Viva The Matadors - Texas Tech vs. Iowa St. | PreviewTHE Site For All Red Raider Sports Fans!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50015/vtm-fav.png2012-09-30T06:45:41-05:00http://www.vivathematadors.com/rss/stream/31861652012-09-30T06:45:41-05:002012-09-30T06:45:41-05:00Post Game Thoughts | Texas Tech 24, Iowa St. 13
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<figcaption>Reese Strickland-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Post game thoughts, statistics, players of the game and so much more as the Texas Tech Red Raiders beat the Iowa St. Cyclones 24-13 in Ames, Iowa.</p> <hr color="#cc0000" size="1" width="100%">
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<p><b>Texas Tech 24, Iowa St. 13 |</b> <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/29/3430820/post-game-thoughts-texas-tech-24-iowa-st-13"><font color="cc0000">Quick Thoughts</font></a> | <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2012-2013/ttu04.html"><font color="cc0000">Box Score</font></a> | <a target="newwindow" href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/text/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/postgame_quotes/postgame_quotes_20120929aaa.pdf"><font color="cc0000">Quotes</font></a> | <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092912aac.html"><font color="cc0000">Notes</font></a></p>
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<div class="pullquote" style="border-left: 2px solid #c2c2c2; margin: 10px 5px 10px 20px; padding: 5px 0px 5px 15px; float: right; width: 250px; font-size: 135%; text-align: right; line-height: 150%; font-weight: 600;">It was a great win for us on the road, we’ve had a tough time against Paul Rhoads and his Cyclones the last two years and it was good to see us come back and fight. That was a true team victory for us. I was proud of the guys and how we played physical, running the ball and stopping the run.<br><div style="font-style: italic; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 85%; line-height: 115%; font-weight: normal;">- Head Coach Tommy Tuberville</div>
<div style="font-style: italic; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 85%; line-height: 115%; font-weight: normal;">Opening Statement</div>
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<p><b><u>THE RESULT</u> | SO MANY MISTAKES, BUT I'LL SAVOR THIS ONE |</b> Over 100 yards in penalties, two costly turnovers, one resulting in a touchdown, and at times, I'm sure that we all banged our fist against the couch or our head against a wall for something that happened. But I'll take it. I remember that one of the criticisms of Tuberville in the 2010 season was that he wasn't doing it with enough pizazz. Running out the clock is for losers. Moar gas pedal!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Texas Tech won the game for a lot of reasons, a lot of individual players and coaches, but the biggest reasons why Texas Tech won is because they played terrific defense and the offense consumed 4:30 of time in the second to last drive, the one that resulted in field goal to win the game. It seems silly to think that time of possession is something to hang your hat on, but Iowa St. needed time. They needed time to get their offense back on the field, but Texas Tech wouldn't give up the ball and by the time that Texas Tech finished that drive, there was only 2:20 left on the clock. Iowa St. didn't have a chance. Texas Tech had the ball for 10 plays and only went 29 yards. That's beautiful.</p>
<p>I don't know what to expect the rest of the way. October is a murderer's row of teams hosting Oklahoma, West Virginia, and then on the road against TCU and Kansas St. If Texas Tech can win two of four games, I will consider it a success. I don't know if that's a low bar on my end, but there will be ugly football.</p>
<p>Doege will look bad at some time these next four games, but I can promise you that a redshirt freshman would most likely look worse.</p>
<p>My biggest take-away is perseverence. This team persevered and it did not persevere last year. Doege very well could have given up, but he shook off mistakes. He lived with those mistakes on each successive play last year. He's not perfect, and neither is this team. You're going to have to live with that.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1331173/Wingding_-_star.png" height="25"><b>OFFENSIVE STAR OF THE GAME |</b> I'm torn on who to give it to here. On one hand, the speed of two players that I'll talk about had a huge impact, but give me the solid play of WR Eric Ward, who had 9 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1331173/Wingding_-_star.png" height="25"><b>DEFENSIVE STAR OF THE GAME |</b> I'm splitting it this week, half goes to DT <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115496/kerry-hyder">Kerry Hyder</a> and the other half goes to CB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37963/cornelius-douglas">Cornelius Douglas</a>. Hyder looks like a different player, he does not looked over-matched and he looks like he has matured. Douglas was gifted those interceptions, at least one of them, but someone had to make them and he did. I write way too much about big plays. Those interceptions were big plays.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1331173/Wingding_-_star.png" height="25"><b>SPECIAL TEAMS STAR OF THE GAME |</b> K <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134737/ryan-bustin">Ryan Bustin</a> missed a field goal but he also iced the game. His nickname is now "Ice Man".</p>
