Williams: Tech looked elite despite Texas win
AUSTIN – Back in the summer, blue-chip wide receiver Kadron Boone from Ocala, Fla., told me he watched last year’s Texas Tech-Texas game with a mixture of excitement and despair.
Excited, like anyone else, at a classic college football game.
Despair, because Boone thought what fun it would be to play for Texas Tech, and no way would the Red Raiders search for players as far away as Florida. He guessed wrong, of course. Tech coaches started recruiting him not long after, and he committed to the Red Raiders a while back, perhaps signaling a continued shift in the credibility big-time recruits give Tech as a college option.
You know what? I don’t believe the Raiders did much, if anything, to damage that perception here Saturday night. I’d guess that talented teenagers who tuned into the latest installment of Tech-Texas on national television saw the same thing they saw in last year’s 39-33 Tech victory – Mike Leach’s program legitimizing itself as an honest-to-goodness team on the rise. That ought to make a 34-24 setback in the rematch go down a little easier. Tech, so many times humiliated on national television, looked as if it belonged in front of the 101,000 in the stadium and millions at home.
These eyes have seen Tech lose plenty of times in Austin, but this one didn’t have the same feel. Unlike in past UT laughers, Tech didn’t act psyched out, didn’t get pushed around all that much under the circumstances. The Raiders took it, but they also dished it out.
“That was one of the harder-hitting football games I’ve been around,’’ Texas coach Mack Brown said. “Nobody laid down. The fans sure got their money’s worth tonight.’’
In spending all week discussing the countless players Tech would have to do without at defensive end and at safety, not enough credit was given to how many tough veterans this team has in the front seven.
They held Texas to 340 yards and gave the team a chance to win. Leach didn’t do them any favors with a questionable decision to go for an onside kickoff in the third quarter, right after building momentum with a touchdown that cut the gap to 17-10 with a lot of time left. Texas grabbed the onside and needed to go only 47 yards to build the lead back. Another Texas touchdown drive covered only 19 yards.
But the resilience the Raiders showed might get them some attention. It certainly did on the opposite sideline. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy gave it up for Tech’s front four; Brown applauded Taylor Potts’ 420-yard passing performance in his first career start on the road.
Potts got battered, got his helmet knocked off when he was blindsided on a fourth-quarter sack, but he came back and lofted a touchdown pass to Tramain Swindall after that, his third, and one that pulled Tech within a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
“Give Taylor Potts credit for some unbelieveable passes,’’ Brown said. “I watched them complete passes … tip ’em twice and catch ’em.’’
And to think: There was no Mike Crabtree to wing passes to. The Longhorns got sick of watching Potts and Lyle Leong salute each other after touchdown passes. And a Saturday in this setting was useful to new wideouts such as Alex Torres and Austin Zouzalik, who combined for 12 catches for 132 yards, much of that in key moments.
Raise your hand if you expected the 17 1/2-point underdog, when the 10-minute mark rolled around, to be anywhere close to making it two in a row over Texas.
Defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill got handcuffed by personnel losses – all year, and all week. In the fourth quarter, he ran out a secondary with a sophomore walk-on (Brett Dewhurst), a redshirt freshman (Cody Davis) and a true freshman (D.J. Johnson). The first two hit like they were unafraid of the opponent or the setting, and the freshman picked off a pass to stop a UT drive deep in the red zone.
With all due respect to Ra’Jon Henley and Brandon Sharpe, the defensive end deficiency turned out to be not that big a deal. McNeill spackled together the front four, putting tackle Richard Jones and strong-side linebacker Bront Bird at end – who knows how long it’s been since Bird has played with his hand on the ground – and they gave the team quality snaps all game long. They weren’t the only ones playing out of position. Brent Nickerson, a cornerback his whole career, played some snaps at safety to help out.
So frequently in defeat, the Raiders bemoan not being able to give it a go for the full 60 minutes. This night? They played 60 minutes of football – imperfectly, but with grit and a surprisingly small amount of deer-in-the-headlights moments given the setting and the Longhorns’ motivations.
ABC won, selecting this game this early for prime time, when circumstances pointed to a possible blowout.
It was anything but. The Raiders take a step back in the win-loss columns, but maybe win again in the search for recruits to keep their good thing going.
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This is an excellent article. O-line needs more work and not excited about Stevens RB plays called most of the time from scrimmage.
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I completely agree that this game should legitimize the Red Raiders nationally. The defense played lights out for the first half, and just imagine if we had the depth that we should have. Take away the penalties in the first half and Tech could have pulled off the shocker. I really wished the broadcasting crew would have explained that tech lost like 30+ yards on one rushing play, but instead kept talking about how great the UT rush defense was playing.
