Copy Cat U vs. Red Raiders

Since the Okie Lite game last year, our beloved Red Raiders have been in a funk. In this calendar year, Texas Tech is just 6-6 when you throw in the line drive field goal by Alabama that sent us home without Cotton Bowl vindication. It has been a rough ride of which Tech fans are not too familiar with.

Here's why: Tech is no longer overlooked. Two seasons ago, Sonny Cumbie and the Red Raiders came to San Diego and punched out California in the Holiday Bowl. Then, the Raiders followed it up with a a string of wins that ended to eventual National Champion Texas in Austin. Even though Tech finished off the year with a win over Oklahoma to get the Cotton Bowl berth, the glaring loss was to Okie Lite. The Cowboys only Conference win last season.

I honestly think that State Coach Mike Gundy figured out how to solve Mike Leach's Air Raid Offense, and since then most successful teams against Tech run similar schemes to the one first seen in Stillwater last season. Its just a hunch and I am obviously omitting other aspects, but I saw similar looks this season from TCU, Missouri, and Oklahoma. UT abandoned there blitz attack after the first half, and Tech never scored again.

The defense that Alabama fielded last year was tough and given the time of preparation was able to completely solve the Tech offense. It was similar in scheme to Okie Lite but better given the pressure the Bama front four were able to create. This season the Tech offensive line has kept pressure off, but what is missing?

It is a matter of personnel. Jarret Hicks has been missing most of the season with eligibility and now injury concerns. He was instrumental in providing the fade route threat that burned Cal so many times two seasons ago. Also, Tech is missing a Tight End. Past season saw Mickey Peters, Preston Hartfield, and Bristol Olomua providing a bigger target over the middle that linebackers had a tough time covering. Tech did alot of running with the bigger tight ends also. With a linebacker dropped to coverage, delay handoffs and screens are more effective. With nobody fulfilling that role, two weapons have been taken away. Tech is also lacking a consistent slip screen play that Nemehiah Glover, Wes Welker, and Trey Haverty were so good at converting into big chunks of yards. Finally, Tech really doesn't have a deep threat. Dont get me wrong, our recieving corp is great in talent but it seems that it just isn't the right mix of talent.

When you have a variety of different weapons and plays to throw at a team, it becomes more difficult to defend. The Tech offense at the end of 2004 had all of those weapons in some form. The 2006 team has arguably better talent but not the variety vital in completely crushing a defensive scheme. I think Coach Gundy figured that out.

Leaving that aside, Tech needs to score alot to beat the Orange Aggies. They looked great against Baylor (who hasn't?) and Nebraska. They have also looked terrible against Houston and Texas. The narrowly lost to A&M at home in overtime and bring an offense to Lubbock that is on an absolute tear. Maybe our defense can again cause turnovers. I dont see Okie Lite blowing through gaping holes like they did to Baylor last weekend, but there will be some. The game belongs to the Red Raiders if they can score for 4 quarters and stop Bobby Reid more than 6 times.

Texas Tech 41 Okie Lite 40

Other Big XII games:

Baylor 1 Oklahoma 0-NCAA makes OU forfeit the 2006 season.

Kansas State 28 Kansas 24

Missouri 27 Iowa State 10

Raiders are looking good.

The General came out to thundering applause last night at the USA. Then his team throttled Arkansas-Little Rock to move to 3-0 on the young season. The 30 plus point win was courtesy of an excellent shooting percentage and team defense.

Here is what I liked:
1.The offense was able to find WIDE open shooters, time and again. Most of those shots fell.

2. Daryl Dora played great. He defended well and hit timely treys to blow the game open. Dora off the bench brings a new look of a big man that can score on the perimeter.

3. Charlie Burgess in transition. I truely believe we have found the missing link for the gaurd trio that led Tech to the Sweet 16 two years ago. The Burgess, Martin Zeno, and Jay Jackson show already look great.

4. Benny Valentine. This kid is 5-7 maybe ....I like his grit and will to scrap, steal, and tie up the ball.

5. Big men depth.

Here is what I think needs to improve by Conference.

1. Attendence-Tech fans need to invest in this team.

2. Rebounding-If Tech can improve here, I love our chances in tough games.

3. Defending the low post- The Conference ate us up last year down low. If the Plefka, Rizvic, Dora trio can bottle this up were dancing a long time in March.

