Viva The Matadors - Texas Longhorns vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders | PreviewTHE Site For All Red Raider Sports Fans!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50015/vtm-fav.png2012-11-04T06:46:09-06:00http://www.vivathematadors.com/rss/stream/33393032012-11-04T06:46:09-06:002012-11-04T06:46:09-06:00Grades | Texas 31, Texas Tech 22
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<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
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<p>Grading out the Texas Tech Red Raiders in their 31 to 22 loss the the Texas Longhorns.</p> <h4 align="center">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas </a>31, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-tech-red-raiders">Texas Tech </a>22 | <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2012-2013/ttu09.html">Boxscore</a> | <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110312aac.html">Quotes</a>
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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;">I mean, it's our last chance at UT. It's our last chance to really try to do something special here that nobody has done before and give us an opportunity to do that. So that's out of it too. It hurts, but we should let it hurt.<br><div style="font-style: italic; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 85%; line-height: 115%; font-weight: normal;">- QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37972/seth-doege">Seth Doege</a>
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<div style="font-style: italic; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 85%; line-height: 115%; font-weight: normal;">On losing to UT</div>
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<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263810/Wingding_-_caption.png" height="30">QUOTES</h4>
<p>I honestly feel bad for Doege and I generally don't feel this way about players. Doege was one of the bigger problems last year in attempting to beat a quality opponent, and maybe I'm too close to the situation, but I can hear the disappointment in his quotes and it is a tough thing to read.</p>
<p>It has been since 2008 since Texas Tech has beat UT. I really don't care who is the coach or who isn't the coach, I know that this team really wanted this win. And whether you blame the referees or the play calling or the risk-aversion, it still stinks and is incredibly disappointing.</p>
<p>We'll try something new this morning as I try to review the game and do it with grades. There were specific points that I wanted to make about each position group that I was afraid I wasn't going to do if I just wrote general thoughts.</p>
<p>I had a family function yesterday afternoon and I was sneaking away checking my phone as to what was happening as often as possible and not be a complete ass is not the easiest thing in the world. I hate having to watch a game that I know Texas Tech lost. When I got up at 3:00 am because I cannot get used to time change, it was incredibly disappointing knowing pretty much what was going to happen.</p>
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<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263817/Wingding_-_check_box.png" height="25">GRADES</h4>
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<h4>B</h4>
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<h4>QUARTERBACK</h4>
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<p>QB Seth Doege wasn't perfect, but he wasn't the reason why Texas Tech lost this game. He wasn't really on the mark, completing only 59% of his passes, but he was effective enough. A lot gets thrown at the feet of a quarterback, but shouldn't happen during this game. I'd also add that Doege was relatively clean and the problems of not being able to feel pressure have been better over the course of the last handful of games. When Doege takes off and runs in certain situations, he's a better quarterback. UT played a deep zone for pretty much the entire game. The Longhorns weren't going to give up the big play and they didn't. They just weren't going to allow it. I can't think of a throw that Doege threw over the top of the defense or a deep post route and that's because I just don't think the defense was going to allow it.</p>
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<h4>A</h4>
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<h4>RUNNING BACK</h4>
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<p>RB Kenny Williams is this team's second best player and I'm pretty confident about that. And the scary thing is that he's really just scratching the surface. It stinks to consider how good a player is after a loss, but that's the case here. And with RB Sadale Foster as a change-of-pace back, it really makes Williams that much more effective. Williams should have had 2 touchdowns, we'll get to that later, and finished with 93 total yards. RB Eric Stephens was pretty good coming out of the backfield for screen passes and as a collective group, the running backs finished with 162 total yards. I think the only glaring mistake was that Williams or Stephens missed a block that resulted in a running back loss.</p>
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<h4>A</h4>
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<h4>RECEIVERS</h4>
