Baylor

I couldn't find a picture for the game. Instead, here is a picture of my new bike.

Texas Tech vs. #5 Baylor - 11/16/13

ARLINGTON, TEXAS-

Same Old Song

Mistakes damned Texas Tech to fighting from behind for the second half of the game. A lack of depth and inexperience prevented them from being able to come back into it. I could truly go into a philosophical rant/diatribe about why Tech is in the position its in and why expecting an immediate turn around is delusional. I already have to some extent but to me at least the reasons are extraordinarily obvious. 

My "10 takeaways" from last night:

1. Littles things add up- Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes...whether it be horrible special teams play, missed XP's, INT's, or fumbles Tech just seems to put themselves into really bad situations when the margin for error is so small to begin with. It's hard for me to pinpoint what causes the snowball effect and I don't really think it is just one thing but it sure doesn't help their situation. 
2. Speed- Tech started off great and jumped out to a 20-7 lead in the first quarter. The offense looked fast and aggressive while the defense seemed to be holding their own.  Come Turkey Day the Red Raiders will need to start off the same if they hope to knock off Texas in Austin. Maintaining that speed is possible but it's harder due to a lack of...
3. Depth- Broken record I know, but what a lot of people don't seem to understand is that Tech "wears down" or becomes less effective because they simply lack quality depth. It's not a quantitative measure but rather qualitative; Texas Tech is a very young team on both sides of the ball...and this leads me to another point...
4. Connect the dots- Want to know why Texas Tech football struggles to remain competitive against the top half of the league? Because, to some extent, they've been left behind. The Big XII is an arms race, with winning programs all sharing the same blueprint: consistency. What has Tech had none of since 2009? consistency. With consistency comes success with recruiting, with recruiting comes quality depth, with depth comes the ability to 'weather the storm' and not be forced to have to play three true freshman in an already weakened defensive secondary. The hiring of Kingsbury is a start, but any alum or fan that thinks the ship can be righted sooner rather than later is delusional. This is going to take time...
5. The future- What I saw tonight was a lot of effort and promise against a program that is probably the most complete Big XII team top to bottom. Losing sucks but I noticed some big play ability from Nelson, Jacobson, and Crawford. 
6. Quarterback- Webb, Brewer, Mayfield. Next year Patrick Mahomes arrives on campus. A lot of talent in this group but someone will transfer, no idea who but I enjoyed seeing Brewer get some playing time. Also, Kingsbury mentioned that practice reps will be split evenly between all three QB's during the bye week. 
7. Baylor- I hate them. I hate every other team from Texas and Oklahoma. That being said Bryce Petty doesn't seem to possess the level of douchebaggery their last two quarterbacks did. 
8. Ward- This dude always seems to make some crazy catches in big games. Props. He will be sorely missed.
9. Regroup- I'm assuming the coaching staff really appreciates the upcoming bye week right about now, and honestly its probably for the best both from a mental and physical point of view. More time to rest and to regroup and also more time to game plan for a reeling Texas team. Texas Tech started off strong against Baylor with a week to prepare. Will Tech do the same against an also rested Texas team on Thanksgiving?
10. Perspective- As disappointing as this season has become for some Red Raiders I believe a little perspective is in order. At this point in this season four of the ten teams in the league have failed to qualify for post-season play. Tech was largely picked to be a member of that group. 8-9 wins is still possible for a team full of young players and a first time coaching staff. Listen people, things could be worse. At least we didn't just get our asses kicked at home by a Kansas team that had a winless conference streak dating back two years. 

Random thoughts: 

1. If Baylor wins against Oklahoma State they go undefeated this year. Go Pokes!

2. Mack Brown is done at Texas. Expectations, along with resources, are much higher in Austin. There is no reason why they shouldn't be at the top of the league and for the last few years they haven't been. The burnt orange faithful already suffered their worst home loss to Oklahoma State.

...a loss to Texas Tech?

Hmmm...

