Arkansas

Arkansas vs. Texas Tech- 09/13/2014

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

The Fightin' Sam Waltons

For reasons beyond my control I wasn't able to attend the game or watch it in its entirety. Rather, I was able to catch glimpses here and there at the fine establishments of Mesquites, The Roof, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Because I wasn't able to see the game I'll try to keep this short.

My "10 takeaways":

1. The defense- The simple, undeniable answer to Texas Tech's reason for losing this game can be found in the complete inability to stop the opposing team from dictating tempo and running the ball right down the middle. Texas Tech has historically struggled against 'power-run' teams, but from what I observed against Arkansas it isn't so much scheme rather than technique. Tech's defenders simply aren't wrapping up and bringing down the ball carrier. Furthermore, poor linebacker play and an undersized defensive line continue to hamper Texas Tech's ability to hold on 3rd & medium-long situations. The big man Rika Levi was back in the mix against Ark but the Razorback's offensive line proved too dominant. Texas Tech probably won't face a better running team than Arkansas for the rest of the season but in the same token they will only go as far as their defense is able to take them. It's imperative that Tech figure something out defensively, youth and inexperience are  no longer an excuse.
2. Turnovers- Texas Tech has now turned the ball over multiple times in its first three games of this season. In that short stretch Tech has also not been able to force more turnovers than the opposing team. Tech was 'blown-out' by Arkansas but if you remove the 14 points Arkansas scored from Tech turnovers the game is still in doubt further into the fourth quarter.
3. Turned away- The reason I was unable to attend the game in person was due to being turned away at the student gate during the first quarter. The students came out in full force once again so I actually don't see this as a negative. Texas Tech is about to hit its Big XII schedule full force and they may be in for a bit of a rough patch, Kliff and co. will need for the students and crowd to still be behind the Raiders. For all the students that were upset because they didn't get to go inside: show up earlier. Simple as that.
4. Obligatory uniform mention- Underarmour's take on the throwback style Texas Tech uniforms were ridiculously awesome. I've been underwhelmed by UA's cluttered Lone Star Pride uniforms from the past couple of years so having a clean and simple throwback was awesome. I honestly think we should bust those out again sometime. Gotta love the old school double T.
5. Webb- The few bits of the game that I was able to see included Webb throwing touchdown passes to both Reginald Davis and Jakeem Grant. Unfortunately, I also observed Webb throw a pass that was nearly picked off and then immediately throw an INT directly to an Arkansas player. Webb simply isn't playing up to his talent or his ability, and while the defense carries the blame for this loss Webb needs to find his rhythm and confidence. There have simply been too many near misses and overthrown/underthrown balls to his receivers. In short, he needs to step up, take charge, and will his team to wins.
6. Looking ahead- Texas Tech hasn't won in Stillwater since November 2001 and is currently on a five-game losing streak to the Cowboys with Tech's last win being in 2008 when a couple of guys named Harrell and Crabtree destroyed Xerox State. Tech will need to pressure OSU's inexperienced quarterback and put points up on the board. The good news? It's all doable. The bad news? They only have until this coming Thursday to get it figured out.
7. Overrated- Bret Freakin' Biliema, did anyone else see him jawing at our cornerback? I think it was Justis Nelson. Where's the flag? Jeez...
8. Underrated- Being an absolute ugly SOB and having a hot wife. Seriously, has anyone else seen Bieliema's wife? 
9. Good play- goes to DJ Polite-Bray for his sliding touchdown reception in the end zone to tie the game 14-14 in the second quarter. Hopefully the first of many to come.
10. Misery loves company- Notable losses on the day include: USC, Texas, Kansas, and Michael Brewer-led Virginia Tech.

Anyone agree with my points? Have anything to add? Feel free to discuss!