I know its early, but this team already refuses to turn the ball over. They have the right combination of talent to pressure and show different looks to defend. Jay Jackson looks like he is ready to lead this team.

Bobby Knight hit Michael Prince

I never saw it coming. Perhaps sophomore gaurd Michael Prince feels the same this morning. From my vantage point on the midcourt second row behind the television team of ESPNU, I didn't see it. However, the Indiana alumn that flew in from Chicago saw it, then said 'I think Bobby just hit Prince.' Then I immediately looked up and saw Head Coach designate Pat Knights reaction. I knew it, and now the whole sports world can see the lapse of judgement.
The IU orphan (thats what we call them in Lubbock) then said, 'I hope the TV didn't see it.' From where I was, I could see the visual feed and it appeared they missed it. The paltry crowd seemed to miss it as well. It certainly wasn't replayed.
What was replayed for me is the look of embarrassment on Prince's face. He looked stunned. I felt bad for him. But I also held out hope that the slap was a tap, or the punch was a...well I guess I was hoping it would go away. I still do. I didn't have to see it now. I knew he indeed did it again.
But then again, Bobby has done so well at handling this program. He deserves to hold that standard that he instills in his student athletes. I am upset for Coach Knight and at Coach Knight all at the same time.
Nobody is perfect, and there is hopefully no but needed here. It is my hope that Coach Knight survives this latest assualt to do what he loves and does best, build young men into leaders. But I think that maybe the time for Bobby Knight to humble himself might be past. Again I hope he can find it in himself to overcome this and decide that that behavior isn't becoming of his legacy. It damn sure isn't the image I want identifying Texas Tech University.
Without a whisper doubt in my head, I don't think what he did deserves his vacating the Head Coaching job. But I will say this. I think he hurt himself more than he hurt Prince. Let's hope this doesn't blow up. Something everyone says after the fuse is lit and you can't get away.

runnin bulldogs experience the USA

From the bowels of North Carolina, the hotbed of collegiate basketball, a sinister new foe replete with vision of conquest enters Lubbock. A danger far greater than the muster brought by devils of blue or heels of tar. They are the Gardner-Webb Runnin Bulldogs of Boiling Point, NC.
To beat back the screaching panting of the dogs of endurance, Bobby Knight must rely upon the steadfast defensive fortification of the un-Maginot like structure on the beacon of higher learning in the South Plains. The United Spirit Arena and the red clad soldiers within that cannot say surrender, especially in French.
I feel as though I'm at the dawn before Manassas. The coming battle of wills so long delayed, but inevitable given the history of hatred and discourse between these two schools.
The question remains before and presumably after this contest. Will anyone care? History is kinder to the victor, except for the Alamo but definately true of Trafalgar. In any case, bearing witness is a must for there is no greater calling on a Monday night in Lubbock than to see the sacrifice.

Notes: It is the opening round of a new pre-season tournament aptly named the College Basketball Experience. I hope the promotion song is 'are you experienced' by Jimi Hedrix.The Tech game is at 9pm on ESPNU. The first game in Lubbock is Arkansas-Little Rock vs. Akron.

Walking the plank

Texas Tech got 4 turnovers and couldn't put away OU in the second half. Loses to Missouri, Texas, TCU, and OU plus wins against UTEP and Texas A&M have two things in common. The Red Raiders are inconsistent and can't put away the opposition.
You can't point to one player or side, or even a coach. Collectively, this is the most talented team the Red Raiders have fielded since the mid 70's, but not the best by far at playing as a team. I hesitate to blame on Mike Leach, even though he is responsible for the outcome. Perhaps I'm drunk on 6 years of pirate rum. I think Mike was missing some student-athlete leaders. A critical component for any successful team.
I know the season isn't over, but the chance for salvaging something this season seems bleak. I hope our team can win a bowl game. Beating Okie Lite seems like a mountain given the play of the Cowboys of late. Not to mention our season long problems.
An 8 win season at this point will prove that Mike Leach can coach through adversity and get this team and future ones to close out. This is a critical juncture in the Mike Leach era. Recruiting, fan support, and the impact on future Tech teams are at steak. Despite the past success, Tech fans want a Conference Championship. We can beat any team in our Conference, something that couldn't be stated until Mike got to Lubbock and built up his program. The talent gap is there with UT and OU, but we have beat them with more and us with less. The gap is closing.
That being the case, the question is will we ever do it? That question needs to get answered within the next two seasons. The equation of closing teams out needs to get answered by the end of December. Without that solution, Tech is just typical.