Kansas State

Kansas State vs. #25 Texas Tech - 11/09/13

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

Typical Tech? More like Typical fans

The overall feeling following the win against Texas Christian in early September was one of accomplishment and good juju. Texas Tech took care of an in-state rival at home in a game where they were favored to lose. For all of the excitement and expectations created by a perfect first half of the season we shouldn't forget where we stood perception wise. Tech wasn't supposed to go bowling this year, nor were they supposed to go 7-0 and develop Big XII title aspirations. Hell, there wasn't even an overriding consensus that they would take care of SMU on the road or Texas State at home. 

A byproduct of unexpected success is that it often times creates "front-runner" fans. I just don't understand it, but maybe its just that I'm loyal to a fault. Maybe I'm blinded by my love for everything scarlet and black, maybe I'm just partial to the school that, you know, I actually attend and grew up watching. Maybe it's the autographed Sheryl Swoopes and Zach Thomas cards I never lost. Maybe it's the fact that I've stuck with my team school even after the shitty December night in 2009 or maybe it's because I never went out and bought a Washington State hat. 

I'll never question the want or ability of any player or coach. I'm not a Division I athlete or head coach. Being good at Madden or NCAA 14 doesn't qualify me to run an offense. 

I'm pissed, I know a lot of other people are too and there isn't anything wrong with that. However, I think a dose of perspective is needed for those with one foot already off the ledge. 

My "10 takeaways" from last night:

1. Depth- Lost in much of the tired excuses and crazy conspiracy theories for why Tech is on a three game losing streak is the issue of depth. Overall the talent is there, it exists. Tech has a number of talented players but what they don't have is the necessary depth to remain competitive in the meat of Big XII play. Factor in injuries to key players, particularly on defense, and you have a recipe for disaster. There is no quick fix or remedy, the only way to address quality depth is by recruiting and consistency. The latter of which Tech hasn't had since 2009. 
2. Quarterbacks- Webb never looked 'settled' and his performance on the field reflected that. He looked rushed and not at all calm for most of his playing time on Saturday. I noticed him missing on several throws that he's made in the past. Similarly, Mayfield also had a horrible day. He may have come into the game to a chorus of cheers but any good will was quickly forgotten after Baker fumbled on a trademark scramble. Much later in the game he would rack up a few points in the INT department and also perform and non-attempt to stop the intercepter from running into the end zone. I'm not sure how I feel about that as it would be nice to see an effort being made there but I also realize it probably wouldn't have mattered much anyways.  
3. Tech Defense-Same story as OSU. A lack of quality depth and having to play freshmen out of necessity is a horrible combination when going against a team that has an offensive scheme that's basically been your kryptonite for years now: a power run game.
4. Brewer- I'm not sure what to think about Brewer being MIA in this game. If he's still not 100% I understand. However, Kingsbury has said repeatedly that he's healthy enough, just not 'game-ready'. Reading between the lines I'm really afraid he might be gone after this season either due to transfer or because he never fully healed. That being said I wouldn't mind being proved wrong.
5. Not quite there- Is Tech good/talented enough to surprise and beat anyone in the Big XII? Yes. Do they have the tools and personnel needed to be competitive week in and week out with teams more talented? No. The perception that Tech has been surpassed by fellow former Big XII south programs like Baylor and Oklahoma State is true. The one common denominator for those programs? Consistency top to bottom.
6. Overrated- Whoever orchestrated the game day festivities. I really hate saying this but  for all of the hype and hoopla the athletic department created for the Lone Survivor game I really feel like they missed the mark. The largest gathering of Purple Heart recipients ever? Should have focused on that more, that, and not interrupting the voice of the Red Raiders explaining what the day was about just so the ref could tell everyone who won the damn toss. 
7. Underrated- Team leaders. Tech is really going to miss Ward, Bullitt, Porter and possibly Amaro. Those guys have really invested themselves into their school and playing careers. Thats hard to replicate.
8. Bowl Game- I don't care if we lose our next two games, I'm going to the damn bowl game. Whether it be in Houston or Tempe, plans have been made. 
9. Baylor/Texas- I wouldn't hold my breath on Tech surprising everyone and beating either Baylor or Texas. But would I be surprised? Not entirely. Neither team is invincible and both seem to have been bitten by the injury bug as of late. 
10. Eric Ward- After the game Ward posted a picture of him and his son running down the field with the caption "This is my why". Also, did anyone notice the intensity the team came out with for the second half? Thank Eric Ward for asking them the exact question. 