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<p>WR Eric Ward is this team's best skill player and it's really not even close. He's special and the numbers he is putting up recently play that out. Consistently very good players are the most dangerous players. This is the first game I can remember in a long time where there were only 7 players that caught a pass. There really weren't just a lot of passes going to players not named Ward and Darrin Moore as they caught 15 of Doege's 26 completions. No one else was a threat. I'd also add that WR <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134709/marcus-kennard">Marcus Kennard</a> should have agreed to redshirt. The fade route to Kennard was there for him to go up and grab. He really didn't even make a decent play on it, but truthfully, I don't think that Moore has the athleticism and I can't remember where Ward was on that play. If Kennard had Ward's tenacity, he'd be really tough to beat.</p>
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<h4>C</h4>
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<h4>OFFENSIVE LINE</h4>
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<p>I guess we have to put the penalties here because the two most costly penalties, whether they were accurate or not, were against the offensive line. He chop-block on RG Le'Raven Clark and the holding call against C <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37965/deveric-gallington">Deveric Gallington</a>. I think you all have been around long enough to know that I almost never complain about officiating and I won't do it here. There were 128 other plays to make a difference and that didn't happen. I think complaining about referees are for those fans that need someone or something else to blame. Don't get me wrong, I think the referee got the calls wrong on both of those calls and I think Texas Tech wins this game had both of those calls not been called. But they were, that's the reality of the situation. I thought the line, despite not being athletically gifted enough to really handle UT, did an excellent job. RT <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37968/terry-mcdaniel">Terry McDaniel</a> was bull rushed into the lone sack of the game, but overall, I thought the line was okay.</p>
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<h4>C</h4>
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<h4>DEFENSIVE LINE</h4>
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<p>When you run a one-gap defense, if the defensive line doesn't do their job, then everything falls apart. Things completely fell apart in the first three or four drives and I thought the Texas Tech defense was in for an incredibly long day. There is still significant improvement here, but I would say that the biggest problem with the line is that there is no pass rush. At this point, it is literally non-existant. It has been non-existant, except against non-conference opponents for the better part of the last four years. The line did tighten up and play much better as the day progressed. Some of this can be attributed to the seemingly conservative play of the Longhorns, but make no mistake the line played better. I would mention that the Leon Mackey expirament at defensive tackle, I think, has ended. He just doesn't have the size to play there in conference. Even then, at defensive end, he's not terribly effictive and over-runs plays too often. He's over-aggressive, like Scott Smith was last year. One of the other things that I noted was that there were too many times, especially early, where DT Delvon Simmons would get stood up at the line of scrimmage. Simmons is almost always going to have to work on leverage being a 6-5 defensive tackle. I think at some point next year if <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161456/michael-starts">Michael Starts</a>, Anthony Smith and J.J. Loller pan out, then he would seemingly be a prime candidate to play at defensive end.</p>
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<h4>D</h4>
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<h4>LINEBACKERS</h4>
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<p>There is no other way to say this, but in the first three series the linebackers were as shitty as I've seen them play all year. LB Will Smith, on one of Gray's bigger early runs of the game, literally ran right into an offensive linemen and took himself out of the play. The next play, LB Blake Dees replaced Smith. There were too many times during the game, especially early, when this unit found themselves out of place and over-running plays. But they eventually settled down and I did think that the play of LB Sam Eguavoen warranted some praise and I really wish that LB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77727/terrance-bullitt">Terrance Bullitt</a> was more of a natural of a football player and he's just not as instinctual as I'd like for him to be. Smith did eventually settle down, but his early mistake cost this team 7 points. He just can't afford to take himself out of this game.</p>
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<h4>F</h4>
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<h4>SECONDARY</h4>