The only solace is that Tech has taken over the top at graduating football players. That is definately worthy of the money invested in football. Good job Raiders!

OU sux part 2

sorry guys..on a cell phone blogging has space limits..scroll down to read part one then come back for the rest of the truth.

Graham Harrell seems to be making leaps in ability and confidence. He is learning to get what is given, and make defenses pay for gambling. If Jarrett Hicks is back, it will definately be a blessing. Either way, the credit to the improvement must go to the offensive line. They stood up Texas and if they perform in Norman that way, I love our chances.
The last piece of the puzzle is special teams. The Red Raiders have been deficient all season here. This week if they can negate the glaring Sooner advantage here, it will relieve the pressure on the Tech defense.
I really believe that Texas Tech has become a good team. The record indicates mediocrity, but chalk up another coaching victory to Mike Leach. Mike has gotten the Raiders from quitting to good. They are very dangerous and playing with confidence, but is it enough to overcome the Sooner superbowl atmosphere?
IT IS. The Sooners are jacked up after ascaping Aggyland, and are eager to beat a Tech team they percieve as inferior and victorious last year because of referee calls. THE ruling on the field stands, and a Tech team with nothing to lose will take them on all night.
I see an outright win for Tech. Welcome to the Aggy's world land thieves. Your worst nightmare, cheat and lose. I think Tech will start owning the Sooners now. Their phsychological hold over the Raiders is broken. It will be proven Saturday night.

Texas Tech 34 the University of Texas at Norman 26

Other Big XII games:

Wronghorns 70 Kansas State 12 BCS 3...Yawn

AGGY 28 Shuckers 27...please please please let fran win this.

Birdsinablender 13 Tatanka 10..Lumbergh 'yeah, that would be great.'

Baptists 20 Okie Lite 40..i hope I am wrong.

Tigres 30 KU 28..Shoneys buffet Lawrence files Chapter 11.

OOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUU....SUCKS!

As many of you know, I adore the greatness that is the pantheon of prestige, credibility, and pristine character in college sports. The University of Oklahoma. Sure, I chide them as land theives, but really I respect their above board history of success.
Sooners are better than sugar, they are carcinigen laced sweet and low, and their is no equal. To their armies of dentally challenged fans, there is no doubt that Crimson kool aid will get you to the mothership made of spare tire and aluminum. The proverbial trailer park next to heaven is a suburb of Norman.
One more thing, Sooner fans have all graduated at the same rate as their athletes, so there are no t-shirt fan insults to hurl this week.
That being stated, I can now appropriately examine with unbiased malice, the Sooner payback game. Payback? Its not just an omission on an Oklahoma car lease contract. Last years game is no longer under review. Neither are Rhett Bomar, J.D. Quinn, or Adrian Peterson. Unfotunately, they won't be there. Perhaps they should watch 'My name is Earl' to figure out why? NCAA sanctions to come may dictate a 'karma' list to check off soon for the OU athletic department. I'm skeptical that this comes to pass.
One thing I will give them. No matter the off field cheating, they have a good and solid football team. Coach Bob Stoops knows how to recruit and train a defense to stop the run and pressure a quarterback. His offense grinds yards on the ground and almost always controls the clock. Their only problem is fumbling, but more often than not the OU defense holds. Paul Thompson runs the offensive game plan adequately. The Tech defense must stop the run and force him to throw. The Tech offense needs to grab a lead and get OU off its game plan to run. Tech can do this especially if the overzealous land thieves fumble.
The game will hinge on the consistency and play of the Air Raid offense. OU doesn't enjoy the speed it once had and instead relies on technique...part 2 is above this post.

