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QUOTABLE | The interesting thing is that Tuberville somewhat did happen last week, which is that Texas Tech did have some success running the ball, but it seemed like running the ball was way too late in the game and Texas Tech was too far out of it to do anything about it. This week, Texas Tech just cannot afford to let the game get away from them. No costly turnovers. Don't give a struggling Texas offense extra opportunities.
Tuberville is right in that it is important to be balanced and I do think that it is imperative to keep the Longhorns on their heels more than this team becoming one dimensional, i.e. running the ball, because UT has a problem stopping the run. If the biggest problem with the Longhorns is missed tackles then it would maybe make some sense that this is a problem that they have a difficult time tackling players in space, not just against the run.
Press the Longhorns offensively, but it is imperative for Texas Tech to do what they do.
NOTES | These are notes from around the interwebs this morning:
* Gray area: Tech All-American expects emotional day with son on other side | Red Raiders
* Longhorns look to tighten up defense against Tech - The Daily Toreador: Sports
* The Alphabetical, Week 10: Predictions are fun and wrong - SBNation.com
* Johnathan Gray Will Walk In Father's Footsteps On Saturday - Burnt Orange Nation
FINDING THEIR WAY | I feel like I am repeating this from last week, but the linebackers. They really need to find their way this week. They do have to play better. They have to make plays. They have to get stops behind the line of scrimmage. They have to make tackles down the line of scrimmage. It seems like it has been a while since they stepped up, but it is about time. It could be a long day if they don't.
THE LIGHT BULB HAS GONE ON | After two lackluster games against Oklahoma and West Virginia, WR Eric Ward has stepped up a bit against TCU where he grabbed 6 passes for 61 yards and 3 touchdowns and last week where he was the best receiver on the field where he had 11 catches, 161 yards and 2 touchdowns. It's never just going to be about one guy, but if it is going to be about one guy, it's probably going to be Ward and I think he can handle it. There needs to be a threat of something on this team. The only flaw was the turnover, but at least it was an effort turnover.
KEY TO SUCCESS | Texas Tech has to make the Longhorns struggle:
Last year it was a debacle. We never slowed them down, never made them punt. I'm sure that they're going to test us out pretty good and see if we can stop them. We'll see if we're up to the challenge. We're a better defense than we were. Are we good enough to get that done. We'll just have to wait and see.
I think this is an indication that this is a game that they have kept with them from last season. Of all of the games where Texas Tech was blown out, this is the one game where that I think was engrained in their minds for the entire offseason. They remember this game and they damn well should.
WE HAVE QUESTIONS | The defensive line has to play an integral part of this game. They were out-manned last year and it was ugly and embarassing. I know that they are remembering that and they should. Texas Tech should be better suited for the physicality of Texas. I'll be interested to see who Kaufman essentially plays at defensive line as it is becoming somewhat clear that Leon Mackey isn't as effective as a player as I had hoped he would be. He's been largely quiet along the defensive line this year. The defensive line was largely responsible for being unable to hold the line last week (linebackers didn't help either) and at this point I keep thinking it is a game of pride on some level. Just don't let them beat you.
GOOD JOB GOOD EFFORT | I don't like to name players of the game after a loss. I take my cues from Tuberville, but S Cody Davis is really having a stellar year. He probably had his worst game of the year last year, but a lot of defenders have said that against this K-State offense. He is having to make up for ineffective linebacker play and he's actually doing a very good job of it. He's going to have to be on his toes again this week. I'd also add that I have no idea what's going to happen at safety next year and despite the faults of Davis and S D.J. Johnson, they will be sorely missed next year when there are two new safeties trying to fill their shoes. That's for later in the offseason, but it is looming.
INJURY REPORT
Fall Practice: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year; ATH Shawn Corker (broken foot - out 4 to 6 weeks); DT Anthony Smith (rolled ankle from scooter mishap - out 2 weeks); RB Quinton White (broken foot).
Week 1 vs. Northwestern St.: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); ATH Shawn Corker (broken foot - may be out 2 to 4 more weeks); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 4 to 6 more weeks); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - out 2 weeks).
Week 2 vs. Texas St.: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); ATH Shawn Corker (broken foot - may be out 1 to 3 more weeks); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 3 to 5 more weeks); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - out 1 week); WR Eric Ward (concussion - out 1 game).
Week 3 vs. New Mexico: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); ATH Shawn Corker (broken foot - may be out 2 more weeks); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 2 to 4 more weeks); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - should be available); WR Marcus Kennard (groin - day to day); CB Cornelius Douglas (pulled abdominal muscle - 1 week).
Week 4 Bye: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); CB Jeremy Reynolds (knee sprain - out for the year); ATH Shawn Corker (broken foot - may be out 1 more week); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 1 to 3 more weeks).
Week 5 Iowa St.: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); CB Jeremy Reynolds (knee sprain - out for the year); ATH Shawn Corker (broken foot - practicing, but may be out 1 more week); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 1 to 3 more weeks); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - may be out 1 more week).
Week 6 Oklahoma: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); CB Jeremy Reynolds (knee sprain - out for the year); ATH Shawn Corker (broken foot - should be practicing); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 2 more weeks); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - should be practicing).
Week 7 West Virginia: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); CB Jeremy Reynolds (knee sprain - out for the year); ATH Shawn Corker (broken foot - should be practicing); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 1 more week); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - should be practicing).
Week 8 TCU: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); CB Jeremy Reynolds (knee sprain - out for the year); ATH Shawn Corker (broken foot - should be practicing); RB Quinton White (broken foot - should be practicing); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - should be practicing); WR Bradley Marquez (knee injury - out for the year); WR Javon Bell (broken ankle - out for the year); TE Jace Amaro (bruised ribs - questionable); CB Cornelius Douglas (twisted knee - questionable).
Week 8 Kansas St.: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); CB Jeremy Reynolds (knee sprain - out for the year); WR Bradley Marquez (knee injury - out for the year); WR Javon Bell (broken ankle - out for the year); TE Jace Amaro (bruised ribs - questionable); CB Cornelius Douglas (twisted knee - questionable); NB Tre Porter (.
Week 9 Texas: OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); CB Jeremy Reynolds (knee sprain - out for the year); WR Bradley Marquez (knee injury - out for the year); WR Javon Bell (broken ankle - out for the year); TE Jace Amaro (bruised ribs - questionable); CB Cornelius Douglas (twisted knee - likely).