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<p>The play-action of UT fooled this unit so horribly and embarrassingly bad and as a result, Davis and Goodwin make it look incredibly easy. There was no help, the safeties bit on the play-action and it resulted in two easy touchdowns. This unit is incredibly short-handed and I should say that Texas Tech will be pretty good with CB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161431/bruce-jones">Bruce Jones</a> at cornerback next year, but there is a reason why Texas Tech has two JUCO cornerbacks committed next year and it's because the other options are not appetizing. CB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77730/eugene-neboh">Eugene Neboh</a> shouldn't be asked to cover Davis in that type of situation, he should have some help over the top. But everyone bit on the play-action. I'd also add that there is a reason why <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77733/derrick-mays">Derrick Mays</a> is the third or fourth team cornerback. The fade route to Davis in the endzone would not have been a touchdown with Douglas covering Davis. Mays mis-timed his jump and his footwork as the play started looked plodding. The fact that he was right there, to intercept or at the very least knock down the ball was disheartening. This unit was playing CB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37963/cornelius-douglas">Cornelius Douglas</a>, NB Tre Porter and NB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77745/jarvis-phillips">Jarvis Phillips</a>. I don't know whether to credit the defense or UT's conservative play-calling, but nothing bad happened in the second half other than the touchdown fade-route. They did play much better, but not having a safety over the top on two different play action plays is either a coaching decision (i.e. go all out to stop the run) or a player decision (i.e, biting on the running back).</p>
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<h4>F</h4>
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<h4>COACHING</h4>
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<p>It is my nature as a human being to avoid risk. For me, it's worked out okay, but I'm not a football coach. I wish I could give you some logical explanation as to why Tommy Tuberville would go for it on 4th and 8, but not go for it on 4th and 9 in the same damn drive or 4th and 2 early in the first half. When it appears that I'm defending Tuberville in terms of his risk-aversion in previous games, it's not so much as a defense, but the need to understand what's happening. There are times that Tuberville has won a game because he's been careful or because he's run out the clock by running the ball. But then there are times when it will cost you a game and this was one of them. There are coaches that do not give one flip to risk-aversion and so Texas Tech fans went from one extreme to another. There was no in-between. And I've tried to give Tuberville credit, the onside kick against TCU was a huge reason why Texas Tech was able to win that game, but Tuberville wasn't logically consistent yesterday. And because it is my nature to try to understand, I honestly didn't have a huge problem with any of the field goal attempts except for the last blocked field goal. You can blame the penalties or the coaching or whatever. Texas Tech wasn't out of the game because of those calls. The potentially could have been completely out of the game had some of those field goals been 4th downs and been climbing their way out of a hole or been up by a couple of touchdowns. There's no way to know what would have happened. But the last attempt was incredibly problematic for me because I knew, and Tuberville should have known, that UT was entirely capable of running out 5 minutes of clock. He had to know and he didn't take the chance. That is maddening and I wish I could explain that away. There were also a ton of second down runs and I get the frustration with that too. I don't know how this works, but if Tuberville wants OC Neal Brown to run 25 to 30 times a game, and I do think that this is one of those things that Tuberville wants to do, then he's got to run the ball at some point.</p>
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https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/11/4/3597920/grades-texas-longhorns-31-texas-tech-red-raiders-22Seth C2012-11-03T17:30:03-05:002012-11-03T17:30:03-05:00Texas vs. Texas Tech | Open Game Thread 3
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<figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Let's do this.</p> <p>Go Raiders . . .</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/11/3/3594322/texas-longhorns-vs-texas-tech-red-raiders-open-game-thread-3Seth C2012-11-03T16:00:06-05:002012-11-03T16:00:06-05:00Texas vs. Texas Tech | Open Game Thread 2
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<figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Let's do this.</p> <p>Go Raiders . . .</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/11/3/3594318/texas-longhorns-vs-texas-tech-red-raiders-open-game-thread-2Seth C2012-11-02T07:30:47-05:002012-11-02T07:30:47-05:00Prediction Time | Texas vs. Texas Tech
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<figcaption>Erich Schlegel</figcaption>
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<p>Make some predictions and have some good good.</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 <br>VS.<br> TEXAS TECH</div>
