DTN News:
I finished half of the review as I'm waiting for the official stats to be posted, especially for the defense. I have a general idea who played well (Howard and Whitlock) and who didn't, but I'd like to confirm that with some stats.
Have a happy Sunday. Enjoy the NFL.
Texas Tech Football:
LAJ's Don Williams has his game story and despite the offense's great showing, Leach finally called out the defense, sorta:
"The thing we need to work on's consistency."
That is the first time in a while that I can remember Leach saying that the defense played weak and was soft. I know, he calls out the offense for only scoring 24 points in the second half, but this quote confirms for me that Leach sees the lackluster performance by the defense and is critical within the coaching staff about the lack of defense (i.e. never, and I mean never, should have given up a 47 yard pass to Rice, even if it was Dillard).
Much of Don's article focuses on the offensive performances of Harrell, 6 touchdowns, and Michael Crabtree, who fell 19 yards short of the NCAA record for a freshman.
Don and DTN reader ayleein noted that the defense did play much better in the second half, giving up only 91 yards. Freshman defensive tackle, Colby Whitlock on the play of the defense:
LAJ's Ben Maki talked to Rice's defensive coordinator Chuck Driesbach after the game as he noted that the Texas Tech offense is still well executed. The one quote that jumped out at me was Rice defensive back Ja'Corey Shephard on covering Crabtree:
They were right there with him? I guess my definition of "right there" is a little different that someone else's.
Don's Tech Football Notes has a couple of interesting tidbits. First, Leach on the removal of the redshirt from Aaron Crawford:
I was a little surprised to hear that Crawford was in the game in the 4th quarter, especially when Baron Batch was also available. I'm not sure what Leach has in store for both young men, but I've always trusted Leach on issues like that.
Don also notes the huge number of penalties yesterday, 16, the 3 touchdowns by Crabtree and the late hit on Harrell that wasn't called at the end of 1st half.
DMN's Chuck Carlton wrote his game story, focusing on the play of Crabtree. Here's Michael on his play:
Chuck also compiled a Notebook, with notes on the win streak against Conference USA (bleah), quotes from Harrell on the late hit at the end of the 1st half, the newfound rush on the pass rusher, and the penalties.
SAEN's Tim Griffin has his game story, focusing on the late hit and the incredible play of Crabtree and a quote from Coach Leach if he had known that Michael was about to set the NCAA record for freshman for receiving yards in a game:
"If I had known, I would have thrown him a curl," Leach said. "I didn't know, but if I did, we would have gotten it."
FWST's Damien Pierce wrote his game story, again, focusing on the big play of Harrell and Crabtree.