie Bush, USC - What needs to be said about him that isn't already well known?? Walter Camp Award? Check. Doak Walker Award? Check. Heisman Memorial Trophy? Check. Unanimous 1st Team All-American? Check. BCS National Championship? Check. 1st Round Draft Pick? Check. If you need more info...check out one of the many sites dedicated to the man.

2. Kregg Lumpkin, Georgia - Blowing out his knee in practice after his freshman year, Lumpkin had a nice season in Athens in 2006 when he started 9 games and ran for 798 yds and 6 TD's. However, he served mostly as a backup during his time with the Dawgs and was quickly passed on the depth chart by Knowshon Moreno and Thomas Brown on the 2007 depth chart. After going undrafted, Lumpkin signed on with the Green Bay Packers earlier this week.

3. Demetrius Summers, South Carolina - Summers had a great freshman season for the Gamecocks. However, positive drug tests lead to his dismissal from the team before the 2005 season. As indicated in the above link, he surfaced at a Dallas Cowboys mini-camp in 2006 but never made the team. Only bit of info I've found since is an arrest from August 2007.

Four Star RB's

4. Alley Broussard, LSU - This is an interesting one. Broussard spent 4 years at Baton Rouge and played a signifcant backup role to Joseph Addai and Justin Vincent. However, he chose to leave LSU before his senior season because his "heart was no longer in it." At the time he indicated that he would finish up his degree at LSU. However, he ended up transferring to Div II Missouri Southern State University. He showed up at LSU's Pro Day, went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft, and I haven't been able to determine if anybody picked him up. I've seen mentions that the Colts, Bengals, and Saints were all considering him but nothing confirmed.

5. Tyrone Moss, Miami - He started as a true freshman for the U and was a nice change of pace back for Frank Gore his first two years. His breakout year as the feature back in 2005 was cut short by a knee injury vs Virginia Tech but Moss was still named 1st-team All-ACC. He struggled to return to his old form in 2006 and saw limited playing time as a backup to Javarris James. Undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft, Moss attended the rookie minicamp of the Cleveland Browns but was cut shortly thereafter. It looks like his professional playing days are over.

6. Darrell Blackman, NC State - Despite showing up in Raleigh as a highly touted running back, Blackman made his mark as a return specialist. He earned recognition on multiple All-ACC, and All-American lists for his accolades on special teams. By 2007 he had fully transitioned from the backfield to wide receiver and he tied for the team lead in receptions. Blackman went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but has signed on the with Detroit Lions, who are likely considering him for a spot on special teams.

7. Lynell Hamilton, San Diego St. - Hamilton started out with a bang for the Aztecs, having the best freshman season in school history since Marshall Faulk and earning multiple Freshman All-American accolades. However, broken ankles, torn rotator cuffs, and damaged knees slowed him down over the rest of his career and he was eventually transitioned into a part-time fullback role. He signed with the New Orleans Saints earlier today and will attend their rookie minicamp.

8. Chauncey Washington, USC - Signing with the Trojans as one of three blue chip RB's (Reggie Bush and Lendale White being the others), Washington was quickly the odd man out. Multiple ankle injuries derailed him only 2 games into the 2003 season. He was ruled academically ineliglble in 2004...and again in 2005. The second academic suspension cost him his athletic scholarship but CW stayed at Southern Cal and regained his scholarship before the 2006 season. However, he was hit by the injury bug again in August practice and didn't return to his starting spot until the middle of the season. Injuries hampered him again in 2007 but he performed well when on the field and, combined with a 4.35 40 at the USC Pro Day, it was enough to earn a 7th round selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2008 NFL Draft.

9. LenDale White, USC - White had an impact as the perfect compliment to Reggie Bush from the time they stepped foot on the field in 2003. He quietly lead the team in rushing his first two seasons and was a 2005 All-American running back. He set a school record with 52 rushing touchdowns over his 3 year career. He parlayed his success at Southern Cal into a 2nd round pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2006 NFL Draft. He received limited carries in his rookie season before rushing for 1,100 yds and 7 TD's in 2007.

10. Barrington Edwards, LSU - Edwards saw limited playing time for the Tigers as part of their 2003 National Championship team. He chose to transfer to UNC after the season and sat out the 2004 year. He shared time with 2 other backs during the 05 and 06 seasons, running for less than 400 yards both years. He was suspended indefinitely from the team before 2007 spring practice and did not return in the fall.

11. Erik Hardeman, Texas - Showed up at the Forty Acres and never saw the field. He became academically ineligble during his redshirt year and was arrested with 20 grams of cocaine and $3,774 in his pockets shortly before Texas left for the 2005 BCS National Championship game.

12. Jason Evans, Stanford - Evans,who could safely be given the bust label, never started a game for the Cardinal. In 4 years he tallied 381 rushing yards as a reserve running back. He was also the team's kickoff return specialist with a career long return of 35 yards. Yeah...that's just depressing.

13. Cornell Johnson, unsigned - As the lack of school indicates...Johnson never committed to a school. He held out for an offer from OU that never came. He then planned to choose between UNLV and Oregon State but nothing ever materialized. He spent the 2003 season at Alfred State, a JUCO in New York. While there he set the school's single season rushing record. He then played for 1-AA Indiana State in 2004. They don't show any stats for him in the 2005 season but he declared for the 2006 NFL Draft. It doesn't appear that anything materialized for him though.

14. Brian Dennison, NC State - I can't find anything that shows where he actually showed up in Raleigh, NC. ESPN reflects that his name was tied to Bethune-Cookman at one point but it doesn't indicate a year nor does it show any game stats for Dennison.

15. Jerome Jackson, Michigan - Jackson served primarily as a backup running back for the Wolverines. He appeared in 35 games as the backup to Mike Hart. His career high was 105 yds vs Northwestern in a 2005 game. He received the Brandstatter/Beckmann Award that's given to the player that "best demonstrates passion, dedication and commitment to the team." He went undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft but was picked up by the Cleveland Browns. He spent the 2007 season the injured reserve list.