<p><b>Date |</b> November 3, 2012<br><b>Time |</b> 2:30 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/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a><br><b>Location |</b> Lubbock, TX<br><b>Weather |</b> <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/right-now/USTX0808:1">High 76, Low 48</a><br><b>TV |</b> ABC<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=201211030086">FoxSports</a></p>
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<p><i>You know the drill. Copy and paste the questions into the comments and answer away. Make sure and vote in the poll.</i></p>
<p><b>1. Texas Tech's defense is starting to crack, especially now that the offenses have been better. You are Art Kaufman, what the biggest goal that you preach to the team this week?</b></p>
<p><b>2. I keep asking this question and hopefully this week, there will be a consistent running game? As the UT defense has been atrocious against the run, will Texas Tech rush for more or less than 150 yards?</b></p>
<p><b>3. <span class="sbn-auto-link">Mack Brown</span> has allegedly been move involved with the UT defense this week. Will it make a difference this week and will UT have a better defensive performance than their per game average of 447 yards a game?</b></p>
<p><b>4. QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37972/seth-doege">Seth Doege</a> had a bit of a rough week against a pretty darned good K-State defense with some costly turnovers. I asked this last week, but this statistic is becoming more important each week. Will Texas Tech win the turnover battle?</b></p>
<p><b>5. The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/texas-texas-tech-odds-november-3-2012">line opened with Texas Tech favored by just 2.5 points</a>, but has now ballooned to Texas Tech being favored 6.5 to 7 points. Is this going to be a close game or will this be a repeat of West Virginia visiting Lubbock? Make sure and vote in the poll.</b></p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/11/2/3589702/prediction-time-texas-longhorns-vs-texas-tech-red-raidersSeth C2012-11-01T05:56:15-05:002012-11-01T05:56:15-05:00Taking Notes | Texas vs. Texas Tech
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<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
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<p>Notes, quotes, thoughts and links as Texas Tech prepares to host the Texas Longhorns.</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;">Well, it depends on what they do. How they lineup, if they lineup against our passing game. We spread things out. If they give us an opportunity to run the ball, we feel like we can run it. We ran it pretty good last week against a team that doesn't give up that much running yards in Kansas State. But we want to be balanced as much as we can. The best thing we do is play fast and throw it and try to score quick and keep the other team on their heels.<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;">On if Texas Tech runs the ball.</div>
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<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263810/Wingding_-_caption.png" height="25"><b>QUOTABLE |</b> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Press the Longhorns offensively, but it is imperative for Texas Tech to do what they do.</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 href="http://redraiders.com/sports-red-raiders-football/2012-10-31/gray-area-tech-all-american-expects-emotional-day-son-other#.UJJRO4Zy30Y" target="_blank">Gray area: Tech All-American expects emotional day with son on other side | Red Raiders</a><br>* <a href="http://www.dailytoreador.com/sports/article_5a4bb580-23e5-11e2-aa4e-0019bb30f31a.html" target="_blank">Longhorns look to tighten up defense against Tech - The Daily Toreador: Sports</a><br>* <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/10/31/3581282/the-alphabetical-week-ten-predictions-are-fun-and-wrong" target="_blank">The Alphabetical, Week 10: Predictions are fun and wrong - SBNation.com</a><br>* <a href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/football/2012/10/31/3578584/johnathan-gray-james-gray-texas-longhorns-football-texas-tech-red-raiders" target="_blank">Johnathan Gray Will Walk In Father's Footsteps On Saturday - Burnt Orange Nation</a><br><a target="newwindow" href="@"></a></p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263825/Wingding_-_compass.png" height="25"><b>FINDING THEIR WAY |</b> 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.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263823/Wingding_-_lightbulb.png" height="25"><b>THE LIGHT BULB HAS GONE ON |</b> 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.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263814/Wingding_-_key.png" height="25"><b>KEY TO SUCCESS |</b> Texas Tech has to make the Longhorns struggle:</p>
<blockquote>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.</blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263838/Wingding_-_question_mark.png" height="25"><b>WE HAVE QUESTIONS |</b> 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.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1263937/Wingding_-_asterisk.png" height="25"><b>GOOD JOB GOOD EFFORT |</b> 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.</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 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).</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 Tony Morales (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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37963/cornelius-douglas">Cornelius Douglas</a> (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, 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).</p>
