Compiled by Don Wiliams, Jeff Walker

Tech kicker honored

New Texas Tech kicker Matt Williams on Thursday was named the AT&T all-America player of the week for his performance in his first college game.

William

The sophomore from Weatherford at least temporarily solved a Tech shortcoming by making all nine of his extra points in last week’s 63-21 victory at Kansas.

Each week, ESPN nominates four plays for the weekly award, after which fan voting determines the winner. Williams collected about 36 percent of the 73,000 votes to beat out Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (30 percent), Tech quarterback Graham Harrell (28 percent) and Michigan State running back Javon Ringer (6 percent).

Hard to get a handle on

Texas has allowed 13 sacks this season, an average of fewer than two per game. UT quarterback Colt McCoy’s agility and quick release are two reasons why he’s tough to trap.

Tech defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill said the Longhorns’ quick passing game is another factor that makes McCoy difficult to reach.

“Earlier (in the season) people were saying, You didn’t get (enough) sacks. Well, you’re not going to get sacks on three-step (drops),” McNeill said. “We’ll make him hold it if we can.

“If he’s going one, two, three (steps) throw, we can’t. He’s already lined up in shotgun, which takes him 7 yards deep. Then you’re trying to rush to the ball, it makes it tough. So we’ve got to try to get pressure and get our hands up and that kind of thing.”

Tech ranks tied for third in the Big 12 Conference and tied for 25th in the nation in sacks per game.

In a conference filled with mobile quarterbacks, McCoy stands out with the second-highest rushing total for a QB: 412 yards rushing through eight games.

In last year’s 59-43 UT victory over Tech, he rushed 11 times for 51 yards and a touchdown.

“He can throw it on the run. He also can gain yardage on the run,” McNeill said. “We’ve got to keep him contained.”

Paying homage

Tech basketball coach Pat Knight has developed a close friendship with Mike Leach. During Thursday’s basketball tipoff dinner, Knight paid the Red Raiders’ coach a compliment.

“Mike is the only guy who has figured out how to score more points against Kansas in Kansas,” Knight said.

Knight also admitted that the two frequently exchange gifts with each other.

“I’ve even gotten my brother into it,” Knight said. “If he sees something that’s of a pirate, he calls me and tells me about it. I just kind of sit on the computer and if I see something, I buy it.”