Sheffield taking more steps to take over at QB
In Mike Leach’s first nine years as Texas Tech coach, the only changes he made mid-stream at quarterback were brief and with a limited purpose.
He once pulled Kliff Kingsbury for a series and Graham Harrell for a quarter, but only to settle them down during rocky games and give them a sideline view of what was happening. But back in they went.
Leach had never encountered circumstances that cropped up the last two weeks, in which an injury forced him to make a quarterback change and the backup suddenly made a compelling case to take over for good.
After Tech’s 66-14 romp over Kansas State, Leach said he doesn’t have a quarterback controversy and that Steven Sheffield is giving the Red Raiders what they need.
“I thought he did the things you really want a quarterback to do,’’
Leach said. “He played decisive and then worked the pocket really good. And he made some things happen with his feet, not just recklessly running around, but getting himself in position to make additional plays.’’
Since Taylor Potts left with a concussion Oct. 3 against New Mexico, Sheffield has been in for 19 series and directed the team to 14 touchdowns and a field goal. Tech’s point total Saturday was its highest in a Big 12 game since a 70-10 conquest of Nebraska in 2004.
Steven Sheffield calls a play at the line of scrimmage Saturday against Kansas State at Jones AT&T Stadium/ (John A. Bowersmith/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
“I can’t say that I’ve felt this since high school, where I can go out there and take charge of things — everyone looks to me for guidance and tempo and to stay fast-paced and whatnot,’’ Sheffield said. “Yeah, it’s a good feeling. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, and I’ve worked real hard for this. I’m glad things are going the way they are.’’
Sheffield completed 33 of 41 passes for 490 yards and seven touchdowns against Kansas State. According to Tech research, his 370 passing yards in the first and second quarters was a school record for a half.
He and the offense played with such machine-like precision that Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said, “They could have scored 500 points if the game would have gone long enough. There wasn’t anything we could do to stop them, and that’s pretty disappointing.’’
Sheffield seems likely to start again Saturday at No. 15 Nebraska. Leach didn’t say so officially after the Kansas State game, but Potts did not practice last week and could need more time to recover from the concussion.
Tech might need Sheffield’s mobility against Nebraska. Cornhuskers defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound senior, is ranked No.3 overall among NFL draft prospects by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. Suh leads his team in tackles, a rarity for a defensive tackle, and also has 71/2 tackles for loss, three sacks, seven batted passes, three sacks, two quarterback hurries, an interception and a caused fumble.
Tech’s offensive line play was spotty before Saturday, when they didn’t allow a sack on Sheffield.
“There’s no question they played better,’’ Leach said. “They played significantly better. I thought the whole offensive line unit played well. I thought (left guard) Lonnie Edwards stepped up and had the best game that he’s had. I thought all five of them played good.’’
Sheffield said the linemen “played their hearts out’’ and “it couldn’t have been easier for me.’’ He said when he leaves the pocket, sometimes it’s to get a better view of receivers. Even if that’s not the case, he said he and his blockers can still make a play work.
“Like I tell them, ‘If one (rusher) is coming up field, don’t quit him on just because he beats you,’ ’’ Sheffield said. “ ‘Turn around, and I’m going to step to the side. Block him again, and I’m going to get out of there.’ ’’
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Pretty jacked about this game at NU. If Tech plays well, it’ll have a chance to “upset” the No. 15 Huskers.
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If Techs an underdog, they are not much of one. If we play like we did this weekend it will be our game to lose. No disrespect to NU because they are greatly improved, and a much better team then K State. Im pretty jacked up too.
Wreckem Texas Tech
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This will be no easy game. Frankly, it will be Sheffield’s first real test. I think it is every bit as winnable a game as the Houston game was. But it will take a solid consistant performance. I think Sheffield and the Red Raiders are up to it.