<p><u>Week 6 Oklahoma:</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 - should be practicing); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 2 more weeks); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - should be practicing).</p>
<p><u>Week 7 West Virginia:</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 - should be practicing); RB Quinton White (broken foot - may be out 1 more week); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - should be practicing).</p>
<p><u>Week 8 TCU:</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 - should be practicing); RB Quinton White (broken foot - should be practicing); OG Tony Morales (knee injury - should be practicing); WR <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134705/bradley-marquez">Bradley Marquez</a> (knee injury - out for the year); WR Javon Bell (broken ankle - out for the year); TE <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134717/jace-amaro">Jace Amaro</a> (bruised ribs - questionable); CB Cornelius Douglas (twisted knee - questionable).</p>
<p><u>Week 8 Kansas 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); 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 (.</p>
<p><u>Week 9 Texas:</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); 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).</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/11/1/3584716/taking-notes-texas-longhorns-vs-texas-tech-red-raidersSeth C2012-10-31T11:01:24-05:002012-10-31T11:01:24-05:00Point of Attack | Texas vs. Texas Tech
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gZvEHUxHlB3pNItO05shAFDLH1k=/0x245:2710x2052/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2370573/20121018_ter_sh2_028.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How the Texas Tech Red Raiders might attack the Texas Longhorns.</p> <div class="pullquote" style="border-right: 2px solid #c2c2c2; margin: 10px 5px 10px 20px; padding: 5px 0px 5px 15px; float: left; width: 150px; font-size: 120%; text-align: left; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><b>ATTACKING THE LONGHORN OFFENSE</b></div>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/38180/Helmet_Texas.gif" height="50">I'm really nervous about how this worn down Texas Tech defense goes about attacking the Longhorn offense. I think this type of offense presents the toughest match-up problems for Texas Tech because the defensive line is still a bit small and a bit inexperienced. I'd also add that a balanced offense is tougher to scheme for as UT has shown that if you focus on one aspect, the quarterbacks can beat you throwing the ball. I know that the Kansas game is sticking out a bit as David Ash struggled, but generally speaking he's been good pretty much all year and every player will have an off game. Thinking about it, the Longhorns won despite not having their best running back in Malcolm Brown and Ash having a very rough game.</p>
<p>No matter the offense or the defense, UT is still a talented team and they have the potential to beat anyone else on their schedule. Potential is a scary word and I'm nervous about the Longhorns putting it together.</p>
<p>I trust that Kaufman is going to keep things simple because that's what he's done this year. The thing that was problematic last week is that the defense played well against Klein the first two series, but then K-State adjusted. Kaufman couldn't adjust or create match-up problems and expose the K-State offense. UT does not have K-State's offense and they don't have a player of Klein's quality so matching up should be, theoretically, easier. I think that Kaufman has studied the Texas film backwards and forwards from last year. I even recall players mentioning this game during the spring about not letting what happened last year happen again. I think that Kaufman has had this game circled for a while. Kaufman will keep things simple.</p>
<p>I'd think that Kaufman's game plan would be predicated on a healthy CB Cornelius Douglas, NB Tre Porter and CB Euguene Neboh and I think that Kaufman is going to ask them to simply cover the receivers as they're not going to get much help defensively from Cody Davis and the linebackers. The linebackers are going to be asked to essentially stay at home and just stop the run and much like last week, Kaufman is going to demand that Ash or Case McCoy is going to beat this team and not Johnathan Gray. I also think that with the linebackers struggling the past few weeks, it wouldn't surprise me to see some movement with who starts and who plays. Something needs to happen at this postion.</p>
<div class="pullquote" style="border-right: 2px solid #c2c2c2; margin: 10px 5px 10px 20px; padding: 5px 0px 5px 15px; float: left; width: 150px; font-size: 120%; text-align: left; line-height: 150%; font-weight: normal;"><b>ATTACKING THE LONGHORN DEFENSE</b></div>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/38180/Helmet_Texas.gif" height="50">The easy solution would be to just run the ball. Its the obvious solution considering the problems that the Longhorns have stopped the run, but truthfully, a team has to do what they do. Texas Tech may focus a bit running the ball, but Texas Tech will have success by doing what they do, which is giving QB Seth Doege the ball and trying to open things up over the top that will hopefully open up RB Kenny Williams, RB Eric Stephens and RB Sadale Foster. I think they all need a healthy dose of handoffs, but this team is largely where it is because of Doege.</p>