16. Skyler Thornton, Florida - Thornton spent a few years in Gainesville but rarely saw the field for the Gators. He was none too happy about it and made his feelings known to anybody that would listen. Eventually, he left the team and transferred to Valdosta State for the 2006 season. He was listed as a fringe NFL prospect but doesn't appear to have ever caught on with a team.

17. Andre Callender, Boston College - One could make the case that Callender should be listed as a dual-threat back. His first 3 seasons, he accumulated 1978 yds rushing (4.6/carry) and 497 yds receiving (8 yds/catch). Callender had a breakout year in 2007 with 989 yds rushing, 720 yds receiving and 13 total TD's.

18. Laurence Maroney, Minnesota - Maroney split time with Marion Barber III (now of the Dallas Cowboys) to form one of the best rushing tandems in college football. Upon Barber's departure to the NFL, Maroney stepped into the lead role in 2005 and again rushed for over 1000 yards. He is only the 3rd RB in Big 10 history to rush for 1000+ yards in each of his first 3 seasons. On the heels of his success as a Golden Gopher, Maroney declared for the 2006 NFL Draft and was taken in the first round by the New England Patriots. He split time with Corey Dillon during his rookie season before becoming the feature back in 2007.

19. Austin Scott, Penn State - Serving primarily as a backup when he wasn't injured, Scott got the starting nod for the 2007 season. However, Paterno kicked him off the team in early October and he was charged with rape and sexual assault shortly thereafter. Scott's case was scheduled to start on April 16th. However, the talent that he showed early in his career was enough to earn him an invite to the Cleveland Browns minicamp this weekend.

Other RB's of Note

22. Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech - A very good RB for Georgia Tech, Tashard etched his name all over the record books for the Yellow Jackets. He set school records for most 100 yd rushing games, most consecutive 100 yd rushing games, and most rushing attempts in a season. Choice has many other career numbers in the Top 5 in school history. His performance in college caught the eye of the Dallas Cowboys and they picked him up in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

The Tech Factor

Sione Havili - Came to Texas Tech as a RB but made the transition to LB and served primarily on special teams. After the the 2004 season, Havili transferred to Weber State for more playing time. In the summer of 2005, he filed a lawsuit against the University of Utah due to him not being allowed to tryout for the team in 2002. He claimed that he was not allowed to tryout because he was a convicted felon who spent a year in jail for arson in 1999.

edit - Here's an opinion piece I found speaking out against Havili's lawsuit. I'm still searching but have yet to find the outcome of the lawsuit. I might have to have the fiancee look it up in Westlaw or some other online law database that she can access.

Looking Back at Class of 2003...All-Purpose RB's

2008-04-30T10:06:00.006-05:00

Full Schedule by Position

Four Star RB's

1. Maurice (Jones) Drew, UCLA - A star running back at national powerhouse De La Salle (CA) HS, Drew headed to UCLA as the top all-purpose back in the country. He started all 3 years for the Bruins, being named All-Pac 10 punt returner (ahead of Reggie Bush) and 1st team All-American all-purpose back after the 2005 season. He shattered an NCAA record of 25.9 yds/punt return by establishing a new record of 28.5 yds/punt return.

2. Rashaun Grant, Georgia Tech - Named to the Freshman All-ACC team in 2004, Grant's career was repeatedly derailed by injuries. Every season he missed games due to various leg injuries. When on the field, he averaged 4.5-6 yds/carry...but unfortunately he never had more than 94 carries, which occurred during his freshman year. His extensive list of injuries kept him from receiving serious consideration in the 2008 NFL Draft.

3. David Marrero, Stanford - Marrero never had much of an impact for the Cardinal in his 3 seasons at Stanford. He transferred to San Jose State for grad school in 2007 and served as a backup punt and kick returner. He did attend Stanford's 2008 Pro Day but was never seen as a candidate to continue his football career in the professional ranks.

4. Michael Turner, Wisconsin - Out of Dunbar HS in Ft Worth, Turner appears on the Badgers 2003 roster. However, it doesn't look like he ever played a game for the Badgers...or anybody else according to my research. Feel free to leave a comment if you know anything about his playing career.

5. Albert Young, Iowa - Injuries have plagued Young since even he showed up in Iowa City. While a Hawkeye, he was injured during pre-season camp and was redshirted. Knee surgery after 2 games cut his 2004 campaign short. A healthy 2005 produced 1500+ all-purpose yards and 8 TD's. He missed a few games in 2006 due to a sprained knee but was able to start every game in 2007 and have a nice year of 1200 yds and 7 TD's. A fringe NFL prospect, Young was recently invited to the Minnesota Vikings mini-camp that begins today.

Other RB's of Note (edited)

19. Anthony Alridge, Houston - Unheralded out of Denton, TX, Alridge headed south to play for Art Briles (former Texas Tech RB Coach, current Baylor HC) in his first year at the helm in Houston. After his redshirt year in 2003, Alridge sat out the 2004 season and was not enrolled at Houston during that time. Upon his return to the team in 2005, Alridge played primarily as a wide receiver in Briles' wide open offense and averaged 22.7 yds/catch. In 2006, he was shifted into the backfield alongside Kevin Kolb (see #31 on dual-threat QB list) and RB Jackie Battle. They lead the team to a 10-win season and the Conference USA championship. Alridge averaged 10.1 yds/carry on only 95 carries to go along with 19 receptions for 274 yds. As the featured back in 2007, he did a great job in steadying the offense as the Cougars didn't settle on Fr (RS) Case Keenum at QB until later in the season. He churned out over 2000 all-purpose yards (1597 on the ground) and 20 TD's while finishing 2nd-team C-USA. He impressed scouts at the combine by running a 4.36 40 yd dash but concerns about his age (turns 25 in 2008) and size (5'9" 170 lbs) kept teams from drafting him. However, the Denver Broncos quickly signed him after the 2008 NFL Draft and he will begin minicamp this week.

