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Texas Tech Red Raider Notes for 09-09-2007: UTEP 31, Texas Tech 45

By Seth C

DTN News:

I hate bad wins and I'm not sure if last night's victory was a bad win or not. For the most part I'm really happy with the way the team responded and played in the second half, but there are some problems. When I get a little time today I need to take a look at the stats between the first half and the 2nd half, especially UTEP's stats. It sounded like the Red Raider defense really stepped up their play and received contributions from a number of 2nd and 3rd team players.

I think we as Texas Tech fans have certain expectations of how this team should perform and the Red Raiders didn't meet those expectations in the 1st half.

Let's get to some articles this morning and I'll post a review tonight or tomorrow.

One other thing concerning the radio broadcast, if you don't listen to the radio broadcast you should. Those guys do an outstanding job in game presentation and giving you insight into the game that you don't get while watching the networks.

Texas Tech Football:

Let's start with LAJ's Don Williams and his game story. The first quote that jumps out at me is this quote from defensive coordinator, Lyle Setencich:

"We didn't tackle very well in the first half," Setencich said. "Our kids said sometimes they couldn't hear the call. We had a lot of problems getting lined up."

Trouble lining up? I understand that the crowd was loud, and that's great, but you can't have trouble lining up can you? That just not an acceptable excuse for this team.

LAJ's Jeff Walker also has an article on last night's win, making the comparison of UTEP to Appalachian State. I don't think Jeff really believes that UTEP is Appy State, but I thought before the game that UTEP was an inferior opponent that Texas Tech should have manhandled, but didn't. Conference play looms ever so soon and it will be interesting to see which team shows up. The team from the 1st half or the team from the 2nd half.

DMN's Eddie Sefko focuses on the tremendous play of freshman receiver Michael Crabtree. Here's Coach Leach's thoughts on Crabtree's incredible start:

"It's better than average," coach Mike Leach said. "I don't know. Maybe Herschel Walker?

"Michael has a quality that not everybody has. He wants to be out there every play. He's probably not particularly happy that the game is over. He'd rather play again right now. That's the kind of guy he is."

Sefko also has his game story. Noting, in particular, the difference between the two halves.

FWST's Dwain Price reports with his game story where the short week may have played a factor in last night's win. Coach Leach on the short week:

"I think it obviously had an impact," coach Mike Leach said, referring to the short week. "I think it's challenging.

"But I was proud of our guys rising to the challenge, and not just overcoming the two-day differential. But also overcoming being down at the half and storming back in the second half."

SAEN's Tim Griffin writes his game story and notes that coming back in this game is something this offense is used to doing. Junior quarterback Graham Harrell on the comeback win:

"It's something that you look forward to doing," Harrell said. "We've been in that situation so it's nothing new to us. We had a lot of confidence because we've been there before."

Shannon Woods on the comeback win:

"You never really feel comfortable against this team, because they're so capable offensively throwing the ball," UTEP coach Mike Price said. "You just try to get another score on that scoreboard."

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