Oklahoma State

#18 Oklahoma State vs. #15 Texas Tech - 10/02/13

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

4-1

The 2013 Texas Tech football program is far from sound, but their situation could be worse. 

I liken the Red Raiders to a 700 horsepower Lamborghini Aventador piloted by a 15-year-old who just received their learners permit; you know the experience is going to be rough, scary, and awesome all at once. At this point in the season Texas Tech is 7-2 with a final home game against Kansas State and looming away games versus Texas and Oregon Baylor. There is an air of disappointment after losing to both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and falling in the national rankings, but when you consider where the team was picked to finish in the conference by various media outlets they really have done a tremendous job and have exceeded expectations. The drawback is that often times when you overachieve the initial expectations change. Was Texas Tech the tenth best team in the nation before heading into Norman? Maybe, maybe not. Was Texas Tech picked to finish anywhere from seventh to tenth place in the Big XII? Yes. What has Texas Tech done with a first time head coach, fifth defensive coordinator in as many years, fourth defensive scheme in five, a litter of freshmen in their two-deep and a pair of freshman quarterbacks? Exceed expectations. 

The season isn't over, their is still plenty to play for and the upside for this team is tremendous. Will Texas Tech win any of their remaining games? I would think so. Could they lose all of their remaining games? I would hope not, but if anything has been consistent in the Big XII this year its that anyone can be anyone of any given day. 

My "10 takeaways" from last night:

1. Discombobulated- The Red Raiders never looked in sync and although their were flashes of fight a porous run-defense and untimely mistakes cost Texas Tech.
2. Armchair Quarterbacks- I try not to let my emotions ebb and flow with the way my school is playing. That being said I completely understand the frustration a lot of people had this past Saturday. However, one thing I will never appreciate is the "Armchair Quarterback". Usually a backwards polo hat wearing douche from Katy, Plano, The Woodlands, etc. that thinks they are somehow more qualified to run a team than Kliff Kingsbury. This is also the person that yells "F*** Webb" "Tackle someone dumbass" "We suck" "I'm leaving at the half" so on and so forth. If you are one of these people do us all a favor, take your Patagonia jacket wearing ass and go play in traffic. There are no mountains to climb in Lubbock dumbass, and no one appreciates your pretentious drivel and your butchering of our fight song. 
3. Tech Defense- Gaines, Bush, Bullitt, Porter, Ross, Richards. Jacobson, Ward, Mays, Nelson. The former is the names of your defensive starters that either went down with injury on Saturday or are out for the season altogether. The latter is the names of freshmen/backups that have seen significant playing time. Poor tackling, not wrapping up, and only going for the strip are inexcusable but a lack of quality depth and having to play freshman before they are ready is more of a reason the defense seems so unlike it did in the first half of the season.
4. Webb- Did not play well. There were a few deep throws to Ward, Grant, and Marquez that seemed to be a bit overthrown. When you factor in a pair of INTs this was probably not his best performance. However, the supporting staff didn't do him any favors with their play either.
5. Underrated- Bench Penalties. Mike Gundy gave a pre-game interview speaking about how calm of a coach he was and essentially pandering to the media only to receive a 15-yard penalty during the actual game because of how calm he wasn't. Must be too much gel and spray tan trips.
6. Overrated- Oklahoma. The state itself and any sports/schools associated/located within its borders. 
7. Costumes- How did the guy who went as Kingsbury not get picked in the final group? Such travesty.
8. Third Tier- If you divide the Big XII into 'tiers', I believe it would look something like this: Tier 1: Baylor Tier 2: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State Tier 3: Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas State, West Virginia Tier 4: Kansas, Iowa State, TCU.
9. Wildcats- Next week is Kansas State. While I still believe Tech ultimately wins this game they will need to address the defensive woes that began versus Oklahoma and continued against OSU. If they sell out on the run/read option and force the KSU QB Waters to attempt to win via passing I think Tech will be successful. Their QB is more of a runner, scrambler type. Also, their defense lost a lot of starters to graduation and their Heisman-level QB Klein is also gone. However, they are on a two game win streak while Tech is on a two game losing streak.  Heres to both streaks ending on Saturday.
10. Game ball- Pete Robertson. As bad as the defense was on Saturday the effort was still there by a lot of the players. Robertson was in on many tackles and also accounted for a pick-six that instilled new life into the Red Raider faithful and drew Tech within one possession at halftime. 

