10 Years Ago To This Day (1 day late)..
We all know the day, the play, and the result. Sure, Tech isn't nationally ranked like '08, but we do have that primetime slot on ABC. 7pm at the Jones... and boy this one just feels different.
Alan Bowman, Antonie Wesley, T.J Vasher, Ja'shawn Johnson, and Dakota Allen will make their presence felt. However drawing back to this "day" 10 years ago when 8th ranked Tech beat the top ranked Texas Longhorns. (I can remember Colt McCoys' face to this day) Kirk Herbstreit said something that I believe will ring true this weekend, "Big players make big plays in big games". The question is who will that be?
Alan Bowman
The obvious answer here. This team will only go as far as the QB takes them. That's just the beauty of the offense. True Freshman or not, Bowman has that "it" factor and have no doubt about it, he WILL bounce back. Expect the wifi connection ( as Antonio Brown says) to be very strong between him and Wesley, Vasher and High. A sleeper pick I think will really show up is Bowman's class mate, (C/O '22) WR & Track Star KeSean Carter. That speed is going to be a huge x - factor and I believe Carter's going to have a say on how loud this offense will hum. Be on the look out for that.
Defense
The National Media is already tabbing this as a classic West Texas Big 12 Shootout. However, I think this will be a game where only one defense will show up, and I believe that will be Tech's resurgent and growing 806D. With the linebackers going to have to be in coverage due to Kyler Murray and the rest of Lincoln Riley's gang, the front seven will have to show up. I believe that they not only will, but will be flying around the Field. Expect Eli Howard and Kolin Hill to give Kyler Murray problems but most importantly, hold the edge. I believe #7 in the backfield will have the secondary ready so I'm not going to even trip. Expect a hype and READY defense come Saturday. Also, I just know that the NFL scouts will be drooling over Dakota's QB Spy assignment against Murray. Speed v Speed, who wins? Murray will make his plays, but so will Dakota. Be on the lookout for that.
Special Teams
Da'Quan Bowman. The kid is obviously electric, however its up to him to make the right play and run north and south this game. We cant have any more mental mishaps. Other than him, Hatfield and Pannazzolo have been straight cash here recently. Gods plan homie. "For the Brand".
Throw Them Tortillas
The Night game at the Jones smells like a Nightmare for Kyler Murray. I cant wait for this game and for all the Kliff Haters to sing his praise once again. This team is different, I believe and you should too. So, come out, be optimistic and back our boys. We as fans can absolutely make our presence felt. That Lubbock air has something different in it, lets add some more spice and welcome "Hollywood" Brown and company a nice warm to real Hollywood, Lubbock, Texas.
Thanks & Wreck 'Em. #ColeWorld