Both Sheffield and Potts have their strengths and weaknesses, but Sheffield darn well better start this week. Potts can’t get away from anyone, and I have a feeling the “boy named Suh” is going to be running around some in the backfield. Sheff can buy time and make plays. I think if Potts plays this week, he probably gets another concussion…
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If Texas Tech falls in love with its press clippings this week they will have zero chance to defeat the CornCobbers on the road.
Texas Tech + big head = blowout loss in Nebraska.
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we need to call someone on the offense “stones”. That way we can say “sticks and stones will break their bones” Ok it was corny. Texas Tech 42 Nebraska 10. Nebraska will get a defensive touchdown.
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A mobile quarterback would be nice to have for the husker game.
Glad we have 2 good quarterbacks. Maybe Leach could just go with the hot hand.
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Tough luck, Steven. Guess they didn’t have any spelling books at the Wal-Mart where you bought your Bevo T-Shirt.
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Sheffield and the Red Raiders played great! We’re looking for them to keep it up against Nebraska. Several of us wondered why the TTU administrators would schedule Fall Break following the weekend of Homecoming? Would it really be that much of a problem to have it one week later on the weekend of an away game (which would allow some students to travel to support the team easier)? Since I have been told this is also the schedule for next year, it seems someone should look to see if that can’t be changed.
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Steven,
I am only gonna stay this once and say it real ssssllllllooooooowwwwwww, your shortcows wil not, repeat will not, win Saturday in the “Red Rever Shootout” as you refer to it as.Then you will again be looking up at the Ssssssoooooonnnnneeeeerrrrrs, as you were last year, with you, mackie brown and the rest of the crybaby shortcows, drowning in your own drivel.
Go to your shortcow web site and crow about a mindless win over CU.
Jim Bob
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Great Game on Saturday! Just what we wanted to see. It was REALLY good to see two FRENSHIP alumni closing the game as they did (Sure Hands came through again)! Great Goin’ Guys.
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The only reason we lost was because of the refs and because you guys hit us illegally.
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Steven, the eternal Texas wannabe did not buy his shirt at Walmart. He bought it for $.50 at a garage sale. It will be weep time for him when OU makes cheap steaks out of Bevo.
O another note. I hope Leach’s remark about Sticks point to him being the starter the rest of the season. No happy flat foot dancing feet, just quick execution, and pace. He moves when he has to, and the offense knows who is in charge. Potts just does not seem to be in control in my opinion.
Great day all.
Pejay66
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Fun to watch the Raiders going up and down the field. But for me “tigermom” the shining moment was Doege to Brinker. fun two watch two home boys do well, at least one time. Go Tech—Beat Nebraska
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Steven:
What happened about Tech being in the Big 12 cellar? Now TTU is just looking up at UT? UT has been playing poor the past few weeks.
Willie:
I know you’re kidding. And if you’re not then you must sit back and rethink because those are two of the most poorly-conceived reasons given the blowout that it was. Please come up with more believable reasons.
Let’s get ready to take on NU next weekend. Both teams are strong, revived, rebuilt, and ready. May the better-prepared team win. I hope the outcome will be similar or exactly like it was two years ago in Lincoln.
WRECK ‘EM TECH!!
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to the guys who make excuses why we have lost to texas shut up already it makes me sick to see fans do that . we lost get over it bad calls happen all the time bad hits happen all the time it doesn’t mean it would have changed a thing. how do u know tech would have eventually scored? how do u know texas wouldn’t have scored off of an interception or on the very next series. as i said get over it! sore losers are the worst.
as to steven ignore him! you only fuel the fire by responding
as to sheff starting i do believe he is the better qb he is more athletic has a very strong arm and makes good decisions. he is a very mobile qb and that is something that makes tech extremely dangerous and something they rly didnt have in the past.
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I like the set up for the coming game. TTU has played a game demonstrating good offense and good denfese and the home team is ranked.
The corn’s are playing good defense and they have a strong running game at the least.
It would be fun to beat a ranked team on the road especially after missing on two previous opportunities this season.