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It was a tough loss to take. But NO DOUBT Tech has reached big time program status.
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There is no such thing as a good loss. Having said that, this was the best article by Williams I’ve ever read. There was a lot of good in this game for Tech, as long as the team builds on it instead of regressing because they lost. There aren’t but three or four teams in the country that anyone would give a decent shot to win in Austin. Potts and most of his line were making their first road start in front of 101,000 fans, and the defense lost almost all of their ends and a starting safety before the game even started. There were too many things going against Tech in this game to expect to win(speeking from a fan’s prospective). You couldn’t tell by watching the players. I saw a team that expected to win, and very well could have. Potts is as tough as nails. He made mistakes, but he was the best quarterback on the field tonight. He and his line will get better. What can you say about the defense? They played their rears off. Tonight’s effort would beat just about anybody.
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Don Williams is a heckuva writer.
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How many times will this same defense come back and get steamrolled by teams far inferior to UT this year?
My guess – at least 3 times.
Hide ‘n watch.
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Good article! I have been watching this team for 8 years now. I did not attend Tech, but have family that have, so I became a big supporter. We had a loss, but this is the game I have been looking for. Tech just took that ‘next step’. They belong where they are now – the upper level. Congrats guys on a well played game. EVERYBODY had written this game off all week long! As well as, having to listen to Brent the entire broadcast rave on about the Longhorns – it was a poor broadcast by him. I take nothing from the Longhorns, they are a fine team and fought very hard to win this game – Hat’s off to them. But Tech belonged on that field and proved that they are no longer the ’step-sister’ in the Big 12. I think that even with the loss, they might have won something important. Great game guys! keep it up. And Congrats to both teams on a truly hard fought and entertaining ball game!
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Barry, you must be related to Don Williams. He and Hyatt are small-town journalists. No one cares about them.
The offensive line is not good.
There are too many penalties.
The coach makes too many bonehead calls against tough teams (onsides kick).
Longhorns are a long way from being a great team. With all that depth they should have won this game by 40.
Colt McCoy: say bye-bye to Heisman Trophy. He is playing no better than Landry Jones or Taylor Potts or Robert at Baylor or Gabby at Misery or Zac at Okie Lite or Nebraska’s QB.
I didn’t see the Red Raiders play 60 minutes. The offensive line is to blame for that. Maybe they played 45 minutes. To win in Austin you can’t have that many penalties, special teams breakdowns, etc.
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tebow wins the heisman again. as for tech, we’re a very confident team. hide and watch next week in houston fella!!!
Wreck’em!!!
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oh yes, and once again the zebras killed our momentum. some deservedly, but many just plain ole burnt orange BS!!!
GUNZ UP!!!
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Good & true article.
Hope everyone knows that the sky’s the limit if they keep playing that well.
The season isn’t over. The proof of the pudding is in …. the rest of the season.
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I’ve still got my guns up and I’m really proud of Tech and the team. It was a far better effort than I’ve seen over a long period of years. My Tech flag still flies high today. The team must be proud of it’s effort.. Once again, we outgained the might Horns and had more first downs than they did.. I’m very proud to be a Raider.
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OOHHH…….I just can’t wait for OU to roll into Lubbock this year, Tech will dismantle them in every area!! OU will have 3 losses by the time to get to Lubbock. Getcha Guns Up!!!!!!
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In defense of Leach’s on side kick call, the defense was looking a little tired and a little continued offense would perhaps give them a breath of life. And, whatever else we may say, it almost worked.
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Texas is not a number on team. I think the SEC still has three or four teams that will take over the top spots in front of Texas University. If OU has sam or Landry at QB, the horns will lose. Except for the bonehead call for on side kick from the coach, we were in the game.
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i was proud of our guys, shorthanded and overmatched as it seemed, they made us proud, even in defeat, and gave us confidence for the games to come. They played the number 2 team in the country tough in a game we were never really out of, and they did it in a hostile environment against their largest crowd ever. Everyone played well, Wreck’em Tech.
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Wreck ‘Em! Cant wait for next year’s matchup!
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To say Tech “held” Texas to 340 yards of offense is really not telling the whole story.
1. When you return a punt for a TD you don’t need more offense
2. When Tech “failed” on the onside kick they gave Texas a short field so the opportunity for more offensive yards is reduced.
The onside kick was dumb, just like Leach saying “we never took a knee” right before the half…..
Leach has coached for 10 years now so he has had plenty of time to read the rule book.
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I see the posers are in full swing,
Wonder if pirates are cowards would have praised leach for the gutsy call if we had recovered?