The Tech Factor

Though the prototypical Texas Tech RB is best used as an all-purpose back (see Taurean Henderson and Shannon Woods), the one RB that Tech signed in 2003, JUCO RB Sione Havili, was not labeled as such by Rivals.

Looking Back at Class of 2003...Dual-Threat QB's

2008-04-29T14:14:00.007-05:00

Full Schedule by Position

Four Star QB's

1. Robert Lane, Ole Miss - Recruited as a QB, Lane chose Ole Miss over LSU where his father, also named Robert, played QB from 1977-79. He demonstrated a proven knack for running the ball and in 2005 he started the transition to H-back. He spent the next 2 seasons playing H-back, fullback, and TE before finally settling at the TE position for the 2007. He finished his career with 803 all-purpose yards and 4TD's along with another 321 yds and 1 passing TD. He was not drafted in the 2008 NFL Draft and has not signed a free agent contract.

2. Dennis Dixon, Oregon - After a slow start to his collegiate career, Dixon started to show signs of brilliance after taking over for an injured Kellen Clemens late in 2005. After setting career bests in three consecutive games to start the 2006 season, he fizzled late and the Ducks finished the season with a 38-8 drubbing to BYU in an irrelevant bowl game. Dixon took another step in 2007 and was a leading contender for the Heisman Memorial. However, a freak accident lead to torn ligaments in his knee...and thus the subsequent end to his season. Despite his injury, he was drafted in the 5th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 2008 NFL Draft. If you feel so inclined, you can check out his website for updates on his rehab work.

3. Marcus Stone, NC State - Taking over as the starting QB during the 2005 season, Stone guided the Wolfpack to a 5-1 finish including a 20-15 upset of #9 Florida St in Tallahassee. Despite the success at QB, he was moved to TE before the 2006 season. Two seasons of serviceable play (36 catches for 452 yds and 1 TD in 2007) later and it appears that he didn't pursue an NFL career.

4. Tyler Donovan, Wisconsin - After serving as a backup for 3 seasons, Donovan finally got the starting nod in 2007. A productive, though not overly impressive, season lead the Badgers to a 9-4 finish after a loss to Tennessee in the Outback Bowl. Considered at best a fringe NFL prospect, he chose to sign with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL earlier this month.

5. Syvelle Newton, South Carolina - Newton saw limited action at QB in 2006 after Blake Mitchell (see Part 1) was benched following a shutout loss to Georgia. He spent time at QB, RB, and WR during his college career and is one of only 4 players in NCAA history to have 600+ passing, rushing, and receiving yards in a career. He initially signed with the Montreal Alouettes but left the team after they switched him from QB to WR. He is now on injured reserve for the Georgia Force of the AFL.

6. Omarr Conner, Mississippi State - Conner spent most of his time in Starkvegas as a secondary receiving option. However, he was sometimes called upon to step in at QB when injuries depleted the depth chart. Seeing playing time from the time he stepped on campus, Conner lettered all 4 years for the Bulldogs before finishing after the 2006 season. After going undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft, he signed with the Mississippi Mudcats of the AIFL. He no longer shows to be on their roster though and his current whereabouts are unknown to me at this time.

7. Robert Johnson, Arkansas - RoJo was the Razorbacks' starting QB for the first 7 games of the 2005 season losing the job to true frosh Casey Dick. He again started the season at QB in 2006, but the heated QB battle between he, Dick, and blue chipper Mitch Mustain (now at Southern Cal) didn't turn out in his favor and he was eventually moved to WR. Johnson was a secondary receiving option for the 2007 season with a career high of 3 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD's vs Mississippi State. Undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft, Johnson is hopeful of signing on with a team but an opportunity has materialized at this time.

8. James Battle, TCU - After leading the Denton Ryan Raiders to 3 state championship games (and 1 state title in 02), Battle made the trek down I-35 to play for the TCU Horned Frogs. After 2 seasons as a backup QB and/or on the practice squad, Battle transferred to Stephen F. Austin in hopes of seeing the field. However, I can't find any sites that indicate that he actually played for the Lumberjacks in 06 or 07. I did find one mention of him serving as an assistant coach back at Denton Ryan in 2006 but the team website doesn't reflect him as a coach at this time.

9. Tom(my) Zbikowski, Notre Dame - Arguably the most well known player on this list (thanks to NBC and the Notre Dame media machine), Zbikowski started for 3 years at strong safety and punt returner, being named 3rd-team All American at both positions during his time as a golden domer. A decorated amateur boxer, Zbikowski made his professional debut in the summer of 2006 at Madison Square Garden, defeating Robert Bell (who entered the ring in an Ohio State jersey) by TKO in 49 seconds. Zbikowski was recently drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

10. Bernard Jackson, Colorado - Jackson's first two years (04 and 05) in Boulder resulted in minimal playing time at WR, TB, and on special teams. He took over as the team's starting QB in Week 2 of the 2006 season after James Cox was benched following a 19-10 loss to 1-AA Montana State. Named a team captain prior to 2007 spring practice, Jackson was unable to remain academically eligible and a rumored switch to WR never materialized. He showed up for the Buffs Pro Day for NFL scouts earlier this spring but has not been contacted by any NFL teams at this time. I also found a tidbit mentioning that he became a father in 2006 and that the demands on his time played a significant role in him losing his eligibility in the spring of 2007.

Other QB's of Note

15. Reggie Ball, Georgia Tech - Started at QB for 4 years at Georgia Tech without a redshirt. Missed the last game of his collegiate career after being declared academically ineligible. He moved to WR for the NFL Combine but a 4.8 40-time left scouts underwhelmed. He went to training camp with the Detroit Lions but was cut. He was picked up for the Lions' practice squad in December 2007.

31. Kevin Kolb, Houston - Kolb started for 4 years at QB for the Cougars, earning a laundry list of awards within C-USA. He was the first pick of the Philadelphia Eagles (36th overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft and is currently the #2 QB behind Donovan McNabb, to whom he is considered the heir apparent.

The Tech Factor

This might come as a shocker to many...but the Red Raiders haven't actively pursued the dual-threat (aka run-first) QB in the Mike Leach offense. They did sign top JUCO prospect Robert Johnson in 2004 but he eventually transitioned to WR.

Looking Back at Class of 2003...Pro-Style QB's

2008-04-28T10:14:00.006-05:00

Full Schedule by Position

Five Star QB

1. Kyle Wright, Miami Hurricanes - Wright went to Miami as the #1 QB prospect in the nation (5th overall). After an underwhelming career at the U where he suffered multiple injuries and multiple benchings as the starter, Wright went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft. He agreed to a Free Agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

Four Star QB's

2. Chris Leak, Florida Gators - Leak took over under center midway through his freshman year (2003). He was a 4-year starter, leading the Gators to a 13-1 season that culminated in winning the 2007 BCS National Championship over Ohio State. After not being picked in the 2007 NFL Draft, he signed with the Chicago Bears as a FA. However, he was cut on September 16th and was not picked up by any other team.

3. Tommy Grady, Oklahoma Sooners - Grady was the backup QB to Jason White during his redshirt freshman year (2004) and saw limited playing time. However, the Sooners signed top QB prospect Rhett Bomar after the season and Grady chose to transfer to Utah. He was the Utes' backup QB the past 2 seasons after sitting out in 2005 due to NCAA transfer rules. He doesn't appear to have been listed as an NFL prospect for the 2008 Draft and has not signed on with any team.

4. Clayton Richard, Michigan Wolverines - After his redshirt year, Richard lost the QB job to Chad Henne. At that time, he chose to focus on his baseball career and was drafted in the 8th round by the Chicago White Sox. He is currently playing for the White Sox AA team in Birmingham, AL.

5. Kevin McCabe, Virginia Cavaliers - Information is hard to find on McCabe. He went to UVA and was their backup QB as recently as 2006. However, he doesn't show up in their 2007 media guide and espn.com lists a QB by the same name as playing for the California (PA) Vulcans, an
NCAA Div II school.

6. JaMarcus Russell, LSU - Arguably the biggest name on this list, Russell was SEC Player of the Year (2006), winner of the Manning Award (2006), and Sugar Bowl MVP (2007). His stellar 2006-07 season lead to his selection as the #1 overall draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL Draft.

7. Andre Woodson, Kentucky - A 3-year starter, Woodson's biggest accomplishment was setting a new NCAA mark of 325 pass attempts without an interception. However, as his team's early success turned into a late season swoon, he saw his draft stock fall from potential 1st round pick all the way to the 6th round where he was drafted by the NY Giants.

8. Justin Midgett, Florida - Midgett attended Florida for a short time before academic problems (amongst other things) lead to his suspension and subsequent transfer to 1-AA Eastern Illinois (of Tony Romo fame). However, he remained academically ineligible at EIU and eventually surfaced with the Florida Firecats. He spent time with af2's Lubbock Renegades and Alabama Steeldogs in 2007 before being resigned by the Firecats for the 2008 season. However, the team website doesn't show him to be on the roster at this time.

9. Sam Keller, Arizona State - A backup his first two seasons, Keller played very well as the Sun Devils' starting QB in 2005. However, a broken hand sidelined him after only 4 games and Rudy Carpenter took over the starting job. Keller decided to transfer to Nebraska before the 2006 season and redshirted while having to sit out for a year. Keller fell short of expectations for the Huskers in 2007 and was replaced by backup QB Joe Ganz after breaking his collarbone in the team's 9th game vs Texas. He went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft and has yet to be contacted by any teams as a possible free agent pickup.

10. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame - A four-year starter for the Fighting Irish, he helped lead the team back into the national spotlight after Charlie Weis took over as coach in 2005, breaking 36 school passing records along the way. A 2 time All-American, he was a Heisman finalist in 2005 and 2006, and winner of the Sammy Baugh award in 2006. Quinn was drafted in the 1st round by the Cleveland Browns in the 2007 NFL Draft.

11. Blake Mitchell, South Carolina - A three-year starter for the Gamecocks, Mitchell's college career fell far short of expectations. He is the only USC QB to beat Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and Clemson. He also played a major role in being upset by Vanderbilt 17-6 AT HOME when the Gamecocks were #6 in the country.

12. T.C. Ostrander, Stanford - Ostrander was a backup QB to now Buffalo Bills QB Trent Edwards for most of his time at Stanford. He started 11 games over a 3 year span before suffering a seizure the week before the Cardinal 24-23 victory over #1 USC this past season. He went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but was quickly signed by the New Orleans Saints as a free agent.

13. Michael Affleck, Arizona State - He redshirted at ASU, underwent shoulder surgery, transferred to BYU, was dismissed for multiple run-ins with law enforcement, and transferred to Dixie State before eventually landing at Utah State in 2006. He threw 2 passes (both incompletions) in 2006 and I can't find any information on his whereabouts since that time. He was not on the team in 2007.

14. Drew Tate, Iowa - A highly touted gun slinger out of Baytown, TX (Lee HS), Tate chose the Hawkeyes over his beloved Texas A&M Aggies after longtime A&M coach R.C. Slocum was dismissed from the team. He was the Big 10 Player of the Year in 2004 and MVP of the Capital One Bowl (2005). He signed with the St Louis Rams in May 2007 but was released a few weeks later. He's now a backup QB for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.

15. Richard Kovalcheck, Arizona - Kovalcheck graduated from Arizona in 2 years and enrolled at Vanderbilt in 2006 while attending grad school. He was 3-8 as a starter for the Wildcats and served as a backup at Vandy to Jay Cutler in 2006. He did not pursue an NFL career.

16. Matt Flynn, LSU - Flynn served as JaMarcus Russell's backup for 2 seasons before taking over the reigns for 2007. He guided the Tigers to a 38-24 win over Ohio State in the BCS National Championship game and was named the game's MVP. He was also MVP of the 2006 Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl as he filled in for an injured Russell as the Tigers pounded Miami 40-3. The Green Bay Packers drafted Flynn in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

17. Johnny DuRocher, Oregon - DuRocher planned to lead the Ducks to the Rose Bowl and beyond. He wound up transferring to the Washington Huskies. It was then discovered that he had a brain tumor during a routine test following a concussion suffered in a game. Despite limited experience, he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 34th round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft. He remained in Arizona for extended spring training and has yet to join a team in Class A for the Mariners.

Other QB's of Note

25. Matt Ryan, Boston College - Ryan was recently chosen as the #1 QB in the 2008 NFL Draft (3rd overall) by the Atlanta Falcons.

39. Joe Flacco, Deleware - Shined in 1-AA and was picked by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.

The Tech Factor

24. Phillip Daugherty, Texas Tech - Daugherty originally inked with the Red Raiders but elected to transfer after being buried on the depth chart (amongst other things). He landed at 1-AA Sam Houston State. Tech fans will remember him as the backup QB for SHSU in the Red Raiders 80-21 victory over the helpless Bearkats in the fall of 2005.

Looking Back at Class of 2003

2008-04-28T10:02:00.013-05:00

This is the first of a 9 part series looking back at the Recruiting Class of 2003. I'll be looking at what has happened to every 5 Star and 4 Star recruit (per Rivals.com rankings) at each position (excl. fullback and kicker). I'll include other players of note that weren't as highly recruited coming out of HS. Finally, I'll look at the Texas Tech recruits to give it some application to the blog. Here is the schedule:

Pro Style QB
Dual Threat QB
All-Purpose RB
Running Back
Tight End
Wide Receiver
Offensive Tackle
Offensive Guard
Center
Defensive End
Defensive Tackle
Inside Linebacker
Outside Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Athletes

Thoughts from the Spring Game

2008-04-20T23:10:00.006-05:00

Well I returned in Dallas tonight at just the right time...in time to see the Stars punch in 2 early 3rd period goals and finish with a 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks that sends them to the Western Conference Semifinals vs either San Jose or Calgary later this week. Now...onto the spring game.

First off, here are the posts that I made from the Jones on Saturday. I'm going to break my review down into PROs and CONs.

- The defense recorded 9 sacks lead by Brandon Jones with 3, Daniel Howard with 2, and McKinner Dixon with 2.
- The defense only had 1 TFL (Tackle For a Loss) on 47 rushing plays.

- Michael Crabtree had 6 catches for 54 yards and 1 TD.
- Michael Crabtree had 2 drops on VERY catchable balls.

- Blake Kelley and Adam James likely played themselves into the WR rotation in 2008.
- Todd Walker went from the most talked about WR in spring practice to a virtual afterthought on Saturday. He had 1 catch for 3 yards in "bonus time" on Saturday.

- The offensive line was without 3 of it's Top 7 on Saturday. Rylan Reed, Louis Vasquez, and Lonnie Edwards all sat out with injuries.
- The perceived depth at OL might not be exactly what we once thought. The OL looked very average for most of the spring game.

- Sam Fehoko was an absolute stud on Saturday. He flew around the field making play after play.
- He's likely to be 2nd on the depth chart at MLB but should earn significant playing time in Ruffin's defensive rotation of 22-26 guys.

- McKinner Dixon continued to show his exceptional athletic ability in his return to the Hub City.
- Jake Ratliff who??? He was a total non-factor on Saturday just as he has been all spring. Look for Daniel Howard and/or Brandon Sesay to move ahead of him in the fall.

- Aaron Crawford and Baron Batch ran very well at times.
- Baron Batch lost 8 yards in his last 3 carries, Crawford was shutdown except for a 19 yd burst followed by a 12 yd run 2 plays later.

- Shannon Woods showed why he lead the Big 12 in all purpose yards gained in 2007 and is a 2 year starter at RB.
- Shannon Woods continued to show his tendency to not hit the hole and take what the defense gives him. Instead, he kept trying to bounce it outside but was only able to turn the corner 1 time for a nice 18 yard gain.

Ok. That about sums up my thoughts on the spring game. If anything else comes to me tomorrow I'll add it to this list.

Unofficial Stats for today...

2008-04-19T15:04:00.004-05:00

They're still playing even though the clock is at 00:00...but here are my unofficial spring game stats:

Finishing up the day...

2008-04-19T14:44:00.001-05:00

The backups are in now to finish out the game.

Black 26
Red 17

5:30 left in 4th and counting...

I'll be back tomorrow with a full report as my fiancee and I are celebrating our birthdays together this evening.

Crawford with a TD, Harrell finding a rhythm

2008-04-19T14:27:00.002-05:00

Graham completes 4 of 5 on the drive (3 of them to Detron Lewis) and Aaron Crawford has runs of 7 and 20 before punching it in from 6 yards out.

Black 20
Red 17

:26 left in 3rd quarter

NOTE: They're using a running clock in the 3rd quarter.

And it's halftime

2008-04-19T14:11:00.001-05:00

The defense has been the story of the day so far. The crowd has been treated to a very impressive defensive performance with 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an INT. Some of the stats I have:

Harrell...11 of 23 for 135...1 TD 1 INT 1 Fumble
Potts...19 of 28 for 139...sacked 5 times

Batch 11 for 44 yds and a fumble

Crabtree 5 catches for 53 yds, 1 TD and 2 drops
Detron Lewis 4 catches for 50 yards
Adam James 3 catches for 45 yards

Defensively...Colby Whitlock, Chris Perry, Daniel Howard, Richard Jones, and McKinner Dixon all have sacks on Taylor Potts.
Sam Fehoko has an interception and a fumble recovery.
David Neill recovered a fumble by Batch that was caused Sam Fehoko and somebody else.

