Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas vs. Texas Tech -08/30/14

LUBBOCK, TEXAS-

Give them an inch, and they''ll take a mile

The excruciating wait for Fall Saturdays with Texas Tech football is finally over. On Saturday night the Kingsbury-led high-flying offense of Texas Tech, clad in scarlet and black, made their first appearance of the 2014 season since defeating the No.14 ranked Arizona State Sun Devils in the National University Holiday Bowl in San Diego. After their stellar performance against Arizona State came increased expectations, increased hope, and all around good feelings in relation to the future of the football program and Kingsbury's second season.

To put it mildly, the feeling of euphoria and excitement that came with that win about 244 days ago has been completely reversed with a lackluster, penalty-filled, frustrating performance by all three sides of Tech's football team. Is this some sort of indictment of Kingsbury's bro-coach aura? Probably not, in fact, I would be inclined to believe the exact opposite. While no one enjoys not beating easy teams as well as they should, Texas Tech has historically struggled in games it had no business not struggling with. 

My "10 takeaways" from last night:

1. Tangled Webb- Davis Webb looked shaky early on, his timing seemed off and he was missing receivers either too high or too low for the first two quarters. While only one of the INT's can really be blamed on him, it was tough to see him take a safety due to intentional grounding in the end zone and not settle down until sometime in the third quarter. He will need to be much more poised and calm in the coming weeks, especially at UTEP in El Paso, both because it is a road game and also because he will be in El Paso around midnight. Nothing good ever happens in El Paso around midnight.  However, is his performance reason to panic? No, it is after all, only the first game of the season, and while his performance in the first half was rather pedestrian, he seemed to regain his mojo and found Marquez for a pair of much needed touchdowns in the second half. Webb will be fine, he has all the intangibles and skill required to run the Texas Tech offense.
2. Rika Levi- Anyone who has ever quipped that a single player does not make or break a team has obviously never met 360lb Rika Levi, nor do they understand simple physics, as a 360lb big dude is a lot harder to run through than a leaner 240lb dude. Tech needs its big guy to be ok, and while his injury did not look severe, Rika never reentered the game for Tech while an already thin defensive line struggled to shutdown the Bear's running back attack. Get well bud, we need you.
3. Stop the breaks- For what seemed like the entirety of the game Texas Tech was unable to stop the Bears from running the ball right at them. In this situation it seems to be more of a 'Jimmy & Joes' problem rather than an Xs & Os issue. That is, Texas Tech is replacing Kerry Hyder and Dartwan Bush, both lost to graduation from the 2013 team. To be competitive in the coming weeks something will need to be done concerning the Red Raider's defensive line. While Tech has had issues with fielding an undersized defensive line these past few years it was thought that the inclusion of Rika Levi, all 360lbs of him would somewhat remedy that situation. Levi's injury, the severity of which remaining to be seen, combined with upcoming games against run-happy UTEP and Arkansas, Tech will need to figure out a way to stop the run. Quickly.
4. The Crowd- With the football team struggling to put away FCS Central Arkansas for much of the night it would have been real easy, maybe even understandable, for the Texas Tech faithful to turn on their Red Raiders and file out in droves by the end of the third quarter. Instead, the majority of students, fans and alumni remained until the end of the Matador Song. 
5. Long lines/Keeping students at bay- Minor gripe: I'm not sure what the exact situation was or if their was a larger issue, but for some reason Texas Tech or G. Boren Services decided to keep many of the assembled Texas Tech students at bay, waiting to be 'let in' only after large crowds had formed. 
6. Replacing Amaro & Ward- While there is no way of directly replacing Jace Amaro and Eric Ward's contributions to the Texas Tech offense I felt Tech did a good job of focusing on Jakeem Grant and Bradley Marquez. These two receivers along with highly regarded Devin Lauderdale and D.J. Polite-Bray should bring another meaning to the term 'speed kills'.
7. Penalties- As much as Texas Tech struggled against Central Arkansas they didn't make things any easier for themselves with senseless holds, unsportsmanlike conducts, and personal fouls. There were numerous times where Tech would obtain a huge first down on offense or third down stop on defense only for it to be wiped out because of a boneheaded mistake. You can't go forwards if you're going backwards.
8. Underrated- The Big XII- apart from Iowa State's loss against NDSU, and Texas Tech's own performance against Central Arkansas, the rest of the Big XII played markedly well against Alabama and Florida State. 
9. Overrated- The thought that Texas Tech's run defense would be a vast improvement over last year's unit. Through the first half of games in 2013 the Raider defense looked sufficient, the last half? Not so much, it wasn't until the Holiday Bowl, which featured a mostly injury-free defense that you saw the Red Raiders adequately respond to a D1 offense. As bad as that sounds it was actually a lot worse on Saturday night, with an injured Rika Levi, true freshman corners on each side of the field, and an undersized defensive line Texas Tech struggled mightily against a team they should have been able to keep from rushing more than 100 yards. To add insult to injury the Red Raiders also struggled in TO department. Once again, they were unable to come up with any INTs or fumble recoveries, while UCA intercepted Davis Webb twice. Another area of concern would be the Special Teams gaffes observed on Saturday night, while its understandable that Texas Tech probably will not run every kickoff or punt back for a touchdown, I was fairly disappointed in our inability to field a competent unit. Maybe it was first-game jitters or the sun obscured his vision but Cameron Batson fumbling the ball on a UCA punt could have been disastrous. While the inclusion of Special Teams coordinator Darren Chiaverini alleviated a lot of the worry built up from years of onside kicks and punt returns gone awry this was an area of the team I was most looking forward to seeing an improvement. I understand it is the first game but with Texas Tech's defensive struggles they really need to get their act together. Fast.
10. Game ball- The running-back corps- the combination of DeAndre Washington, Quinton White, and newcomer Justin Stockton provided a much needed run game that was missing for much of 2013. Furthermore, while Davis Webb seemed shaky in the first half of last night's game the run game was consistent throughout. It's been way too long since Red Raider fans have been able to see a Tech running back break a play for 10+ yards consistently.

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.