Prob not.
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John, you will have to keep wondering………….and wondering……………..and wondering…………….
Leach needs to read the rule book !!
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I just choose to look at things positively and not negatively. And I used to coach, so I actually have a clue to what goes into a game and the secondguessing that comes against coaches decisions made on the fly in the heat of battle. And why a lineman might jump with 101,000 fans screaming……I doubt you even played the game, Jim or have ever been under pressure……like these kids go through. Mike Leach is a gambler. Gamblers take chances because they believe they can beat the odds…..Whatdya want vanilla Jim Tressel? I don’t.
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(raises hand) I never had a doubt we would be in this game. I knew winning would be tough… I said it all week….and yet most of the the local and national media gave us no chance. Penalties need to stop NOW.
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Game proves that Tech is better than the analyst thought and I think they can play with anyone. A great bunch of young men and an outstanding coaching staff. I’ll be in the stands next week at Houston. Should be a fun game and all you guys from all schools need to remember it is a GAME.
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How much pressure can there be coaching at TTU ? No one expects you to win the Big 12 at TTU because if they did Leach would not be the coach after 10 years.
Lets get something out in the open regarding TTU playing in bowl games…………..TTU has probably lost money in every bowl game outside of the Cotton Bowl since Leach arrived. If your team is not playing in BCS bowl games then they are likely losing money. If you don’t believe me just ask the TTU athletic department.
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I bleed burnt orange but have a lot of respect for the Red Raiders.They are an exciting team to watch.
Tech always brings it to Texas. Potts is a tough guy and is coming in right where Graham left off. You never have any idea what Leach is gonna do. Fun stuff.
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Tech did more to beat themsevles than the over-rated Snorehorns did in this game. Even still, a personal-foul call would have kept the momentum for the Raiders and not resulted in 7 for UT. As this season progresses so will the team’s confidence and execution. I”m proud of my Red Raiders and will keep flying my flag high in Austin. I’m totally psyched about the rest of this season!
P.S. Longhorn fans have nothin on the RED RAIDER NATION!! GUNS UP!!!
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piratesRcowards: where did you go to college???? I’m sure your a bandwagon person. You put down Tech but you didn’t even attend a college, much less UT. My bad, probably Austin community college— dropout. Keep pretending.
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See ‘ya in HOUSTON baby!
To hell with the guns up. We got cannons now!!
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I wish this article could be published in Fort Worth and Dallas, as the Star Telegram and Morning News are controlled by ut fans and alumn. Don Williams said all and said it well. UT will lose down the stretch…OU and OSU can beat them. Tech’s Defense is incredible and they played like a true team last night. O-line penalties have to stop, but crowd noise was an issue on some. Potts is the real deal!! he answered alot of questions last night. It is now his team and he needs to take full charge now.
Leach, has talent on this team as we did not miss a beat on offense or defense. we did reload.
Proud to be a Raider…Recruits if you want to play for a team that plays together and for each other go to Tech. If you want to go to an under achieving over rated school go to ut.
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Read the rule book Leach !!
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Did no one see the number of penalties that Texas caused (but never called by those obviously paid off referees)? You know referee officials can be paid under the table to look the other way. Face mask x2 times from the longhorns team, with the officials looking right @ it, but not called. Holding four times was observed but never called by the officials .Amazing how money can influence a college game. It was so blatanly obvious to everyone, that had all the penalties that were against Texas that were ignored ,the logistics of this game would have certainly been a different outcome. Go Tech you really were the winners of a great game. Feel sorry for O.U. when they come to OUR house.
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Texas won fair and square for numerous reasons, but what this game illustrates is that Texas Tech has become a team that deserves to be considered among the very best teams in this nation. The Raiders went into one of the most raucous and energized stadiums in the nation, and they did not flinch nor did they fold. The boys fought, and they fought with heart and with sinew. The media machine that fawns over Texas may not give Texas Tech its due and recognize that this team is something very special, but the audience around the United States does! If Texas truly merits its ranking as the number two ranked team in the nation, then for the Raiders to go into their house and stay as close as they did in front of a revenge-seeking crowd of 100 thousand fans, then this team is one of the elite in the nation PERIOD!
What speaks the most highly of our team is the defensive effort that kept us in the game against a team that has been lauded for its defensive, its depth, its experience, and its “great” leader and returning QB, Colt McCoy. Hobbled by attrition, injuries, etc, that defense showed that Ruffian is working miracles on the plains. We may have lost this one, but I have rarely been more proud of the Texas Tech Raiders. The media may talk about Tennessee’s moral victory at Florida, but I think that the one in Austin was just as big. If this game is a harbinger of things to come, this team will end up a top ten team in December.