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Sticks is the obvious choice for this game. I think that his mobility along with his health will help propel Tech over a difficult game. The offense needs to have a good first couple of series and get the crowd out of the game. Sticks will be able to settle down if the crowd is taken out of the game early.
Texas Tech 49 Nebraska 28
Wreck ‘Em Tech!!!
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Oh…. And look for Tech to be ranked after this game with the CornCobs. We will be inside the Top 25 when we win this game
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One of the best plays to watch (there were many for Tech) was actually the KSU punter. Its was quite a play to get that kick off and it turned out to be a good kick too! HOW DID WE MISS THAT!
I think we need to work on Special Teams, there were times Wall could have blocked a kick if he would have just put his hands up and JUMPED! It looked like he was just going through the motion and didn’t want to get dirty…
Great game Red Raiders and now on to Nebraska. Wreck’Em.
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Sheffield has looked really good against NEW MEXICO and KANSAS STATE, but his inadequacies might be exposed Saturday in Lincoln. I hope not, but Nebraska’s defense is a whole different monster than what he’s seen these last two games. We’re only a 6 point dog according to the early line. The game is very winnable, but they need to play a near-perfect game. Wreck ‘em Tech!
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Best to watch from a fan of the game perspective…Not that great on Tech’s view point…
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So when are we going to get a news story about Sticks being a new team captain?
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I have a feeling that Sheffield is the real deal–smart, mobile, charismatic, and committed. He reads the defense well, he calls good plays, he energizes his offense, and commands the field. He may not have the arm strength that Potts has, but he has a great deal of intangibles. This guy knows how to lead!–and he keeps his players focused, excited, and motivated. If the Raiders play as well as they did against Kansas State when they go to Lincoln they will be back on the national radar, and they will show that they are indeed a proud team to be reckon with again this year.
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How nice it is to have a team that can be competative on a national level. To know that we have the capability to beat many teams in the nation even though we are not ranked is quite exciting. It’s obvious that even as good as Nebraska is right now, to know we realistically can win at Nebraska is such a great feeling. And with a back-up QB no less! Sometimes it’s good to be the underdog. It’s hard to get attention when you have so many top 20 teams in your league.
Go Red Raiders!!
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First thing, I have to agree with a couple of postings. Watchdog113–yes, the muffed punt that was a grounder down the 3rd baseline was great. The punter done a great job getting rid of the ball to save the team. I am just glas that it didn’t deflect off a Tech player to let KSU recover.
And Cory, I am the same way, Tech lost get over it. I picked UT in that one because they were out for blood and at home. I also, agree about Steven, he is here to razz and stir up the pot, so I just ignore him. As for Willie the Wildcat, really? Really? You sound like my best friend whom is a huge UT and SA Spurs fan. They never lose to a good fight, the refs always make bads calls.
Get over it everyone, move on, look ahead. We as sports fans expect our teams to do so, so we need to do that same to support them.
Okay, Lincoln is going to be a wild ride. I am looking forward to the game.
The RED RIVER shoot out. Ummm, in my opinion UT is going to eat it. They are not what they have been. Now in my opinion, if Bradford is truly 100% OU will burn them bad. This Landry kid, in my opinion, has not had a tough game. The press crowned him after he throw 6 or 7 TDs against TULSA, I laughed. In the end I hate UT and OU so I could careless. I’m more interested in the Texas State (was Southwest Texas State) at Nicholls State game; go Bobcats!
Wreck Em Tech!
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Hey Bernie: 42-10? You can’t possibly think that is actually what is going to happen in Lincoln on Saturday. Although you are probably right about Nebraska getting a defensive touchdown.
Scott Tech Fan For Life: Tech didn’t play in Lincoln two years ago. Tech is in the Big 12 South, Nebraska is in the Big 12 North and they don’t play each other every year. You must be referring to 2005.
Sorry guys, but Tech is way overmatched on both lines of scrimmage. I don’t care what type of face paint Carter is wearing, the Nebraska d-line is going to punish whatever QB Tech decides to play.
NU 28 Tech 17
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Hey Scott-
Not so fast my friend. I hope that the Nebraska football team is as over confident as you seem to be. Tech players should indeed refuse to read their press clippings this week, but Nebraska had better come ready to play. The Red Raiders have begun to re-discover their swagger again … on both sides of the ball !!!
Wreck ‘em Tech
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Scott
I can not speak for the Nebraska team as I have yet to see them play. However, do not underestimate the offensive and defensive line of the Red Raiders either. They are solid on both sides of the ball. Bront Bird and Brandon Sharpe will provide PLENTY of pressure to the QB, and Colby Whilock will clog up the middle forcing the Nebraska offense to run on the outside. The Red Raiders have a TON of speed at LB, so I think this will be a good battle. As far as the offensive line is concerned, the Raiders have had their issues with blocking this season. However, the troubles they had were under Taylor Potts, and not Sheffield. Sheffield provides mobility in the pocket. I believe that the offensive line had their best showing last week vs K-State, and look for them to continue to turn their level of play up.
Tech 49 Nebraska 28
Nebraska plays a good game but not good enough to escape with the win
GET YOUR GUNS UP!!!
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Not sure about this wk… I am excited and worried at the same time…. This will hopefully be a close game if our lack of experience doesnt catch up with us again… I think this game could go either way and will likely be won or lost on an offensive mistake…. Hopefully Tech 31- NU 28
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Sheffield could be the best Red Raiders QB since BJ Symons
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Hey Bernie: 42-10? You can’t possibly think that is actually what is going to happen in Lincoln on Saturday. Although you are probably right about Nebraska getting a defensive touchdown.
Scott Tech Fan For Life: Tech didn’t play in Lincoln two years ago. Tech is in the Big 12 South, Nebraska is in the Big 12 North and they don’t play each other every year. You must be referring to 2005.
Sorry guys, but Tech is way overmatched on both lines of scrimmage. I don’t care what type of face paint Carter is wearing, the Nebraska d-line is going to punish whatever QB Tech decides to play.
NU 28 Tech 17
***
Three years ago..if you were smart you’d realize what I meant when I said that Tech won in Lincoln.
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I REALLY WISH HE WOULD TAKE OVER… HE KICKED BUTT. POTTS SORRY TO SAY BUT YOU HAVE TO GO!!!!
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I think this game will come down to penalties. If we can keep our heads together, then we definitely have a chance. We for sure have the ability to move the ball and score, but if we’re trying to do it on 3rd and 25, it will be the death of us. FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS!!!
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“Three years ago..if you were smart you’d realize what I meant when I said that Tech won in Lincoln.”
It is 2009, the last time Tech played in Lincoln was 2005. That is 4 years, not 3. I did realize what you meant, that is why I pointed out your mistake.
Those of you that actually think Tech is going to win by 20-30 points are nuts.
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Should be a great game on Saturday. Hopefully the Tech “D” can step up and shut down the Nebraska offense, and the Air Raid can score on a solid Husker defense. Here’s hoping for a good, clean, injury-free game!
Wreck ‘em Raiders!
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Nebraska is looking for payback. Been along time since they’ve handed Tech a loss. I bet last year’s OT win in Lubbock is great bulletin board material for them.
But Tech Giving Up 28 to Nebraska would be difficult…not enough offense and they will do what they did last year…ball control and keep the Tech Offense off the field…or at least try.
I’m gonna go Homer on this one and say Tech shocks the cornhuskers 31-24.
Give me something to do besides jump over UT and OU fans here in Dallas.
Hit Wreck em!
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Now, now, Kittygirl;
How about a team with 2 great QBs? Sheff, as fantastic as he is, could get knocked around, too. Potts needs time for his brains to unscramble, that’s for sure. No use in having a lifelong head injury by going back in too soon. But don’t run Potts down, he’s a keeper. What a weapon it would be to be able to switch them out in a crunch. They are both part of a team with untold potential. Operative word there is “team”. & how about that defense? It’s going to be a great year! Go Tech! Woohoo!
