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.