Defense with ANOTHER big stop

2008-04-19T14:03:00.001-05:00

With the offense starting on their own 7...they go backwards on 1st down and then Harrell can't find an open man after that.

Black 17
Red 7

3:41 left in 2nd quarter

2nd string moves the ball...

2008-04-19T14:01:00.002-05:00

but the defense gets a big stop on 3rd and goal at the 1 and then Baron Batch is hit in the backfield by Fehoko and somebody else on 4th down and fumbles...recovered by DT David Neill.

Black 15
Red 7

4:20 left in 2nd quarter

Defense with another hold

2008-04-19T13:45:00.002-05:00

Harrell leads the offense down to the 10 (with a few nice runs from Shannon Woods) but 2 incompletes and a dropped ball by Blake Kelley on 3rd down ends in a missed 27 yd FG attempt from Cory Fowler.

Black 12
Red 7

11:44 left in 2nd

Fehoko with an INT

2008-04-19T13:44:00.003-05:00

Sam Fehoko steps in front of a Graham Harrell pass for a very nice INT. No worries as TPotts comes back in and throws a few wild balls to lead to a turnover on downs.

Black 12
Red 7

13:28 left in 2nd quarter

Crabtree tries to throw

2008-04-19T13:24:00.001-05:00

Crabtree got the ball on a quick pass from GH and started to throw downfield but had to pull up and run for a few yards instead.

Crabtree makes quick work of the defense

2008-04-19T13:22:00.002-05:00

It takes 2 plays for the 1st team offense to find the endzone...

Harrell gets the ball to Crabtree on the edge and he side steps the defender for an easy 19 yd TD.

Black 11

Red 7

6:13 left in 1st quarter

Defense with 2 more sacks

2008-04-19T13:20:00.002-05:00

Taylor Potts was sacked by Chris Perry on 1st down and Daniel Howard on 3rd down...another 3 and out.

Black 11

Red 0

6:27 left in 1st

Lewis can't hold on

2008-04-19T13:16:00.002-05:00

4th and 6 at the Black 27 yd line...but Detron Lewis drops a great pass from GH across the middle to turn the ball over. The play before, Pete Richardson had a great pass breakup on a pass intended for Todd Walker.

Neill getting pressure

2008-04-19T13:13:00.001-05:00

Backup DT David Neill makes a nice move to get up the gut and force Taylor Potts to throw a ball that falls helplessly incomplete in the flats.

Black 6

Red 0

8:55 left in 1st quarter

Fehoko recovers a fumble

2008-04-19T13:10:00.002-05:00

GH was leading the offense down the field...but a fumbled snap at the 21 was recovered by Sam Fehoko

Red - 0

Black - 6

10:35 left in the 1st quarter

Whitlock with a sack

2008-04-19T13:04:00.001-05:00

Colby Whitlock blew right up the middle on 3rd and 10 for an 8 yard "sack" (there's no tackling of the QB) of Taylor Potts to force a 3 and out.

Rules of the Spring Game

2008-04-19T12:59:00.002-05:00

Offense in red shirts/white pants

Defense in black shirts/white pants

- Four 15 minute quarters, clock runs continuously in the 2nd half.

- One 15 minute halftime

- 1st and 2nd string will rotate

- Kickoffs (no tackling) to start each half

Defensive scoring:

7 points for a TD

3 points for a turnover

2 points for a 3 and out

1 point for a sack

1 point for turnover on downs

Waiting on the game to start

2008-04-19T12:50:00.002-05:00

and we've got a few minutes of bull in the ring at midfield to get the guys warmed up for today...

Live from the Spring Game

2008-04-19T10:02:00.001-05:00

Barring any unforeseen circumstances...I'll have a live blog going from the Jones press box of the spring game. Check back about after lunch...

Red/Black game to be broadcast nationally

2008-04-17T16:47:00.002-05:00

APRIL 19 IS “SPRING GAME SATURDAY” ON NFL NETWORK

Live simulcast of Texas Tech Red-Black Game at 11 am ET, followed by

University of Pittsburgh Blue-Gold Game at 6 pm ET

The Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Pittsburgh Panthers conclude their 2008 spring football season live in front of a national audience on the NFL Network.

“Spring Game Saturday” on NFL Network begins with the Texas Tech Red-Black game live at 11:00 AM ET from Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, TX. NFL Network will simulcast FOX 34 MyLubbockTV’s local broadcast featuring Drew Dougherty calling the game, with Chris Level serving as color analyst.

“We are extremely happy the NFL Network has agreed to broadcast our annual Red-Black spring football game,” Texas Tech Director of Athletics Gerald Myers said. “This broadcast is a reward for the student-athletes and coaches that put in a lot of hard work to prepare for the 2008 season. We are excited to continue our relationship with the NFL Network that started with the 2006 Insight Bowl.”

EDIT: The time in the press release is wrong. The broadcast will start at 1PM EST

Tech loses over $200k on the Gator Bowl

2008-04-15T09:49:00.004-05:00

Texas Tech lost $202,240 for playing in the 2008 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl. The article goes into detail, but here are the highlights:

- TT had approx 750 people travelling to the game (this number includes the team, band, etc)
- TT received $925k from the Big 12 for playing in Tier 1 Bowl (Big 12 received $2.5 mil from Gator Bowl)
- TT received $199/mile travelled for reimbursement of travel expenses. (1202 miles x $199 = $239,198)
- TT subtracted $74k after ticket sales did not equal the price of complimentary tickets used by the school.
- 68% of expenses were transportation, meals and lodging
- 27 % of expenses were awards and extra compenstation for staff
- 5% of expenses were for promotion, media guides, and misc supplies

A few other significant notes. UT lost about $68k in their trip to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl. Tech AD Gerald Myers said that the Big 12 AD's unanimously recommended that a retroactive expense check be issued to cover the financial burden for schools that are losing money. Myers expects Big 12 presidents to approve the issuing of a check for schools that lost money at their next meeting on May 23rd. However, don't expect them to adjust the reimbursement budget for next season's bowl games.

