Odds and Ends
Tier-One Status
I found this article from the LAJ on Sunday and for those of you not in Lubbock, it appears that Texas Tech is going to be a front-runner to achieve Tier-One status. It's not the best economic time to be aggressive with spending money on research, but in the long run, this should be in Texas Tech's best interest.
Although this is probably going to disappoint all of you, I didn't get the voting post done for Best Night Life. Perhaps later this week.
Texas Tech Football
Ranking Receivers
It's the time of year for lists, which I think are fun and the CT's Dave Matter ranks the top receivers (includes tight ends) in the Big 12 and WR Detron Lewis (76/ 913/ 3TD) checks in behind TAMU's Jeff Fuller (50/ 630/ 9TD - I think Lewis has done more than Fuller, but what the heck):
8. Detron Lewis, WR, Texas Tech: Someone has to pick up the slack in Crabtree’s absence. After finishing with 76 receptions, Lewis, a 6-foot junior, figures to be Texas Tech’s most productive receiver — though the Red Raiders have their usual flock of players ready to line up and catch passes.
And some website called intersportswire by Vince Mullins ranked the 21 best college receivers and on this national list, Lewis checks in at #4:
4. Detron Lewis (Texas Tech) the Red Raiders always have a wideout in the Top Ten, my pick for 2009 is Lewis. He will be pushed by the rangy Lyle Leong and new guys like Eric Ward, but Lewis is the best match for the history of 200+ pound wideouts that produce the most fantasy points in the Mike Leach Offense. History also supports the Z receiver (Wide Right) being the star and guess where Lewis is slated after playing slot right last year next to Crabtree? Stay tuned as position switches and fall practice take shape, but my early call is for Lewis.
The Least with the Most
On Friday, CFN looked at who did the most with the least talent and today the CFN roundtable looks at who does the least with the most talent and although your Red Raiders aren't listed as one of these teams, another in-state university was listed:
Texas A&M - The short answer to why not Texas A&M is simple: Texas and Oklahoma. But if Texas Tech can become a power, even though it needs a gimmick to do it, then there's no reason the Aggies shouldn't be getting their share of top Texas talent, especially from the Houston area, and be a player in the Big 12 South race once in while.
And.
The Aggies have all kinds of built-in advantages, but haven’t been able to capitalize in a long time. They reside in one of the most talent-rich areas of the country, boast a loyal fan base, and sport a rich set of traditions. Yet, the program is no longer in Texas’ league, has fallen way behind Texas Tech, and is in danger of being caught by Baylor. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense. You want tangible proof? Take a look at some interesting numbers. Since 1999, Texas A&M has sent 37 players to the NFL, a very healthy number unless your Ohio State, USC, or Florida. However, it’s averaged a paltry six wins a year over that span, and has a Gallery Furniture Bowl victory as its lone postseason triumph. That’s a pathetic example of how little the Aggies have milked from their talent pool.
Texas Tech Track
Harrison Benjamin Looking to Win National Championship
Nice profile by LAJ's Don Williams on shot-putter Harrison Benjamin who will be competing in the NCAA national outdoor track championships:
Benjamin, a 5-foot-9, 265-pound senior from Humble, will try to go out with a bang in the NCAA outdoor meet this week in Fayetteville, Ark. He’d worked his way into the national top 20 and then the top 10 earlier this season, and his remarkable throw two weeks ago at the Midwest Regional in Norman, Okla., jumped him into the top five.
"He’s had a good year, but he’s just really come on unbelievably in the last few weeks,’’ Tech coach Wes Kittley said. "I just think he’s healthy, and he’s just a competitor. He’s one of those guys who, when you get near the end of the season, he starts to have a different intensity about himself. Those fellows know how to perform at big meets.’’
Send some good mojo Benjamin's way.