<p><b><u>THE STORYLINES</u></b></p>
<p><b>DOEGE, O DOEGE |</b> I wish I had split stats, but as we all know, QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37972/seth-doege">Seth Doege</a> was awful in the first half of the game. He was missing reads, he was on the run, he made poor decisions. But he was significantly better in the second half. In the second half, he started off the second half with an 8 play series that resulted in a punt, but then he led the team on a 8 play 71 yard touchdown drive, 8 plays 51 yards for a missed field goal, 1 play and 9 yards for a touchdown, 10 plays, 29 yards for a field goal.</p>
<p>Unless there is just a total melt-down, there's really no reason to even bring up QB Michael Brewer because it's just not going to happen. This staff and this team has put their stock in Doege. That's it. Win or lose, this team is going to go with him, so get used to it. He's your guy and he's going to be your guy for the year. I know he has his faults, but I also know that every player has faults, but last year Doege would have lost that game.</p>
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<p><b>SWEET SWEET DEFENSE |</b> Some of this has to do with the ineptitude of Iowa St.'s offense, in particular the fact that QB Steele Jantz is not a good quarterback when it comes to throwing the ball, but the defense allowed 189 total yards. The defense allowed 116 yards rushing. Texas Tech allowed 73 yards passing. The Texas Tech defense limited Iowa St. to 3.3 yards a play. The Texas Tech defense had 8 tackles for loss. The Texas Tech defense had 4 sacks. the Texas Tech defense had 3 interceptions. The Texas Tech defense had 20 defenders register a tackle.</p>
<p>This was a cumulative effort, but there were so many terrific individual performances. So many little things that I sorta take for granted.</p>
<p>By my count, Texas Tech played 26 players. There is depth, there is competition and DC Art Kaufman deserves a ton of credit for developing that talent. For trusting the depth and playing that depth. It would be incredibly easy to just play the starters because they are the best players, but he knows he won't survive the Big 12 if he does that.</p>
<p>Standing ovation Mr. Kaufman.</p>
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<p><b>TERRIFIC DEFENSIVE LINE |</b> The defensive line was just terrific. DE Jackson Richards was a different player yesterday, he was really effective for the most part. Not perfect, he did bite on a zone read on one play that led to a long Jantz run, but overall he was really good. DT Kerry Hyder was a disruptive force pretty much the entire game. He looks like a different player than last year, but I think a big part of it is that Kaufman's come up with a nice rotation of players, including him and DT Leon Mackey.</p>
<p>After the game, Tuberville said that he didn't think that the defense blitzed one time and I think that's accurate. If there was any pressure late in the game other than from the line, it was from a linebacker like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77727/terrance-bullitt">Terrance Bullitt</a> or stand-up defensive end in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134707/pete-robertson">Pete Robertson</a> that just chased Jantz all over the field.</p>
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<p><b>NOT SO TERRIFIC OFFENSIVE LINE |</b> The official stats say that there were only 5 quarterback pressures and onlyl 3 sacks, but a large part of Doege's struggles was due to an offensive line that struggled, particuarly in the first half. I don't think there was just one guy that didn't struggle at a point, but that also doesn't give credit to Iowa St.'s defense. They're really good, in particular the defensive line. It was my biggest concern going into this game.</p>
<p>Like Doege, the line did play better in the second half, or at least it seemed that way. It's a symbiotic relationship between them and Doege, and if they're better, then Doege will look better.</p>
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<p><b>SPEED CHANGED THE GAME |</b> WR Javon Bell and IR Jakeem Grant changed the game. Well, their speed changed the game. Bell's 47 yard catch that set up the Darrin Moore touchdown was just a glimpse of what he could do. A pretty simple bubble screen and I think we got to see some of the stop-and-start that I'm just not used to seeing. Grant only caught 2 passes for 23 yards, but Grant's 11 yard touchdown was a blur and it was probably a blur to the Iowa St. defender too. Offenses are more dangerous, in general, when the offense has match-up problems. This team has match-up problems for opposing teams. Moore's post-route for a touchdown was the same play that scored Eric Ward against New Mexico, Doege just had to get it above the defense and Moore had leverage against the defender. Iowa St. or any other Big 12 team doesn't really have an answer for TE <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134717/jace-amaro">Jace Amaro</a>.</p>