A.A. Friday's in Lubbock

Abuelo's and Adolph's

The politics of Dancing

Hello, my name is Kingfish...and I have a Dancing with the Stars problem. I have been a fan for just this season. Who can pass up watching Jerry Springer, Slater (Mario Lopez), and Emmitt Smith? It's like crystal meth bubblegum and Hee Haw rolled into television.
The ultimate final has come to pass. Well almost, I was really hoping that the viewers would vote the cheese that is Jerry Springer (genius) as the champion. It would have been the greatest en masse practical joke since the Democrats nominated Michael Dukakis to run for President. Instead, Springer fell by the wayside as did Joey Lawrence last night. The final two are Emmitt and Mario.
Enter internal conflict. Who to root for? Nevermind voting, that would be grounds for turning in my man card. But alas, I stand in turmoil.
On one hand, we have Mario Lopez. He gets points for having dated Kelly Kapowski, Lisa Turtle, and that great actress from the movie Showgirls (whatshername that was the smart domonatrix). Saved by the Bell is the greatest show of all times! He gets negative points for The Metrosexual View, and being Slater the nemesis of the archetype greatness of Zach. Besides the fact he is obviously the better dancer, I am unsure because the other hand is Emmitt.
Emmitt Smith, aka the Ultimate Warrior is by far my favorite Dallas Cowboy since Gary Hogeboom. His dance partner is so hot she melts paint three states away. Emmitt is also the most fun to watch because he brings the funk. He gets points for being Emmitt and not being party to the Metrosexual View. He gets negative points for not being on Saved by the Bell.
My heart says Emmitt, my head says Mario. My friends say hell to pay for divulging this obsession.

The rebirth of the Conservative Democrat

The real win-win situation that occured in yesterdays election is that we can presumably benefit from a divided government. Personally, I haven't felt this good about an election since the Republican Revolution victory of 1994. Real Conservatives are happy as well. The government can hopefully quit wasting money on the fiasco in Iraq, and the can quit wasting time legislating morality and crushing citizen rights.
The Republican party needs to go back to being the party it was meant to be. That might be hard now that Democrats are now occupying the high middle ground.
What will be interesting is how the freshman Democrats that got elected by running as social Conservatives will clash with their left party leadership. They might take a tip from the history of Newt Gingrich. Glory is indeed fleeting.
The other interesting development is how one war completely changed the politics of the country. Within the span of 12 years since the GOP took the House, they got voted out for similar issues that brought them to power. Scandelous Republican incumbents also helped seal there fate.
The Republican party needs to learn from their mistakes, the Democrats need to learn from recent history and try and be less adversarial. Maybe, just maybe, there is hope for a temporary suspension of politics as usual. At least, the political commercials are finally over.
NEVERTHELESS, at least we can buy a beer at supermarket in Wolfforth, TX. The monopoly of the beloved Strip in Lubbock County is broken. Who knows, hell might freeze and Lubbock, Tx might follow suit.

Top 5 reasons to support the Republican Party.

It's not what they say, or what they publish. It is what they do. The most corrupt regime in the history of the United States.


You believe in less government. Nevermind that it has gotten much bigger over the last 6 years.

You believe in less taxes. This works out great if your in the Bill Gates taxbracket.

You believe in Fiscal responsibility. Nevermind that the surplus was turned into debt and the bill for Iraq is close to 1 trillion dollars. Earmarks anyone?

Protection of Rights Despite the passage of the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, and the creation of Homeland Security; your Constitution remains unchanged. Imminent domain is not just a web URL.

Bi-partisan co-operation. Only if you think the Democrats are evil.



Let's take them one by one.

"dignity, freedom, and ability must be honored." This party wants to dupe you into believing this while they strip the government of checks and balances that protect your sovereignty over the government.

"Equal rights" This only applies if you rich, white, and vote the way they want you to.

"Free enterprise" Especially if its in fast food or call centers in Bangalore, India.

"fiscal responsibility" Great, even if I did keep more than I earn, it still doesn't change the fact my money is worth less than it was before you took over.

"the government that governs least, governs best" That is working out great in Iraq. Homeland Security is working out great. I gotta give them this one. They spend more time pointing fingers than governing.

"effective, responsible, and responsive." Hurricane Katrina.

"retaining principle while changing with the times." The Military Commissions Act and the Patriot Act threw out the principles, made government oppressive, and will make us no safer.