OU

#10 Texas Tech vs. #15 Oklahoma - 10/26/13

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

38-30

Take back of few of the turnovers, horrible calls, or just have the ball bounce your way a few more times and maybe Tech would have come away with the victory. 

A loss is a loss but sometimes it's how you lose that says the most about your team and where they stand going forward rather than the final box score.  Trick plays, onside kicks, and other special teams trickeration kept Oklahoma reeling and Texas Tech on the verge, essentially, Kingsbury coaches football the same way a kid plays NCAA 14. Playing to win, and having fun while doing it. I don't ever remember feeling that way under Tuberville, the closest game-wise would probably be against West Virginia, but was that game really in doubt going into the fourth quarter? Granted, the season is not yet over but from what Tech has shown thus far in 2013 and with a cache of young returning talent I would expect the 2014 and 2015 seasons to be very interesting. 

Something tells me Tech isn't done making noise.

My "10 takeaways" from Saturday:

1. Officiating- Some iffy calls here with the most egregious being an offensive pass-intereference call on-- Jakeem Grant. Not even sure where to start on this one...
2. Uniforms- …and yet another new uniform combination. I have no complaints as it is a new day in college football and this is something teams like Texas Tech, Baylor, and Houston have been doing a lot of this year. Teams that aren't Penn State, Alabama, and Texas, etc. have to find niches and other ways to compete for recruits and national perception. Best example to date: Oregon.
3. Playing to win- The fact alone that Texas Tech has a coach and staff willing to do anything and everything to win a game is a relief in itself. I'm not sure that was ever said of the Tuberville regime, if anything I seem to remember a lot of conversations involving "mailing it in" play calling in blow-out losses. Running a draw on third and long against Oklahoma State comes to mind.
4. Penalties- Have been an issue for this team, last Saturday in Norman? Just three. 
5. Underrated- Trick plays.
6. Overrated- Oklahoma media/PR. There seemed to be some venom directed towards Texas Tech and specifically Kingsbury by way of the OU media department. I guess there isn't much to do in a double-wide.
7. Webb- The ceiling is high and good things are in store with Davis. Following the OU game Webb was made the official starter for Oklahoma State. Well earned.
8. Measuring stick- The Big XII is finally starting to take shape and Texas Tech has made their case for belonging in the top half of the conference. Their are no moral victories but the grit and fight shown on Saturday makes me feel better about the next two games.
9. Okie Lite- Next week is Oklahoma State. I wouldn't count on Tech coming out flat as this team should have plenty of motivation and bulletin board material accrued over the past few seasons. 
10. Game ball- Goes to Kingsbury and Co. Aggressive play calling and calculated risks let the Red Raider faithful know that the coaches were going to do everything possible to win. Fortune Favors the Bold.

The Battle for John Denver's Soul

#16 Texas Tech vs. West Virginia - 10/19/13

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

The Mountaineers

It took a second half rally from a double digit deficit and a last minute touchdown but maybe Kingsbury and the Red Raiders are starting to make some noise.

Their perception nationally, at least, is reflective of what they have accomplished thus far. Ranked No. 10 in the BCS and No. 9 in the coaches poll Texas Tech is 7-0 for only the fourth time in school history, it's best start to a season since 2008.

I have yet to see the game in its entirety but what I did notice, and maybe it contributed to Tech ultimately winning, was that this team doesn't lay down or "quit". I have no idea if it was coaching or scheme but that wasn't something you could say about the Tuberville-- led teams. Morgantown isn't an easy place to play and I believe this game was only the third time in recent years that WVU had lost at home by double digits.