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<p><b>WILLIAMS TOOK OVER |</b> It's good to have options. For whatever reason, RB Eric Stephens just wasn't feeling it and he wasn't effective. Sometimes that happens, but it's nice to have options. Were it not for the -35 yards from Doege sacks, the team would have had a pretty decent day, not perfect, but pretty good, 23 rushes for the running backs for 100 yards, which turned out to be 4.3 yards per carry. Williams is a strong runner and he is quietly putting together an impressive season. It's nice to have options.</p>
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<p><b>SUMMARY |</b> I think I have a better handle on this team, finally. I think I know that this team is better than last year, but it's obviously not perfect. Thankfully, no team in the Big 12 is perfect and that's your solace for the day. The Big 12 is probably the most competitive conference right now, there are 7 or 8 teams that could beat any other team on any give day. There are some teams that are better offensively and some that are better defensively. Texas Tech is right there in the middle of the group I think. I don't think this is a Big 12 championship team, but I think it's a better team that last year, the problem is that I don't know if the record will reflect that. I think it will, but I'm not completely sold just yet. Doege has to be better, and I think that he knows he needs to be tighter with his passes. There is no reason to force any play because there are players that can make up 10 yards in the blink of an eye. He has to trust his guys and not think that he has to make every play.</p>
<p>It's not just the offense that can make plays. It's the defense too. D.J. Johnson's hit to force the interception was a huge turning point of this game. I don't know if he makes that play last year. I still don't think there has been a significant completion against a cornerback all year. I don't even know if Jantz looked at whoever CB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77730/eugene-neboh">Eugene Neboh</a> was covering.</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/30/3431740/post-game-thoughts-texas-tech-24-iowa-st-13Seth C2012-09-29T21:29:27-05:002012-09-29T21:29:27-05:00Quick Thoughts | Texas Tech 24, Iowa St. 13
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<figcaption>Reese Strickland-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Post game thoughts from Texas Tech's 24 to 13 win against Iowa St.</p> <p>Give your thoughts in the comments.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263817/Wingding_-_check_box.png" height="25"><b>WHAT WENT RIGHT </b></p>
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<li>So how about that defense. The absolute star of the game. Had one bad drive the entire game. The entire defense had one bad drive. Freaking amazing.</li>
<li>If you complain about running out the clock, I will go crazy. Running the ball won the game. Not giving the ball back to Iowa St. with a lot of time helped win this game.</li>
<li>Corn Dog (i.e. Cornelius Douglas).</li>
<li>Kerry Hyder.</li>
<li>Kenny Williams.</li>
<li>Don't take Big 12 wins for granted. Savor this win. </li>
<li> <b>Best Commercials:</b> 1) GotYourSix - Not sure what this, is, but if you don't love this, you are against Murica. 2) Tower 200 - Obviously, this is an awesome product. It has a "supreme mother of all workouts." 3) Edge of Glory - Really, the name alone says it all. 4) Autism Commercial with Toni Braxton - What are the odds that a famous singer could hook up with two NBA players in Jason Kidd and Jamal Mashburn? 5) Nipper Alert - I don't understand what this does, but it involves how humans and dogs can eat .</li>
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<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1327478/Wingding_-_x_box.png" height="25"><b>WHAT WENT WRONG </b></p>
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<li>QB Seth Doege was abysmal in the first half. He couldn't complete a pass. He looked tentative and he looked confused. Luckily, there is a second half to a game. I'd also note that there were way too many sideline screens, but it was an attempt to open things up over the middle. I do not like this plan. <br>
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<li>The offensive line was equally as bad, allowing a lot of pressure to Doege. Doege doesn't deserve all of the blame and the line was a big part of it.</li>
<li>Tre Porter has to tighten up some of his coverage. He's too lose and he likes to blame others for his lack of coverage.</li>
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https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/29/3430820/post-game-thoughts-texas-tech-24-iowa-st-13Seth C2012-09-29T19:37:36-05:002012-09-29T19:37:36-05:002nd Half Game Day Thread | Texas Tech vs. Iowa St.