"peace, freedom, and human rights throughout the world." We will actually send our military if you have oil. They have totally backed Iran and North Korea down.

"positive and successful principles of government." A return to actual democracy might be nice.

In Oklahoma they call it bedlam.

In Texas we call it theft.

OU does the horns down. Even the Aggies dont do that.

OSU does the pistols up. Where in the world did they discover this?

OU has the Sooner Schooner pulled by ponies. I have a monkey ride my border collie.

OSU has a horse named Bullet they ride around after they score. Is their anything sacred? C'mon Okie lite, even your President is a Tech Grad.

OSU also does the "waving of the wheat", they ripped that off from KU.

OU pays their players, and they dont have to come to work. In Texas we pay are players too, they are called the Dallas Cowboys. They work every other weekend.

OSU has T. Boone Pickens. He has Texas aquifer water, pumps it to California, and endows Okie Lite with the money.

Their only two great things to come from Oklahoma. Wes Welker, and the guy on the statue at the Texas Tech campus.

The Rent is too damn high!

www.rentistoodamnhigh.org

Evidently, this dude can rap and run for Governor of New York State.

This time tomorrow.

The networks will be buzzing with election results. Wherever Tim Russert is, thats where I am going to be watching. I like Meet the Press, and think he will provide the best overall picture.

I hope as many incumbents as possible lose. I fear not enough will. The thing that will be very interesting is that Nancy Pelosi will most likely become the Speaker of the House. Something that most every Republican fears. The sad thing about this is, Texas loses.




OH What might have been had the idiots Tom Craddick and Tom Delay not gerrymandered the U.S. House districts. You see, the great champion of Texas Agriculture and former Congressman Charlie Stenholm would have been the ranking Democrat and thus taken the over as Speaker of the United States house of Representatives. A great point my good friend Helmut pointed out.

Charlie was the victim of narrow minded partisan greed. Craddick, the current Republican Speaker of the Texas House was eager to screw the Democrats out of that long held seat centered around Abilene. He manipulated it so his own district around Midland-Odessa could have their own U.S. Congressional district and lumped Abilene and Lubbock together. Charlie put up a fight, but the lockstepping Republican Randy Neugebauer beat him. And thus, they traded a farmer with a great record for nothing. I think the U.S. House and the people could have benefited greatly from the leadership of Charlie Stenholm, Texas Tech graduate and Stamford native. Instead we get the brawling and controversial liberal from California.



Ask any West Texas Republican and they will tell you it was a good thing. But deep down they know they are wrong. Especially if they own a farm.

Manly Mens Weekend Notes

Under a clear Lubbock November sky, the two great football powerhouses of Baylor and Texas Tech clashed their vaunted air forces in an epic contest of will. Tech 55 Baylor 21.

Kudos to Mr. Bob Plecker, class of 19 seventy something for the great seat and postgame tailgate. Few are redder than Bob!

After the game, many barnyard animals and domestic beers were consumed with my cousins college buds. I felt like it was 1993 again. Thanks from Helmut and I on the most enjoyable afternoon and evening of college football bliss.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

sucks!

Wronghorns are ranked 3rd in USA Today poll. Over-rated doesn't seem to quite fit. LSU, Arakansas, and Florida are better teams by far.

Poor Aggies. Coach Fran had the Sooners on the ropes. Why kick two field goals when down by 7 late in fourth quarter? Kinda like buying a custom trailer with BBQ Smoker then cooking year old frozen hot dogs. Mike gets that opportunity next week, there is no doubt. Were smoking some brisket.

Bob Stoops is a good football coach. That still doesn't change the fact that all of the land thief wins are hollow because they cheat. The real disappointment is he doesn't need to.

The Cowboys and Redskins, I remember the days I use to care. Now I'd rather watch a Silver Spoons marathon on Telemundo.

Bob Knight kicked his star player off the team for not keeping up with the higher than NCAA needed GPA. One day, Jay Jackson will thank him. I thank Coach Knight for providing a higher education standard for Texas Tech. I hope Jay earns his degree. I bet he returns and has a great season also.

Baylor Fans

I guess the reason why we have to play at 11am is so you guys can get back for church on Sunday.

Go Tech!

Waco High comes to Lubbock.