My "10 takeaways" from the game:

1. Amaro- Wow, just wow. The guy was carrying defenders like they were peewee football players just trying to hang on. Tech has a huge asset in Amaro; a player whose skills and level of athleticism just seem unfair. I'll put it this way: Tech will have another "Michael Crabtree" before they have another Jace Amaro. 
2. The Student- Kingsbury went on the road, to a hostile environment and came away with a win against a former mentor and fellow Leach protégé.
3. The Mentor- I wonder if Dana Holgorson and the WVU faithful knew what they were in for once they found out they would be joining the Big XII. This isn't the old Big East conference, and I wonder if Holgorson's seat is getting any warmer. 
4. Falemi- I'm not a Division I athlete so I won't comment on his technique or ability to make the correct play. I would assume his poor play was the result of some mental/ confidence issues rather than anything else. WVU exploited him much the way Tech exploited OU's Gabe Lynn in 2011. 
5. Underrated- Webb's mettle. How many times have you seen a frosh quarterback go into a shell or lose confidence once they've made a huge mistake? The fumble on the  1- yard line was just a result of Webb trying to do too much. 
6. Overrated- Preseason predictions. Texas Tech is 7-0 and doing a lot better than any national media pundit predicted they would. They may very well lose 2-3 games but they have already gone above and beyond where they were projected to finish.
7. Defense- The Texas Tech defense probably hadn't been tested as much this season as it was this  past Saturday. West Virginia isn't some offensive juggernaut but they were able to make some explosive plays. Giving up the "big play" and failing on third downs won't be an option for Tech with upcoming games against teams like Oklahoma State and Baylor. 
8. Homecoming- Tech is 3-0 on home and away Homecoming games this year. Also, not sure it matters much but this coming game against Oklahoma is...their Homecoming.
9. Norman- I remember the last time Tech had lofty goals and an undefeated record heading into the Sooner state. It wasn't pretty and Tech may very well lose this game, however, I don't feel like this team will suffer from a lack of fight or confidence. 
10. Game ball- Goes to Jace Amaro. The fact that he actually delivered after telling Kingsbury to put the game on his shoulders says a lot.

Iowa State

Iowa State vs. #20 Texas Tech

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

The Cyclones

It seemed that the entire week leading into the game against Iowa State all I heard about was how bad the Cyclones got jobbed against the Longhorns and how pissed off they were going to be coming into Lubbock.

...well.

I guess?

In my opinion the final score wasn't truly indicative of how close (or not close) the game really was.

If you take into account the points Iowa State scored off of the kick return (7), the botched Tech punt return (7) and Webb's INT (7) the game really should have been 31-7 at the half. This would also presume Bustin had made his FG and Marquez had not made an uncharacteristic fumble in the red zone. The reason Iowa State hung around for the majority of the game was because Texas Tech essentially gift-wrapped  points off of disastrous special teams play, an area where Tech had been playing fairly solid up to this past Saturday. The Tech defense once again did it's job and any worries that come with the musical-chair quarterback situation we have going should be set aside. Neither Webb nor Mayfield seem to have been wide-eyed or overwhelmed at any point this season. As such, Texas Tech racked up 666 yards of total offense; over double the amount of yardage Iowa State produced. Also, concerns over the ability of Tech to consistently run the ball should be lessened with the 251 rushing yards that came Saturday. That (the amount) was something Texas Tech had not replicated since 1999, against Iowa State. 

Go figure.

My "10 takeaways" from last night:

1. Officiating- Overall I have no qualms in regards to the referees from Saturday. However, the non-call "incompletion" by the ISU quarterback really bugged me. After I got over it not being a fumble I still didn't understand how it wasn't called as intentional grounding. An incompletion? Really? Who was he throwing to? The Fox? Jeez...
2. Special Teams- A few oddball gaffes and non-plays kept the box score from showing what otherwise "felt" like a blowout win for Tech but the concerns are still there. I don't want to rag on Foster as the dude is absolute money in Kingsbury's scheme, but it never quite seems like he catches the ball cleanly.  Whether he swats it down or drops it altogether I always have to have a "dear lord baby Jesus" moment before he catches the ball.
3. Tech Defense- The defense is nasty and seems to play with a speed and aggression that hasn't been here for a few years. 
4. Quarterbacks- Webb was name Big XII offensive player of the week while Mayfield recuperated and Brewer waited in the wings. I have to think that at some point this season he will get significant playing time. 
5. Underrated- Old lady cheerleaders and the crowd that showed up for an 11AM kickoff. Also: Baylor and people rooting for a Manizel injury. Love him or hate him, either way he's still a twenty-something year old athlete with a bright future ahead. Don't be "that guy".
6. Overrated- Bulletin board material. Whether it be Iowa State or West Virginia this coming Saturday, using revenge or anger as motivation only works when you actually show up and play. Iowa State probably should have won against Texas, but against Texas Tech did they ever seem threatening? Not in my opinion. As for West Virginia...apparently Dana Holgorsen has been making his team watch the 2012 beatdown they received. The transitive property almost never works in college football. Besides, I seem to think Kingsbury and Co.'s #TYFR works a bit better.
7. Eric Ward- I think there has been a lot of unwarranted grief directed towards No. 18, the guy decided to come back for his senior season and has really broken through with the last three games. Also, not sure if I was the only one that saw it but two plays before Tech's second TD Ward got absolutely cheap-shotted. The next play after is when he drew the 15-yard penalty for shoving the dude that hit him. Kingsbury called Ward over, said something and then bam Ward hauled in the touchdown. 
8. Branden Jackson- Good story.
9. The Run Game- The Texas Tech rushing attack got the job done exceptionally well on Saturday with the trio of Williams, Washington, and Foster all having explosive plays.
10. Jakeem Grant- Props to the little dude for being a matchup nightmare for every defense we've faced thus far. He took some hard hits on Saturday but stayed in the game. The combination of speed and shiftiness he has is unreal.

KU/ISU

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

Late Night

I have a suspicion that the area of 66th street between Slide and Frankford has become some kind of weird Twilight zone. 

I purchased a fixed-gear bicycle a few weeks back in my attempt to complete the hipster transformation. I already have the facial hair, ironic t-shirts, and comic book collection, now I just need to start listening to "cool bands you've never heard of" and wear really deep V-neck shirts, so on and so forth...

Sarcasm aside, the real reason I got the bike was to make sure I stay active doing something. During the summer going to the gym was a great option because apart from work and online classes I really just had a lot of free time. However, now that school is in full swing I don't have nearly as much time or energy to make it out there and pump iron with all the pretty people and their neon yellow matching workout outfits. Having the bike has given me something to tinker with late at night in both the riding sense and also the I-like-to-take-things-apart sense. Due to my nature as a night owl or maybe just because I'm weird the only times that I have ridden the bike thus far have been at night...which leads me to my "Twilight zone 66th street" experiences.

There are seriously some strange people that walk around in the middle of the night. In the few weeks I've been riding I have seen/met: drunkards speaking (to themselves? or someone else?), clandestine meetings outside really shady apartments (pretty sure drugs were involved), little kids walking around the park IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, and people staring at me like they've never seen a fat dude riding a bike.

What I haven't seen?

People riding bicycles.

Texas Tech Football

I only watched the first half of the Kansas game this past Saturday and have yet to really see the game in its entirety since then. I'll keep this short, so... 

My "10 takeaways":