New Uniforms in 2008

2008-04-14T15:26:00.002-05:00

I'm a big fan of unis/logo/etc (and yes I do frequent UniWatchBlog) so I thought I'd pass along some of the changes you'll be seeing in 2008.

First up, there's new look on the way for the Utah Utes. They're switching from Nike to Under Armour this year:

The announcement for these came out at the end of March. Keep an eye out for an alternate black jersey as well. In keeping with the blandness of many UA uniform designs, it looks like Utah received very similar treatment to what was announced for Hawai'i a few months back:

In Big 12 news, Iowa State is moving to this new logo for the 2008 season:

Heading down to Florida we find THIS new black jersey will be worn by the Miami Hurricanes in 2008. Expect it to debut for an evening, mid-season game:

Georgia Tech has a new design coming from Russell Athletic this fall. The biggest changes are the addition of the white helmet and some new piping. I haven't found an official pic yet...only this one that was mined out of the locker room a few weeks ago:

There's a pic out there of North Carolina adding a navy alternate uniform to wear with their Carolina Blue pants. I'll see if I can find it...

That's all for now. Getting pretty geared up for the Red/Black game on Saturday. If all goes well I should be able to live blog from the press box at the Jones.

Spring Practice Photos (04/05/08)

2008-04-07T00:05:00.004-05:00

HERE are my photos from yesterday's practice. I'll be back in Lubbock next weekend as well so hopefully I can make it to part of practice. There's a Red Raider Club golf outing in Tahoka on Saturday afternoon so I might not make it to practice. I'll have more info on that later though.

THIS link will run the photos in a slideshow format if you don't want to have to do any clicking.

Live from the Jones, Spring Practice Notes

2008-04-05T17:47:00.003-05:00

Went to practice for about an hour and a half today. The fiancee was wonderful and came along...so I was nice enough to leave early in exchange. Got some really nice photos but I can't upload them until I get back to Dallas in a few days. Without further ado...here are a few thoughts:

- First up was special teams work. Jonathan LaCour would've had at least 1 punt blocked if this was a game situation. It was a good snap and hold but somebody (Duncan or Hunter maybe??? It was a 50's number) got through VERY quickly.
- In DB drills, Darcel McBath was very solid. Caught everything thrown to him and stayed balanced through all his movements.
- Jordy Rowland really stood out to me. He moves as well as any other DB we have out there. Every shift was very smooth.
- LA Reed dropped multiple balls (3) out of the 5 or 6 reps he took. He's still very raw though he shows very good instincts, more about that in the scrimmage notes.
- Michael Crabtree was himself as usual but had one very uncharacteristic drop in WR/DB drills. He ran up to me and said, "How did I drop that??? It hit me in the hands. No more of that today."

---Switch to full 11-on-11 scrimmage---

- On the first drive, Taylor Potts lead the offense right down the field and Aaron Crawford punched it in from a yard out for the score. He (TP) looks very calm and confident running the offense.
- Graham Harrell stepped up and made a couple very nice throws to lead to a second TD.
- Stefan Loucks looked VERRRY bad today. Ruffin McNeill had McKinner Dixon lined up at rush end and Loucks was very quick to move away from his side after taking the snap. As a result...he wasn't maintaining any pocket presence or going through his progression consistently. Dixon beat his man a few times and would've most certainly blown up the QB if given the chance.
- Eric Morris was very fiery today. A few times he was gang tackled for a short gain and he came out of the pile bouncing around and shouting some unmentionables at various players.
- After a great defensive breakup of a pass intended for Crabs at the goalline, Ruffin was talking up the secondary on a great play when he saw that a late flag was thrown. The call was defensive PI and Ruffin quickly turned on the officials. "That was a BS call. How can you make that call???" This drew some nice laughter on the sidelines. Evidently there's no offseason for officials!
- Louis Vasquez spent some time at left tackle with the first team offense. Brandon Williams beat him on the first few plays but LV adjusted and kept BW out of the play after that.

- There were a lot of 2 back sets run today. One interesting formation was 2 backs, with 3 WR's bunched on one side. They put Shannon Woods in motion out to the opposite before running the play. It was only run once. They also ran 3 or 4 running plays out of the 3 wide pro formation (QB under center) with the line having "smaller" splits.

- Finally, the defense stepped up and stopped the 1st team offense at about the 18 while they were driving. They of course go for it on 4th in a scrimmage. GH throws a strike to Todd Walker at the goal line but Taylor Charbonnet makes an amazing play and knocks the ball out of Walker's hands to secure the turnover.

Misc Notes

- 2009 WR recruit Jarrod Darden (Keller Central HS) was in attendance. For most of practice, he seemed more interested in his iPod than talking to anybody. However, I did see him spend some time with Leach, Crabtree, GH, and the WR coaches at various times throughout practice. Once full scrimmage started he paid particular attention to the near side (home side) WR's.

- Good crowd today. There were a few hundred people spread out through the stands and around the sidelines. Great weather and not a cloud in the sky.

Pat Green, Garth Brooks, and Tech vs OSU in Dallas

2008-04-01T22:00:00.006-05:00

Check out this article from Brandon George over at the DMN. I found this quote from Texas Tech Chancellor Kent Hance of particular interest:

"We had thought about Pat Green from Tech and Garth Brooks from Oklahoma State," Hance said.

As much as I like Pat Green...and Texas Tech...this could be an interesting series of events. The addition of Garth Brooks playing in Dallas (he sold out Billy Bob's and Texas Stadium faster than anybody ever) would likely draw even more people in for th event.

On a serious note, if Tech is getting the same $5 mil/year that Arkie and Aggie are getting...then this is a no-brainer to put the game at Jerry World. Hate it or love it, the TTU Athletic Dept doesn't have a donor giving 9 figures to upgrade the facilities and pay for every last tube of toothpaste used by it's athletes...so $5 mil is HUGE as far as they're concerned. Sign me up...my $200 for 2 club level tickets is in the mail!