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<figcaption>Michael C. Johnson-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>You know what to do.</p> <p>QB Seth Doege is not playing well. He looks timid and unsure. The defense seems to be holding it together. Maybe the mirage is the offense, not the defense.</p>
<p>Go Raiders . . .</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/texas-tech-football/2012/9/29/3430262/second-half-open-game-day-thread-texas-tech-vs-iowa-stSeth C2012-09-29T05:28:35-05:002012-09-29T05:28:35-05:00Game Day Links and College Football Open Thread
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<p>As Iowa St. and Texas Tech are set to play tonight, here are your Texas Tech links for the day and open thread.</p> <p>I'm going to combine the morning links and open thread into the same post this morning. Let's get to the games on television first. As always, check in with <a target="_blank" href="http://lsufootball.net/tvschedule.htm">LSUFootball.net</a> for the full schedule.</p>
<p align="center"><b>MORNING GAMES<br>Baylor at West Virginia 11:00 a.m. FX <br>Minnesota at Iowa 11:00 a.m. ESPN2<br>North Carolina State at Miami 11:00 a.m. ESPNU<br>Penn State at Illinois 11:00 a.m. ESPN<br>Arkansas at Texas A&M 11:21 a.m. SEC Network<br><br>AFTERNOON AND EVENING GAMES<br>Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech (Landover, MD) 2:30 p.m. ESPNU<br>Clemson at Boston College 2:30 p.m. ESPN2<br>Ohio State at Michigan State 2:30 p.m. ABC<br>Tennessee at Georgia 2:30 p.m. CBS<br>Arizona State at California 3:00 p.m. FX<br>Florida State at South Florida 5:00 p.m. ESPN<br>TCU at SMU 6:00 p.m. FSN Affiliates<br>Texas at Oklahoma State 6:50 p.m. FOX<br>Wisconsin at Nebraska 7:00 p.m. ABC<br>Ole Miss at Alabama 8:15 p.m. ESPN<br>Oregon at Washington State 9:30 p.m. ESPN2</b></p>
<p>I'm also running behind today and I literally need to go run 4 miles in the rain this morning, so you just get the links without a lot, if any, context.</p>
<h4>OLYMPIC SPORTS</h4>
<p>* Cross Country: <a href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/c-xc/spec-rel/092812aad.html" target="_blank">Tech Ready to Compete at Kansas Rim Rock Classic - Texas Tech Red Raiders Official Athletic Site</a><br>* Softball: <a href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/092812aaa.html" target="_blank">Texas Tech Opens Fall Slate With 12-1 Rout of Western Texas - Texas Tech Red Raiders Official Athletic Site</a><br>* Women's Tennis: <a href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-tennis/spec-rel/092812aaa.html" target="_blank">Teltumbde Begins Play At Riviera ITA All-American - Texas Tech Red Raiders Official Athletic Site</a><br>* Soccer: <a href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-soccer/recaps/092912aad.html" target="_blank">Texas Tech Powers Past Oklahoma 2-1 - Texas Tech Red Raiders Official Athletic Site</a></p>
<h4>FOOTBALL</h4>
<p>* <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/9/28/3422236/texas-football-2012-west-virginia-clemson" target="_blank">Unanswered questions: Texas, BYU have a lot to prove in Week 5 - SBNation.com</a> <br>* <a href="http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/2012/09/texas-techs-bell-ringers-oklahoma-states-paddle-people-subject-to-new-big-12-rule.html/" target="_blank">Texas Tech’s bell ringers, Oklahoma State’s Paddle People subject to new Big 12 rule | College Sports Blog</a><br>* <a href="http://redraiders.com/sports-red-raiders-football/2012-09-28/what-you-need-know-texas-tech-iowa-state-game#.UGbDd1FDq7w" target="_blank">What you need to know for the Texas Tech-Iowa State game | Red Raiders</a><br>* <a href="http://redraiders.com/sports-red-raiders-football/2012-09-28/how-they-match-texas-tech-vs-iowa-state#.UGbDblFDq7w" target="_blank">How they match up: Texas Tech vs. Iowa State | Red Raiders</a><br>* <a href="http://redraiders.com/sports-red-raiders-football/2012-09-28/importance-iowa-state-game-not-lost-red-raiders#.UGbDYFFDq7w" target="_blank">Importance of Iowa State game not lost on Red Raiders | Red Raiders</a><br>* <a href="http://www.turfburner.com/the-feed/item/1051-big-12-football-texas-tech-vs-iowa-state-preview" target="_blank">Big 12 football: Texas Tech vs. Iowa State preview - Turfburner</a><br>* <a href="http://texastech.scout.com/2/1226129.html" target="_blank">Scout.com: Matchups: Iowa State vs. Texas Tech</a><br>* Raider Power Video: <a href="http://www.texastech.com/allaccess/?media=337462" target="_blank">Texas Tech University Official Athletic Site</a></p>
<p>The Raider Power video is excellent and if you need something to do this morning, take the time to watch that.</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/29/3427126/texas-tech-game-day-links-and-open-threadSeth C2012-09-28T11:00:30-05:002012-09-28T11:00:30-05:00Q&A With Wide Right & Natty Lite
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<figcaption>Reese Strickland-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The fine folks at Wide Right & Natty Lite answered some questions about the Cyclones.</p> <p>You can find all of my answers over at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.widerightnattylite.com/2012/9/28/3422242/catching-up-with-the-enemy-viva-the-matadors-texas-tech">Wide Right & Natty Lite</a>. Go check it out.</p>
<p><b><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/147/small_doubletnation.com.minimal.png" height="35"> Give a brief assessment of your season thus far.</b></p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/377/small_widerightnattylite.com.minimal.png" height="35">Two faced. Sometimes we look like we're world beaters, and sometimes we look completely incompetent at moving the ball (i.e. Iowa game). Even during our last game vs. a terrible Western Illinois team, the Cyclone came out and rolled 2 very quick TDs, then went into Big 10 mode.</p>
<p><b><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/147/small_doubletnation.com.minimal.png" height="35"> What has been the biggest positive and biggest negative aspect from the first three games? </b></p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/377/small_widerightnattylite.com.minimal.png" height="35"> Biggest positive has been the secondary. We lost Leonard Johnson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers along with the very good Ter'ran Benton, and the dropoff has not been that noticeable. A lot of this can be attributed to the stellar play of safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76333/jacques-washington">Jacques Washington</a>.</p>
<p><b><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/147/small_doubletnation.com.minimal.png" height="35"> In looking at the Cyclones, it seems that maybe the biggest difference between Iowa St. from this year in comparison to year’s past as far as the defense is the quantity and quality of the defensive line? </b></p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/377/small_widerightnattylite.com.minimal.png" height="35"> Would you agree with that assessment and if not, what’s making this Iowa St. defense appear better thus far? Absolutely. Iowa State isn't loaded with top end talent, but with more depth on the defensive line than ever before, guys are able to give it their all for half of the snaps they would have had to play 2 years ago. DT <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36371/jake-mcdonough">Jake McDonough</a> (when he's not producing songs for Tech N9ne) has been possibly our most improved defensive player.</p>
<p><b><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/147/small_doubletnation.com.minimal.png" height="35"> Offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham has a tremendous mustache and he is also in his first year calling plays. Talk a bit about any change in philosophy and your thoughts on starting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36219/steele-jantz">Steele Jantz</a> over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160547/jared-barnett">Jared Barnett</a>, who seemed to look pretty good for a true freshman last year? </b></p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/377/small_widerightnattylite.com.minimal.png" height="35"> It's still my hypothesis that Tom Herman didn't leave for Ohio State, Paul Rhoads fired him for his inadequate mustache. Messingham's playcalling has been pretty good overall, but there are spots where his inexperience does show, especially in the red zone. The philosophy seems mostly the same, but simplified.</p>
<p>As far as Jantz goes.. He's the one that's more capable of winning a game by himself, but is occasionally prone to some of the most boneheaded mistakes known to any QB not named Ryan Leaf. Barnett is the "safer" option, but has not looked good in spot duty this year... like, at all.</p>
<p><b><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/147/small_doubletnation.com.minimal.png" height="35"> How do you see the game playing out on Saturday and how would you attack Texas Tech, both offensively and defensively?</b></p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/377/small_widerightnattylite.com.minimal.png" height="35"> Offensively, I would attack Tech by gauging their aggressiveness through play actions for both the screen and downfield passing game. Iowa State has had 4 100 yard rushers in the past 2 years and Tech knows that. Getting the Raiders to soften on play fakes will open up the box to allow for more running later in the game. Iowa State is also rolling out nine different pass catchers, which should test the young secondary.</p>
<p>Defensively, forcing Tech to abandon the run has worked well in the past two years. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37972/seth-doege">Seth Doege</a> is an experienced senior, so generating a quality pass rush is going to be essential to force him into reading his progressions and making the right choice. With All Big XII linebackers <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76337/jake-knott">Jake Knott</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76349/a-j-klein">A.J. Klein</a> free to roam in their zones due to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114853/jeremiah-george">Jeremiah George's</a> emergence this could be very difficult for Tech if they get caught in 3rd and long situations.</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/28/3416904/texas-tech-iowa-state-q-a-with-wide-right-natty-liteSeth C2012-09-28T05:27:10-05:002012-09-28T05:27:10-05:00Prediction Time | Texas Tech vs. Iowa St.
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<figcaption>Erich Schlegel - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Get your prediction on with the game between Texas Tech and Iowa St.</p> <table style="width: 226px; border: 1px solid #000000; margin-left: 11px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr>
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<div style="font-size:12px; width: 214px; background-color: #000000; font-weight: bold; color: #FFFFFF; margin-bottom: 7px; text-align:center; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px;">TEXAS TECH <br>VS.<br> IOWA ST.</div>
<b>Date |</b> September 29, 2011<br><b>Time |</b> 6:00 pm CST<br><b>Good Guys |</b> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-tech-red-raiders">Texas Tech Red Raiders</a><br><b>Bad Guys |</b> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/iowa-st-cyclones">Iowa St. Cyclones</a><br><b>Location |</b> Ames, IA<br><b>Weather |</b> <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/right-now/USIA0026:1">High 70, Low 49</a><br><b>TV |</b> Fox College Sports<br><b>Radio | </b><a href="http://sportsaffiliates.learfieldsports.com/affiliates/texas-tech" target="newwindow">Affiliates</a><br><b>Game Cast |</b> <a target="newwindow" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/gameTrax?gameId=201209290019">FoxSports</a> <br><br><div style="font-size:12px; width: 214px; background-color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold; color: #FFFFFF; margin-bottom: 7px; text-align:center; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px;">THIS WEEK ON VTM</div>
* <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/27/3416422/texas-tech-football-iowa-state-taking-notes">Taking Notes | Texas Tech vs. Iowa St.</a><br> * <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/26/3411510/texas-tech-vs-iowa-state-point-of-attack">Point of Attack | Texas Tech vs. Iowa St.</a><br> * <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/25/3376208/texas-tech-v-iowa-st-statistics">Stats That Matter | Texas Tech v. Iowa St.</a><br> * <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/22/3373456/breaking-down-the-cyclones-with-a-zodiac">Breaking Down the Cyclones With a Zodiac</a><br><br>
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<p>Hey! Make sure and check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.widerightnattylite.com/2012/9/27/3415208/2012-game-iv-iowa-state-vs-texas-tech-preview">Wide Right & Natty Lite's excellent preview of the game</a>. I'm not kidding, it's good. Also, if you are making the trip to Ames, then make sure and check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.widerightnattylite.com/2011/9/28/2455371/wrnls-guide-to-ames">Wide Right & Natty Lite's guide to Ames</a>.</p>
<p>I also wanted to point out <strike>SB Nation's</strike> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/varsity-numbers/2012/varsity-numbers-disruptive-presence">Football Outsider's Bill Connelly</a> and his weekly column on the Football Outsider rankings. He had this to say about Texas Tech and it's encouraging, but something could go horribly wrong:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>"What The..." Team of the Week: Texas Tech.</b> I know the Red Raiders haven't played anybody yet. Obviously. But it's one thing to beat bad teams easily. It's another to do what they've been doing. They have beaten Northwestern State, Texas State, and New Mexico by a combined 151 to 30. They outgained those three teams, 1,793 yards to 481. And from what I can tell, head coach Tommy Tuberville hasn't exactly left his starters in for an inordinate amount of time. With their experience level, Tech received a rather favorable projection from us in the Football Outsiders Almanac 2012, but they have already improved on that projection significantly, ranking in the top 12 in both S&P+ and FEI. Up next: a really interesting trip to Ames to face an Iowa State team that has also exceeded expectations thus far.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>You know the drill. Answer the questions and vote in the poll.</p>
<p>1. Texas Tech is averaging 6.5 yards per carry, which is 7th in the nation. Do you think that Texas Tech will continue that per carry average against Iowa St. or will things be tougher?</p>
<p>2. Texas Tech has only had two turnovers all year, do you have the over/under on 1.5 turnovers gained against Iowa St.?</p>
<p>3. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134717/jace-amaro">Jace Amaro</a>, Darrin Moore and Eric Ward all have three touchdowns each. Which of these three players will have another touchdown after Saturday night?</p>
<p>4. Texas Tech is averaging 4.67 tackles for a loss, do you have the over/under on 4.5 against Iowa St.?</p>
<p>5. <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/texas-tech-iowa-state-odds-september-29-2012">The opening line opened with Texas Tech being favored by one and now the line has jumped to three</a>. How confident are you that Texas Tech covers the spread, or do they cover the spread at all?</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/28/3422128/prediction-time-texas-tech-vs-iowa-stSeth C2012-09-27T04:42:22-05:002012-09-27T04:42:22-05:00Taking Notes | Texas Tech vs. Iowa St.
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<figcaption>Michael C. Johnson-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Thoughts and notes about Texas Tech leading up to the Texas Tech Red Raiders traveling to Ames, Iowas, to take on the Iowa St. Cyclones.</p> <div class="pullquote" style="border-left: 2px solid #c2c2c2; margin: 10px 5px 10px 20px; padding: 5px 0px 5px 15px; float: right; width: 250px; font-size: 135%; text-align: right; line-height: 150%; font-weight: 600;">I'm proud of where we are at in terms of stopping the run. We have not seen a lot of passing teams, teams throw it down the field much, so we'll get a lot biggest test there. So it's good to have some success. I think our guys are building confidence. The reality will set in in terms of what we are getting ready to get into.<br><div style="font-style: italic; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 85%; line-height: 115%; font-weight: normal;">- Head Coach Tommy Tuberville</div>
<div style="font-style: italic; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 85%; line-height: 115%; font-weight: normal;">Oh The Team Having Success</div>
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<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263810/Wingding_-_caption.png" height="25"><b>QUOTABLE |</b> It’s good to have some success. This team needed it. The coaches needed to instill some of it, but it has to be tough to balance success and confidence with the thought that you have to be humble and continue to work on your craft.</p>
<p>Tuberville continues to talk about how the team worked on technique during the off-week. That’s a good thing. We’ll see how far that confidence takes this team this week and through the entire year. I think that they’ve built up my confidence too. That’s also a good thing.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263840/Wingding_-_notebook.png" height="25"><b>NOTES |</b> These are notes from around the interwebs this morning:</p>
<p>* <a target="newwindow" href="http://redraiders.com/sports-red-raiders-football/2012-09-26/after-winning-qb-job-iowa-states-jantz-eager-more#.UGQUQlFDq7w">LAJ's Nick Kosmider</a> writes about how Iowa St. QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36219/steele-jantz">Steele Jantz</a> is looking to be even better this year and here is Iowa St. head coach Paul Rhoads on Jantz:</p>
<blockquote>"There’s no question he’s a better quarterback than he was a year ago," Rhoads said. "He’s anxious to have this opportunity. I’m sure redemption is on his mind. He knows he did not play well against Big 12 competition last year. Like anything else, he anxious to go out there and prove a lot of people — who don’t know if he’s capable of that — wrong."</blockquote>
<p>* I always dislike it when things are declared "back" after the non-conference part of the schedule, but here's a bit about how the running game is back.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2EhzZkKLYn0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>* <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.widerightnattylite.com/2012/9/26/3409564/wrnl-pac-so-now-we-come-to-the-end-tech">Wide Right & Natty Lite</a> has the final PAC and why you shouldn't vote for Texas Tech, but instead vote for Iowa St. This is good times.</p>
<p>* <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.dailytoreador.com/sports/article_bc07ef38-0850-11e2-8818-0019bb30f31a.html">DT's Megan Ketterer</a> writes about the Iowa St. defense and although I am totally not worried about the Iowa St. secondary, QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37972/seth-doege">Seth Doege</a> is concerned:</p>
<blockquote>"Their (defensive backs), they may not be the biggest guys, but they compete and that’s the one thing that you see about Iowa State’s defense is they play hard and compete every snap," Doege said in a press conference.</blockquote>
<p>* <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.iowastatedaily.com/sports/football/article_1800a0e0-07fd-11e2-8bb9-0019bb2963f4.html">Iowa St. Daily's Stephen Koenigsfeld</a> writes more about a player in the secondary and although I could give two two flips, Koenigsfeld focuses on DB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76335/deon-broomfield">Deon Broomfield</a>:</p>
<blockquote>"Sometimes the linemen will tell the whole story on whether they're planning to do something," Broomfield said. "Not just thinking they're going to pass every time [and] being ready to come up when the run does present itself."</blockquote>
<p>* It hasn't even taken a full football season, as <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/9/26/3382692/baylor-tarp-bears-wvu-mountaineers">The Smoking Musket</a> is already making fun of Baylor's tarp.</p>
<p>* <a target="newwindow" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/texastech/blog/raiders/post/ask-the-expert-iowa-state?urn=college,wp181">RRS's Aaron Dickens</a> asks an Iowa St. expert (I should have one of these this week).</p>
<p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.desmoinesregister.com%2Farticle%2F20120926%2FSPORTS020602%2F120926027%2F1003%2FSPORTS%2F%3Fodyssey%3Dnav%257Chead&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vivathematadors.com%2F2012%2F9%2F27%2F3416422%2Ftexas-tech-football-iowa-state-taking-notes" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Des Moines Register's Andrew Logue</a> writes about 10 players in the Big 12 that you should watch.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263825/Wingding_-_compass.png" height="25"><b>FINDING THEIR WAY |</b> This is not the finding their way that I was hoping to write, but IR Javeres McRoy and S Austin Stewart have both been held out of games because of their academics, or perhaps their lack of attention to them. I’ve always thought, and have repeated consistently, that one of the only things that a coach has as leverage is playing time. Not that you should have to leverage things like that, but sometimes it’s necessary. Leach did it with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8751/edward-britton">Edward Britton</a>, but he was a bit more public about it. I like that Tuberville is mentioning that these guys are out for reasons related to academics and I think it is important to hold players accountable. If the academics really means something to them, then they’ll take care of it on that end, otherwise, they may not have a scholarship waiting for them at the end of the year because they haven’t made their grades. It’s almost as if the coaches are saving these players from themselves in a sense.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263823/Wingding_-_lightbulb.png" height="25"><b>THE LIGHT BULB HAS GONE ON |</b> Despite not seeing a ton of time at linebacker, I think I’m pleasantly surprised with the play of LB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134718/blake-dees">Blake Dees</a>, who is not getting the hype that fellow LB Will Smith received, but in re-watching the New Mexico game, Dees was pretty good. I’ve always worried a bit about Dees size athleticism, but he’s added plenty of weight in the offseason and it makes him a more formidable player at that middle linebacker spot. I thought that Dees got run over a bit last year, but a large part of that was the lack of alignment along the defensive line. He was essentially a punching bag. I still really like Smith, but Dees could start for a lot of teams in the Big 12 because he is incredibly solid and makes the right reads.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263817/Wingding_-_check_box.png" height="25"><b>ITEM COMPLETED |</b> So what in your opinion was accomplished during the non-conference portion of the season? Tuberville mentioned this during his press conference, but he really emphasized that he was happy to get so many guys reps during those non-conference games. Players on the 2nd and 3rd teams each got reps, significant reps, and I think this was and is Tuberville’s version of planning for a disaster. He saw last year how the injuries affected the team and without experience or depth, the player most likely won’t perform up to par because they haven’t seen game experience. This year, he didn’t want to be caught without any backups receiving significant time and this really applied to almost every position, from running back and quarterback, to the offensive and defensive lines, and the secondary. Just about every position had multiple players receive a lot of snaps this week.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263814/Wingding_-_key.png" height="25"><b>KEY TO SUCCESS |</b> This week, I think it’s going to be about Texas Tech coming out to a fast start and stopping or halting any momentum that Iowa St. brings to the game. This is true for both the offense and defense. It’s about maintaining success offensively and it’s about making stops, or making things difficult for Iowa St. We’ve already looked at how Iowa St. struggles on third downs, so this should be the focus. Still, Texas Tech cannot afford to get behind early and often, its a recipe for disaster and one that Iowa St. had done so well the last two years.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263838/Wingding_-_question_mark.png" height="25"><b>WE HAVE QUESTIONS |</b> My biggest question mark heading into conference play is if the defensive line can hold form. We’re still talking about mostly guys that are under-weight in comparison to their conference foes. I think this is the reason why <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161456/michael-starts">Michael Starts</a> had his redshirt removed, the staff is concerned about whether or not they can hold up over the course of the Big 12 and this staff cannot afford to wait. I think that Texas Tech is pretty well positioned at most other spots, but I’m still worried about the defensive line. And I’d add that I think that as a unit, they just look better last year. Amazing what good coaching and preaching pad-level can do for a team.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263833/Wingding_-_lightning_bolt.png" height="25"><b>A FLASH |</b> Here is a "did you know" that I hope continues this week. Texas Tech is tied for <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2012/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category32/sort01.html">6th in the nation with 52 passes for more than 10 yards</a>. The interesting thing here is that Texas Tech has 99 completions for the year, which means that half of all of Texas Tech’s completions are for at least 10 yards. I’d also add that this is with only playing three games. A lot of those teams have played 4 games.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263937/Wingding_-_asterisk.png" height="25"><b>GOOD JOB GOOD EFFORT |</b> Let’s hope this stays true this week, but I don’t recall a receiver making a catch on the sideline all year. I do remember some players being open on post routes and just couldn’t catch the ball. I have a feeling that this is Iowa St. is going to pick on S D.J. Johnson and S Cody Davis to start, whether it be play-action and trying to pull them in and get some receivers over the top of the safeties and in one-on-one coverage with the cornerbacks. At least that’s what I would try to do with almost completely untested cornerbacks in CB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37963/cornelius-douglas">Cornelius Douglas</a> and CB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77730/eugene-neboh">Eugene Neboh</a>. This isn’t to say that I think that Iowa St. is going to turn away from their running game, but they’re going to test the cornerbacks. I feel pretty confident about that.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263946/Wingding_-_target.png" height="25"><b>TAKING AIM |</b> There's not just one specific idea that I think the team needs to focus on, but rather I just hope that the team is focused in general. I hope they know the implications of the game. That a lot of fans are thinking this game is a harbinger of things to come. Yes, I just used the word harbinger.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263843/Wingding_-_wrench.png" height="25"><b>INJURY REPORT |</b></p>
<p><u>Fall Practice:</u> OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year; ATH <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115470/shawn-corker">Shawn Corker</a> (broken foot - out 4 to 6 weeks); DT Anthony Smith (rolled ankle from scooter mishap - out 2 weeks); RB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161440/quinton-white">Quinton White</a> (broken foot).</p>
<p><u>Week 1 vs. Northwestern St.:</u> 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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134729/tony-morales">Tony Morales</a> (knee injury - out 2 weeks).</p>
<p><u>Week 2 vs. Texas St.:</u> 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).</p>
<p><u>Week 3 vs. New Mexico:</u> 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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134709/marcus-kennard">Marcus Kennard</a> (groin - day to day); CB Cornelius Douglas (pulled abdominal muscle - 1 week).</p>
<p><u>Week 4 Bye:</u> OL Matt Wilson (torn ACL - out for the year); WR Aaron Fisher (broken leg - out for the year); CB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134713/jeremy-reynolds">Jeremy Reynolds</a> (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).</p>
<p><u>Week 5 Iowa St.:</u> 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); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 2 more weeks); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - may be out 1 more week).</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/9/27/3416422/texas-tech-football-iowa-state-taking-notesSeth C