Red Raider Gridiron | Gearing Up for New Mexico

LOBO UPDATE | ABQ Journal notes that extremely talented WR Lamaar Thomas will not play on Saturday and QB B.R. Holbrook is questionable with a bruised rib. I would imagine that if you are a running quarterback then a bruised rib is problematic.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS | LAJ's Don Williams had a good editorial on Saturday or Sunday, essentially writing that Texas Tech has answered all of the questions that they can at this point. I think that's right. Not saying that they are perfect, but they have answered as many questions as they can:

The worst team in the Big 12 Conference ought to be better than the best team on Texas Tech’s non-conference schedule. OK, even if you come back with "but, but ... Kansas," then I’ll say the second-worst team in the Big 12 should be three or four touchdowns better than anyone on Texas Tech’s non-conference plate.

That being the case, I’d be careful not to draw too many conclusions from the Red Raiders’ easy wins so far against Northwestern State and Texas State. Enjoy, but wait to extrapolate.

The Red Raiders have done all they can to convince everyone this year will be different from last, which it should, but by how much?

IF I DID A POWER POLL | Turburner's Jay Beck does a weekly Big 12 power poll and I think this is pretty accurate, especially how Beck rates Texas Tech, Baylor and TCU:

6A. (-)Texas Tech (2-0): The competition hasn't been great, but the Red Raiders' defense has given up just 16 points in two games and continue to look much improved over last year's version. Tech has one more tune up before they try and solve the Iowa State mystery that has plagued them the past two seasons. Up next: New Mexico

6B. (↑2) TCU (1-0): The Horned Frogs opened the season without about a dominating of performance as you could have expected. Yes, it was Grambling State, but TCU's offense was humming and their defense allowed just 70 yards in pitching the shutout. Their first ever Big 12 game awaits. Up next: @ Kansas.

6C. (-) Baylor (1-0): The Bears were able to kick back and relax after their opening week win over SMU. They shouldn't have much trouble with Sam Houston State on Saturday, but all of sudden their trip to Louisiana-Monroe the week following looks just a little bit interesting (ULM upset Arkansas this past weekend). Up next: Sam Houston State.

For me, all of these teams haven't proven much of anything right now and the separation will occur in Big 12 play.

WASTE ALMOST THREE HOURS | For those of you who have no intent in working today, here is the entire game: