Matador Mailbag: Another 11am game?

Prologue: It always feels good after a win. Despite the, now, 1-9 record, beating Baylor is still a big deal. I know some of us feel that Baylor is beneath us as a rival, much like Texas sees us, but before 1996, things looked a whole lot different than they did in recent years. Starting in 1996, Tech began a winning streak that would span 15 seasons. Not too bad. In the last 22 seasons, Tech has gone 17-5 against Baylor. Really good, huh? But wait. With all those wins and the 15 game winning streak, how is the all-time record 38-37-1? Well, that’s because before 1996, Baylor had a 32-21 advantage over Texas Tech in this rivalry. Some of us, including myself, have never known Tech to lose to Baylor, but apparently is was quite a regular occurrence, just recently reminded of during Tech’s recent 5 game losing streak from 2011-2015.

I know some of us don’t like the way we won. Out gained nearly 200 yards of total offense, scored the same 24 points offensively that Baylor did and another 4th quarter struggle that lead some to believe that if not for a kick return for a TD and a fumble return for a TD, Baylor would have won that game. I only wish some of us saw it the same way last week, because we just pulled a Kansas State.

Last week, we destroyed Kansas State in all but one major statistical category and still lost. Upsetting sure, but to finally win a game where the opponent runs up and down the field and still loses should be a welcome sight to Tech fans, seeing as that has been our MO for the majority of the last 2 seasons. So cheer up, fam! With a big game this weekend against a Top 15 opponent, what’s not to be excited about?

Not sure why this is such a big deal nowadays, honestly. I get that it may cut into Friday night fun for some fans, but some of the biggest games in college football used to be held at 11am. It’s a Saturday, what else do people have going on? It’s almost as bad as NFL teams complaining about getting Noon start times all season. I have very fond memories of watching College Gameday and it going right into the game of the week. Made for an unbelievable atmosphere. #3 Oklahoma vs #1 Nebraska in 2000 comes to mind.

But most importantly, not very long ago, not all Tech games were televised. So it used to be the university that set the time and the TV guys debating on whether to pick it up or not. Some of that started negotiation about start times and the money involved for broadcasting it. Today, it’s more common than ever. Texas Tech will take the money and exposure to be on at 11am... It’s all tied up in Big 12 TV contracts anyway. I would just go and enjoy an early game and be able to relax the rest of the day and enjoy other games as well.

I wouldn’t be so sold on Jett Duffey just yet. He’s been gone over a year and unable to play anywhere else. He’s currently 3rd/4th string depending on the game (Kansas he didn’t make the trip) and McClane Carter has shown more so far this year than Duffey has. Not to say Duffey won’t be a good player, but he hasn’t taken a snap in his collegiate career so it’s difficult to say that he’s an upgrade over Shimonek.

Next year could be special. Potentially having 10 starters return next year on defense and 7 or 8 on offense is a big deal after dealing with all the youth these past few years. Gibbs would be in his 4th year and believe it or not, the guys coming off of redshirts next year is impressive. No reason to think that the defense won’t continue to improve.
On offense, KeKe Coutee, Tre King, TJ Vasher, and the entire offensive line will be back. I think Tech has a shot to improve from this year and get to the 8 or 9 win plateau.

On a scale of 1 being most likely... Neal Brown (5), Dave Aranda (3), Sonny Cumbie (10), Eric Morris (26), David Gibbs (14), Ruffin McNeil (97), Seth Littrell (15), Graham Harrell (44). Obviously your list is more to do with Tech ties and I have limited knowledge of G5 coaching candidates, but, as you stated, none of it makes sense. Most of those names seemed like possibilities a month and a half ago, but with all the other P5 job openings, financial ramifications and the team thats coming back next year, I think Kliff stays at least through 2018.

I truly think both are wins. Based on opponent, Texas is more likely. Based on schedule, TCU is more likely. Just because it’s Senior Day, it’s a ranked opponent, bowl eligibility is on the line and a win would bring a 7 (and 8 with bowl) win season into play. I expect this team to be fired up for this game.

I expect it to be good. Outside the fact that Tech has had to resort to guilting and bribing students and fans to come is not in keeping with how this fan base should support this team. I don’t think it’ll be as good as the 2015 crowd, but if it is, we may blow TCU out. I would guess it’ll be somewhere in the 45-50k range.

No offense to Nic Shimonek, who I think is a fine QB, but if Mahomes is QB, we might be undefeated and at worst a 1 loss team. We could have been a 9-10 win team last year if we had the defense we have now. It’s all about everything clicking together and each year is different. That’s why it’s so hard to win in college football.

Better question... what would our record be if Hatfield is healthy? Probably 7-3.

Not from the Baylor game, no. But I have seen enough from the rest of the season to think Tech can win. I think Tech will treat this like their bowl game. Senior day, ranked opponent and bowl eligibility on the line... they are going to go all out.

I don’t have much practice being in Austin. On the two occasions I have gone down there, I recommend going to “High Ball”. It’s where I had my bachelor party and it was an incredible night. The other suggestion would be to go to Conan’s. Get yourself a deep dish and enjoy in some of the best pizza you’ve ever had.


Sorry for not getting to everyone this week. Thanks for sending in your questions. Enjoy the game and protect the Jones!