Texas Tech offensive line coach Matt Moore said this week he’ll probably use the same starting five at the Alamo Bowl that he used in the last three games of the regular season.

Offensive tackle Terry McDaniel returned to Alamo Bowl practices on a limited basis after missing the last five games of the regular season with a left knee injury he suffered in the first quarter of the Oct. 17 game at Nebraska.

McDaniel spent much of the summer and fall battling Chris Olson for first team at left tackle.

“He’s been out of it for a while,’’ Moore said. “It’s kind of hard to jump right back in. Olson’s been playing really good, so it looks like (McDaniel) is purely a backup.

“As far as (starters), nothing’s going to change. Those guys have really been doing a good job.’’

Eye on the young guys

Offensive guard Brandon Carter was named a first-team all-American his junior year by The Sporting News and the American Football Coaches Association and was named a third-team All-American this year by The Associated Press.

Carter completes his eligibility at the Alamo Bowl, leaving the Red Raiders with a big hole to fill next season at right guard.

Line coach Matt Moore said he foresees sophomore Mickey Okafor and redshirt freshman Deveric Gallington fighting over the job come spring and summer.

Okafor started two non-conference games at right guard this season, but Lonnie Edwards emerged and joined Carter as the starting guards, bumping Okafor to the bench.

“Hopefully, he’s going to win one of those spots inside, win that right guard,’’ Moore said this week. “Hope he does. We need him to step up as a junior and win that right guard spot. It’ll be between him and Deveric.’’
Moore said Gallington, who has worked at left and right guard during bowl workouts, is “really coming along.’’

Learning a new job

During pre-bowl practices, true freshman Joel Gray continued his adjustment to center, a long-term plan that was put in place late in the regular season.

Gray spent much of the summer and fall at left tackle before line coach Matt Moore decided the former Lewisville Hebron standout would project better inside.

“I think he’s going to be a center or guard,’’ Moore said. “I don’t think he’s going to be a tackle. He’s just not a real long-armed guy. He’s a big 6-5 guy, but his arms are not as long as what I need on the edge.
“He just wants to play. He doesn’t care (which position).’’

Seven graduate

According to the Texas Tech athletic department, seven Tech football players graduated in December: cornerbacks Brent Nickerson and Nathan Stone, offensive linemen Chris Olson, Brandon Carter and Shawn Byrnes, defensive tackle Victor Hunter and former safety LaShawn Vation.

Vation was forced to give up football mid-career, but by staying in school and completing his degree, he will help Tech’s percentage in graduation-rate reports.

Olson, who graduated in 31/2 years, has a season of eligibility left.