The wounded Baptists have about as good of a chance on saturday as gay man receiving a degree in dance from Baylor. I guess it all depends on how long it takes for them to come out of the closet.

The bears and their new Leach like offense are without their stud senior quarterback. Too bad for Tech, he threw a lot of interceptions. Although they have definately improved in all facets of football, they are still nowhere close to scaring me. However, Texas Tech does scare me.

It is highly probable that Tech will come out flat and is still reeling from the near miss against the puppy kickers. For the same reason Tech may decide and play its first complete game of the year. We shall see.

No matter what, I see the depleted and athletically inferior Bears getting crushed in Lubbock by the 4th quarter. The lack of Baylor pass rush and the return of a rushing attack will provide enough points for the Tech offense.

Should the Tech defense again get turnovers, the game will go from semitight to blowout.

Texas Tech 41 Baylor 19

other games:
Aggies upset Norman European Car Imports 24-21
Wronghorns 59 okie lite 40 Big XII refs 6 BCS payout $15,000,000
North games all create 4 way tie of 3 loss teams for first, KU holds tiebreaker.

The politics of the devicisive and contempt.

Mud slinging politics and so much pork at steak. Claims of lies from liars regardless of validity or party. These people that give them money are like gasoline to a fire. I don't trust them. What is a voter to do?

Is an honest person electable? Or is the political fruit merely an offspring of a poisoned culture vine? Pestilence of democracy ends when all are disenfranchised.

The lesser of two evils. Seems to always be the choice. Fine example to point out. A democrat attorney that has represented rapists, burglars, and other felons is actually being attacked of this in his political race against ANOTHER attorney. Last time I checked. That is what an attorney does. Representing people charged with crimes (innocent until proven guilty) is upholding his obligation as a professional counselor! Certainly someone that has a lifetime of service in criminal law will know how to deal with the criminals in politics. Clever tactic that is so corrupt reveals the true nature of the attacker.

I think too much. Surely the people know best. Lack ofTerm limits and empty promises, schools without funds perpetuates the ignorance of the whole. Perhaps some decorum and the return of loyal opposition is needed. Unfortunately that would be considered unelectable.

The people of flat ground

surrounded by the oceans
of changing colors often
one blue to pink and red
the other green to cotton
if money is the root of all
evil here doesn't grow too tall

the music in depths protects
the land inspires the sounds
somewhere between 289 and heaven
he's here everyday is a song
its not the day the music died
its Holly all the days long

the lady in red cant spend it all
my last dime of love wasn't earned
I always have Lubbock
with the winds my heart returned.

if Texas is friendship
then she is happiness found
its never in the rearview mirror
its the people of flat ground

.what sport teaches

In a recent interview on Larry King Live, Donald Trump was asked 'What is the key to success?' Donald Trumps eyes lit up and replied, 'you can never give up nomatter what.' That isn't the first time we have heard that sage advice. Mr. Trump really meant it, and if you were watching it, you knew it wasn't just something the man said. He lives it, and he lived it.
I often wonder if Trump would have made a great basketball coach. You see, I feel fortunate in my life to have tried, failed, tried again, and found success. All before I reached the age of 18.

I have a coach to thank. His name is Wayne Thompson. He has never won a state championship, although few can match his winning over a career. Coach Thompson taught me many valuable lessons, one of which I finally understand this very morning, 17 years after leaving his program. You are either getting better or worse every day. You never stay the same. He liked saying that while looking at me. I was the slowest on the team in more ways than one.
I finally get it coach.

Great things aren't achieved without sacrifice. Winning isn't only about a score, and the way you win says everything about your character. Always improve and never fail to prepare. Not bad advice for a jump shot and press defense either.

Thank you for the education Coach. It wasn't what you said, but the conviction that I remember. It helps me more today than ever. There is no doubt that you could have been just like the Trump, but then again I think the world is better off with more true educators like you.
Teaching boys and girls to become responsible men and women. So few are the Coach Thompsons' of this world. But fortunately the ones that excel aren't merely winning championships or being lauded by administrtors for achievement on a standardized test. The great ones triumph over modern definition of greatness and instill that will to do the right thing throughout a childs life. The need not be there in the physical any longer, for they live in the present at times in the future.