1. Late to the party- I'm going to go ahead and attribute the slow start by Tech to the 11AM kickoff or some kind of weird hangover from the poor offensive performance versus Texas State. However, I wouldn't put too much thought into it as Tech and Kansas always seem to play really, really, really weird games. (Tech was down 21-0 at one point in 2011, and also went to double OT in 2012 after being up 21-7). When we play them weird shit usually happens.
2. Who doesn't like?- To score? After going into a 10-0 hole early on Texas Tech came back and scored 54 unanswered points. As I said before, weird stuff happens when these teams meet.  
3. Tech Defense- The defense took a quarter and a half to settle in but once it did the Jayhawks were never going to come back. Snuffing out a fake punt, INT to start the third quarter and TFL. The defensive front seven were always the known quantity, but now I believe the secondary is also coming into form. Kansas wasn't some kind of offensive juggernaut but they have the skill players to make you pay if you don't keep them honest. 
4. Bad Raider- A month ago the idea of playing Iowa State didn't bother me much if at all. Now though? I'm fairly concerned. I was at the game in 2011 and I was questioning reality all four quarters. Tech has the talent edge and a better defense. Webb, Mayfield or Brewer need to help out by not throwing INTs. It's going to be a tough game. Ugh...
5. Underrated- Kansas, they are probably the worst team in the Big XII but they will beat someone worth a damn this season.
6. Overrated- Punters. What was the Jayhawk punter thinking when he tried to fake it on 4th and 13 from inside his own 30 yard line?? 
7. Quarterbacking- I wouldn't be too surprised if Michael Brewer saw significant playing time on Saturday. I think Mayfield is Kingsburys guy and Webb has shown flashes of greatness but the end goal is to win the game at hand. Brewer will be rusty but he's a steady hand that has been in the system longer than his counterparts. 
8. Red River- Bye Mack Brown!
9. Not a morning person-11AM kickoff? Not as bad as it sounds, however I would assume Tech doesn't set another attendance record on a Saturday.
10. Prediction- Tech wins a close game with the defense being the difference overall.  31-28 Texas Tech.

Random: The Cotton Bowl will be the site of an orange cow massacre, while Oregon will roll past Washington and the Baylor scary Bears will throttle the lavender Wildcats.

Texas State

Texas State vs. #25 Texas Tech -09/22/13

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

No fox. No problem. 

Stripe-out, black-out, white-out, I guess the only thing Texas Tech's athletic department hasn't come up with is a red-out. (I still think there will be red jerseys worn at some point this year). Fingers crossed. Texas Tech came into tonight's game ranked No. 25 in the AP poll and favored by 26 points over the Bobcats of Texas State University. While the gameday presentation and crowd involvement was once again on-point, there definitely was a more subdued feeling throughout. I'm not sure whether this was a result of the crowd being less than thrilled with QB play or just a natural regression from the insanity that came last week with TCU. Anyway...

My "10 takeaways" from last night:

1. Quarterback-ing- Texas Tech as a whole gave no indication of any kind of "let down" performance following the TCU victory. However,  the offense struggled mightily due in large part to the very freshman-like play of the two Texas Tech slingers: Webb and Mayfield. I don't know that any particular miscue or situation could deduce why they each struggled so much other than they are still trying to become acclimated to the speed of the game and as freshmen seem to be prone to big plays and costly mistakes. The upcoming bye week should serve as a welcome opportunity for both Mayfield and Webb to address the issues that have plagued them. Also, an extra week of reps opens the door for Brewer to come back.
2. Cody Davis 2.0?- Tanner Jacobson, a true freshman walk-on was literally flying to the ball the entire night. Jacobson accounted for 4 solo tackles and assisted in another 2. Not bad for his first career start.
3. Temper- Your expectations for this offense. Last night's game was a microcosm of what it means to have a pair of freshmen quarterbacks leading your team. The intent and talent is there but the end result is somewhere between awesome and disastrous. Inconsistent quarterback play combined with a young "musical-chair" offensive line is going to hold this team back until the possible return of Brewer. He may not solve all of his teams problems but you can't beat out system experience and the leadership aspect he brings.
4. White-Out- Looks like I didn't give enough credit to the Red Raider faithful. I honestly didn't see the "White-Out" panning out but the end result shown at kick-off was rather impressive. My only complaint: I would have rather seen the team go full storm trooper mode and wear the all whites a la SMU.
5. Jump Balls- of the four or so jump balls thrown by Davis Webb two ended up being crazy-good awesome plays while the other two were INTs or near INTs. NO MORE JUMP BALLS. MY HEART CANNOT TAKE IT.
6. Measuring stick- I mentioned last week after the TCU game that we still had no idea how good or not good we were. While I still think their exist too many variables to have a concrete answer I do know this: our defense is legit and they will probably keep the team in many games, especially if the offense continues to struggle. 
7. Penalties- The penalty situation did not improve significantly when compared to last week's game. You can't kill your own momentum when you are already struggling offensively.
8. Underrated- Being able to handle the spotlight. Good feelings were in the air following Texas Tech's victory over then ranked TCU but there was a fear that the team would follow it up by playing like "Typical Tech" against Texas State. They avoided the same let-downs that following huge victories in 2011 and 2012.
9. Overrated- this conference, the Big XII. West Virginia got blanked by Maryland 37-0 and Texas somehow broke its five game losing streak to Kansas State. Short of Oklahoma State and Baylor no other teams have looked impressive, although the argument could be made that they have yet to play anyone with a pulse. 
10. Game ball- Texas Tech defense. INTs, fumbles returned for touchdowns, huge stops on third and fourth down. This is as dominant a Texas Tech defense as we have seen in awhile. 