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I THINK THAT IF SHEFFIELD PLAYS WELL AGAINST THE HUSKERS, AND TECH WINS THE GAME, THEN HE WILL ABSOLUTELY DESERVE THE STARTING POSITION. AND ONCE POTTS IS WELL, HE WILL MAKE A GOOD ONE TOO IF HE WILL SETTLE DOWN AND PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT THE DEFENSES ARE SHOWING HIM. BESIDES, IF IT COMES DOWN TO IT, WHAT IS WRONG WITH POTTS AND SHEFFIELD SWAPPING OUT EVERY OTHER SERIES. THAT OTTA KEEP A DEFENSE WONDERING. GIVE EACH QB A DIFFERENT GAME PLAN TO WORK ON AND USE. THAT’LL KEEP ANY DEFENSE ON THEIR HEELS.. GOOD LUCK RED RAIDERS, WE ARE BEHIND YOU WHATEVER HAPPENS!!!
“GUNS UP”
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Hey scott, I dont know what tech games you been watching but, in case you havent noticed, we do have a defense. Not to make excuses but, if you were to be out on the field chasing shortcows and cougars 75 percent of the game you would tire out quickly. Now we have an offense that looks like we can sustain drives and hopefully allow the defense to rest. All remains to be seen. Just like Zebbie Letheridge said years back, “thats why we play the game, no one knows whats gonna happen.” Still my prediction is as i said before Texas Tech 42 Nebraska 10. Feel free to razz me after the game saturday if im wrong.
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I watched Tech play Houston and Texas. Tech has a good team, but you have obviously not watched Nebraska play this year if you honestly think Tech is going to roll into Lincoln, hang 42 on Nebraska, and blow them out by 32 points. This isn’t 2004, and Bill Callahan doesn’t coach Nebraska anymore. I hope you guys enjoyed getting in your shots while we were down.
Tech had a better offense, and Nebraska had a much worse defense last year, and you still narrowly escaped an overtime game last year in Lubbock. Good luck, but you may want to re-evaluate your prediction so your weekend isn’t ruined.
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I think this game comes down to whether or not Sheffield has time in the pocket. The only time Tech has trouble in a game is if the defense is so good that our quarterback simply doesn’t have time to find a receiver. It doesn’t happen often, but it has happened (i.e, the TCU game a couple of years ago where Tech couldn’t even get a first down). If given time, I don’t see Tech losing this game. When Tech is playing their game, I don’t see any defense shutting them down. That’s by design. Sheffield has a good ability to buy time by stepping up into the pocket at exactly the right time. If Tech can avoid turnovers and penalties, I think they will win.
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Three years ago..if you were smart you’d realize what I meant when I said that Tech won in Lincoln.”
It is 2009, the last time Tech played in Lincoln was 2005. That is 4 years, not 3. I did realize what you meant, that is why I pointed out your mistake.
Those of you that actually think Tech is going to win by 20-30 points are nuts.
***
That’s right NU came to Lubbock last year.
And no there is no way TTU will hang that many on NU and win by that large of a margin especially the way NU has been playing the last couple of weeks. HOWEVER…you can’t underestimate the TTU squad this year. UT is much better than NU and TTU gave UT a real run for their money. Missouri? They’re good this year. How NU came back the way they did in the 4th quarter is beyond me. I think Missouri just gave up…
As all TTU fans will predict, Tech is going to walk away winners like they did FOUR years ago..and like all NU fans the predictions will be different.
As always though may be the better team win.
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BERNIE i HILARIOUS. I LAUGH, you think you can score 48 points against NEBRASKA? Don’t you know Nebraska Blackshirts are back?
SUH WILL BRING THE STORM, AND BOTH OF YOUR QUARTERBACKS most likely will limp off the field after both get sacked by SUH.
Nebraska wins 35-14.
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