Bad news out of Raiderland

2008-04-01T21:00:00.002-05:00

Freshman (RS) DL Bobby Agoucha has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules. I don't have any details and thus can't comment as to what exactly happened. Best wishes to Bobby in the future.

Spring Practice, Day 1 Update

2008-03-27T10:38:00.003-05:00

Fox 34 in Lubbock has posted the first video from Day 1 of spring practice.

A few players have changed numbers:

#2 LA Reed
#12 Lashawn Vation
#19 Lyle Leong
#20 Bront Bird
#22 Jared Flannel
#29 Taylor Charbonnet
#30 Steven Harris
#43 McKinner Dixon

Brian Duncan has been moved to the Mike LB spot and the LA-J reports that he's looking forward to the opportunity:

“You’re controlling the defense,’’ he said. “I’m a very talkative guy. I’m loud. I like to command, so being put in that position made it even better for me.’’

The excitement of the Red Raider Nation sure isn't lost on this team. QB Graham Harrell notes that the potential is there for this to be a really good team:

"It's still a long ways to the season," he said. "I think a lot of people are anxious for it. Everyone in the locker room is ready to go, ready to play. I think everyone's excited. That's going to be big, and I think it's because everyone realizes how good we can be. If we get on the same page, if we play together, and if we really get together, then I think everyone realizes this team can be really, really good."

However, Leach is quick to point out that he thinks the team will do a good job ignoring the distractions that come with such lofty expectations:

"They need to do a good job of that," he said. "That's one thing. A smart player does a good job of that. Ignore what's said and all the rest because the opinions that count are the ones that we have in a team meeting. The only thing that we can really improve is improvement from one day to the next. If we do that, then we'll be as good as we can be anyway."

That's all for today. I'll have some more updates as we progress through the spring.

Texas Tech Football 2008, Spring Practice Edition

2008-03-26T17:10:00.000-05:00

I'm 350 miles away but I can feel the excitement. The 2008 campaign has begun. Things you can expect from me:

- periodic updates on spring practice (who's hot, any significant depth chart changes, injuries, etc)
- an update from spring practice w/ photos (I'll be there w/ camera on April 5th)
- live (hopefully) spring game updates from the Jones w/ photos (working on that as we speak)

Things I'm looking for out of spring practice:
- The development/emergence of:

McKinner Dixon - DE
LA Reed - Safety
Detron Lewis - Y spot at WR
Bunton, Richardson, Sanders, and/or T Charbonnet - CB opposite Jamar Wall
Aaron Crawford and Baron Batch - RB
Solidifying the 2-deep across the front 7
Ruffin McNeill's defense

There you have it. I'll do my best to provide what information I can in a timely fashion. Hopefully things will work out and I'll be able to attend a practice as well as the Red/Black game.

Fun with aggie

2008-03-26T17:00:00.004-05:00

By now you may have come across the "Reload with Reagan" that is endorsing a student at A&M for a Yell Leader position for 2008. I've found the videos humorous and amusing but decided not to post it as it would be aggie hate...not that I'm above that or anything...but it just wasn't a story worth mentioning. However, it's now been picked up here and here so I figured I'd link you to it if you've yet to come across it. Enjoy the fun and best of luck to Reagan!

Well that was fun while it lasted...

2008-03-14T10:09:00.001-05:00

off to the NIT...hopefully!

Four Days to Glory...

2008-03-13T08:41:00.003-05:00

The Big 12 tournament kicks off today in Kansas City as your #8 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders take on the #9 seed Oklahoma State. Since there hasn't exactly been tons of sunshine for the Raiders in recent weeks outside of the upset of Texas...I thought I'd put together a roadmap for Texas Tech to get to the Big Dance.

Opening Round vs Oklahoma State - Like most opponents, Tech is the smaller team. However, Tech has proven they can beat the Cowboys this year, albeit at home. We know to expect 15-20 from Zeno, Voskuil must get hot and stay hot, and the freshman need to put up 15+ points while shooting better than 40%. Do that...and it's on to the quarterfinals! Texas Tech 72 Oklahoma State 68

Quarterfinals vs Texas - The Longhorns don't strike me as a team out for revenge. Their late season loss didn't keep them from the #1 seed and while it may have lessened their chances for a #1 seed, they're better served with a #2 seed and hopefully a slot in the Houston region opposite Memphis. That gives them a route of Little Rock-Houston-San Antonio to the title. Since they're content with their #2 seed...expect them to come out lazy and for Tech to pull off the upset. Texas will dominate on the boards but they'll rely too much on Augustin and fail to capitalize on their superior front court. Texas Tech 74 Texas 70

Semifinals vs Oklahoma - Normally this would be a revenge game...but the Raiders have bigger fish to fry today. Ezmir has a season high 10 points, 8 boards, and 3 blocks while frustrating Longar Longar into a technical late in the game that allows Voskuil to seal the victory for the Red Raiders. No miracle shot to win it this time for OU. Texas Tech 66 Oklahoma 62

Finals vs Kansas State - The miracle has happened!!! K-State pulls a HUGE shocker in upsetting Kansas in front of a sold out Spirit Center. The Wildcats are so elated though that they don't have anything left in the tank to play the upstart Red Raiders. This one isn't pretty as neither team shoots better than 40% but Tech manages to breakaway in the final 5 minutes to earn their first Big 12 Mens Basketball Championship. Texas Tech 63 Kansas State 54

Ladies and gentleman...your Big 12 Tournament Champs and proud owners of a #11 seed in the NCAA Tournament...

Texas Tech Red Raiders

see...that wasn't that hard. Now check back in 4 days after this happens and watch me pick Tech to make some noise at the Big Dance!!!

(my actual prediction is W vs Okie Lite, L vs Texas, hello NIT and a home game at the USA)

Opponent	Result
Eastern Washington	W, 49-24
@ Nevada	W,35-19
SMU	W,43-7
Massachusetts	W, 56-14