TCU

#24 TCU vs. Texas Tech - 09/12/13

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

On this Friday morning I feel much like the TCU football team probably did yesterday around midnight: spent, tired, sore, and hoarse. 

The Horned Frogs looked discombabulated most of the night due to a tenacious Texas Tech defense energized by the Jones AT&T stadium crowd. I, on the other hand feel the way I do because Texas Tech students ARE FREAKING CRAZY. In fact, last night was so crazy that a fox, yes, an actual fox, came out to say "hey what's up guys? I'm just gonna run around a bit while you play". Broken benches and wild animals aside, TCU's seven false start penalties were a direct result of the (excuse me for sounding like an Aggie) "12th man role" the home crowd played. The buzz around town before the game and the atmosphere in the stadium bolstered by a record setting student attendance reminded me of a certain game in 2008 with some guy named Crabtree. In fact, throughout my time at the university I had not witnessed the Jones' be as electric and intimidating of a venue as it was last night. The only other game that even comes close to the energy of last night was against West Virginia 2012. Above all else, I believe last night was a welcome back party for the Texas Tech family. The Jones is back, and anyone that saw how elated Kingsbury and Wallerstedt were on the last fourth down stop should know they genuinely want to be here. 

My "10 takeaways" from last night:

1. Officiating- I really feel like the refs dictated certain portions of the game, while I don't believe they were implicit in Tech ultimately winning the game they definitely prevented the game from really ever having a flow. That being said, I believe TCU's false start penalties combined with Tech's D prevented them from winning. Case in point: TCU never lead.
2. Uniforms- Gray uniforms? I like them even though I know a lot of Tech fans won't. Expect to see a lot more cool stuff from Under Armour coming out later in the season.    It's 2013, and ever since Oregon started wearing crazy uniforms everyone else has been playing catch up. *Recruits like them too*
3. Tech Defense- The Tech defense held TCU to 3 of 16 on third down and 0 of 2 on fourth down. Hyder, Bullitt, Porter, Robertson, Gaines and Smith all had outstanding plays. The defense ultimately won the game as the offense seemed to struggle after the half. Bonus: I think I felt the entire spectrum of emotion when Richards picked off Boykin. Elation because of the INT, Humor because he's a huge lineman running with the ball, and fear because of the aforementioned.
4. Penalties- Way too many penalties for both teams, Kingsbury and Co. will need to get that in check before the meat of the Big XII schedule comes up. 
5. Underrated- The entire Texas Tech Defense.
6. Overrated- Devonte Fields, TCU.
7. He's human- Shake n' Bake, Mayfield the touchdown Maker, Baker-man. Whatever you call him Tech's true frosh QB is human after all. While playing very well in his first two games and even up until about the third quarter of last nights game he ended his evening rather pedestrian. The fan base should not be concerned however; after all this time last year he was still in high school and only walked-on at Tech during the second summer session. 
8. Measuring stick- Before last nights contest I really thought playing TCU would give fans an opportunity to see where Tech stood in the Big XII. Now I'm less convinced. Is Tech that good? Is TCU that bad? Only time will tell.
9. Trap Game- Next week is Texas State. While last years game wasn't much of a contest the Red Raiders need to get over the win against TCU and not overlook it's sister school.
10. Game ball- Goes to Davis Webb. When Mayfield hobbled off the field the only thing I could think of was how inconsistent Webb looked against SFA. Props to him for keeping a level head and leading the game winning drive.

Random prediction: Bama: 38 A&M: 28 

Oh and What does the fox say?! 

"Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!

Chacha-chacha-chacha-chow!

Chacha-chacha-chacha-chow!"