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A loss is a loss and it never feels good losing to the evil empire! That being said, I was very impressed with this Red Raider team! If last years team had to play them this early it would have been a blowout loss. This team is way ahead of were we were this time last year. If we can build on this game and continue improving, this team has the potential to be better than the 08 team! Keep working Raiders, great things are on the horizon!!!
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Who cares about the fake downing of the ball. It was a knee drop situation anyway. Great effort Tech.
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I am proud of the red raiders! The showed toughness!
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ill be in houston and i think tech will be ready! pull the upset and break into the top 25!!!
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Read the rule book Leach before you comment on national tv !!
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PIRATES,
Poser it is !!! Majority of these posts support how Tech did last night given the game on the road, Potts performance, etc. You still seem stuck on your apparent lack of understanding of the college game by pointing out old news.
“How much pressure can there be coaching at TTU ? No one expects you to win the Big 12 at TTU because if they did Leach would not be the coach after 10 years.
Lets get something out in the open regarding TTU playing in bowl games…………..TTU has probably lost money in every bowl game outside of the Cotton Bowl since Leach arrived. If your team is not playing in BCS bowl games then they are likely losing money. If you don’t believe me just ask the TTU athletic department.”
Are you that out of the loop? Hes won 9 games or more several times and hes beaten OU two out of the last 3 times.
Also, if Tech is losing money how the blue blazes are they getting Jones Stadium revamped TWICE? Spare me the donation garbage, you don’t sell out 7 straight games and go 33-5 at home since 03 and not bring in alittle profit from home games.
Dang dude did you even go to Tech or did graduate from the University? I smell a troll
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I liked Leach going for the onside kick. If it had worked, that may have swung momentum enough for us to WIN THE GAME. You have to take shots aggresively to win at this big time level.
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dont worry about texas, their mascot almost speared shipley,… anyway, with texas gone, now a huge wieght can be lifted off of Tech’s shoulders. playing texas on the third week was rediculous.Tech: calm down, its ok. HAVE FUN, dont worry about those teasippers in austin. there is always next year. just need to work out a few kinks. its all good. is Houston ready for Tech, I think not. its time to paint the state red and black. GO, FIGHT, WIN!!!! cant wait to see ya’ll wreck new mexico. two more weeks. the anticipation is killing me. WRECK EM’ TECH!!!!!!!!
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Nothing to do with the out come of the game but why can’t an official see spearing. The horns defender put his helmet in the ear hole of Potts (knocking helmet off and losing a contact) and the ref was looking right at it and calls nothing. That is a penalty in yfl, jr hi, high school, college and pro.
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While I was not happy with some of the officiating, I feel Tech made enough errors themselves to derail their upset bid. Playing at UT in a just-enlarged stadium in a very hostile environment looked like a setup for a huge loss. However, McNeil was very creative and moved his players around, in and out quite a bit, creating some problems for the Texas offense. The only really big play they had was the punt return for a TD, and that was on the special teams, an area that we had hoped would be upgraded this year, but really isn’t. Few Tech teams from any era could have come into Austin with as many losses on the defense and been able to battle as hard and make the game as close as did this year’s team.
But, this is only one game. We have nine more to go, four, maybe five in a week or two, teams of which are ranked in the top 25. Tech fell a couple of spots with this loss. In order to garner enough respect and recognition to receive enough votes to be in the top 25, Tech must attend to business from here on out. The main thing to clear up would appear to be the first half jitters. Coming out of the locker room at the start of a game fully ready and churning out TD’s immediately is the best way to verify a team is prepared at the very start. Tech must do this and carry it through until the end of the game, giving no ground for anything.
This was one of Don Williams better articles, showing his allegiance to the home university football team. I like this style, as does probably most other Tech fans. His best writing though is about the history of Lubbock. This article was refreshing as he brought to it his great writing abilities that he has shown in the history articles. There is so much negativity out there from the rest of the media that to be able to come to the AJ’s site and be able to read quality articles on the home team is really refreshing. Thank you, Don, for a continually supporting editorial view of our Texas Tech Red Raiders. We all appreciate your input and analysis of the Raiders.
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RE: Techsan
i understand your enthusiasm and devotion. However, you might wanna check your facts b4 sounding like a desperate fan. i cheered for the raiders throughout. but to say that they do not deserve respect…well, they are 2nd the to most wins after michigan, they have 4 national championships, and they find ways to win big games. we have to do that. how can we get alot of respect if we choke in big games?
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Does Tech look elite depsite losing again? I don’t think so.
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