<p>And I'd also add that this starts up front. This is not a new stance. Doege's fumble against K-State was maybe his fault for not getting rid of the ball and maybe it was the line's fault because the defender went untouched, but this team cannot afford to turnover the ball. They have done a good job despite being on the wrong end of the turnover equation far too often and eventually it will bite them in the rear. </p>
<p>Just like anything else, it is about consistency with the offensive line and if the offensive line can give Doege consistent protection and just move some over-reacting defenders out of their way, then I think the offense will be fine. Before this year, I was concerned with Texas Tech being able to keep pace in a shoot-out and they have somewhat proven that they can do that against TCU. I worry about repeating that performance, but I also believe that Texas Tech will have good success against this UT defense because they don't have the speed that bothered the line and Doege so much against the Horned Frogs.</p>
<p>This offense is talented enough, I think, to do what they want to do against Texas.</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/10/31/3580034/point-of-attack-texas-longhorns-vs-texas-tech-red-raidersSeth C2012-10-30T11:00:52-05:002012-10-30T11:00:52-05:00Stats That Matter | Texas vs. Texas Tech
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_-jqFPsxIA-HwrnJkfRZit0mT4E=/0x46:4000x2713/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2299851/154840045.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A compilation of various statistics in preparation of the Texas Tech Red Raiders hosting the Texas Longhorns.</p> <p><b>THE DEFENSES</b></p>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>STATISTIC</b></td>
<td><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/102071/Helmet_Texas_Tech_1975-1983.gif" height="50"></td>
<td><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/38180/Helmet_Texas.gif" height="50"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Passes Broken Up</b></td>
<td>33</td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>QB Hurries</b></td>
<td>6</td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Fumbles Forced</b></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Interceptions</b></td>
<td>7</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td>12.0</td>
<td>19.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tackles for Loss</b></td>
<td>42.0</td>
<td>60.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>3rd Down Conversion %</b></td>
<td>37.61%</td>
<td>37.61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Rushing Yards Allowed</b></td>
<td>121.25 (27, 3</td>
<td>218.00 (108, 10)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Rushing Avg. Yards/Attempt</b></td>
<td>3.55</td>
<td>5.07</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Passing Yards Allowed</b></td>
<td>178.75 (15, 2)</td>
<td>229.25 (56, 3)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Passing Avg Yards/Attempt</b></td>
<td>5.6</td>
<td>8.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>So it appears that the Longhorns are still a very aggressive defense, but the yards. Oh the yards. I find it amazing that they have 34 QB hurries to Texas Tech's 6 QB hurries just an amazing stand alone statistic. They have forced more turnovers and had more big plays, but the yards are something that I never thought that I'd see.</p>
<p>I don't know if the agressive defense has resulted in the players being out of place, which is why they have so many missed tackles. Still, this was an aggressive defense last year and they didn't give up the yards to this extent. And the numbers are worse in conference play, giving up 148 yards rushing in non-conference competition, while 259 in Big 12 play. And 180 yards passing in non-conference play, but 258 yards passing in Big 12 play.</p>
<p>Of course, most teams are going to have worse statistics in non-conference vs. conference play. It is happening to Texas Tech. The problem is that UT wasn't even very good in non-conference competition.</p>
<p>The most eye-opening statistic was that UT gave up 16.0 points per game in non-conference play, which included 31 points to Ole Miss, and is now giving up 42.8 in conference play. For comparison purposes, Texas Tech gave up 17 points a game in conference play and is giving up 35 points a game in conference play. For those of you who aren't math majors, that's an extra touchdown and that's surprising.</p>
<p><b>THE OFFENSES</b></p>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>STATISTIC</b></td>
<td><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/102071/Helmet_Texas_Tech_1975-1983.gif" height="50"></td>
<td><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/38180/Helmet_Texas.gif" height="50"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Red Zone TD %</b></td>
<td>74.36% (29/39)</td>
<td>80.49% (33/41)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>3rd Down Conversion %</b></td>
<td>53.27%</td>
<td>53.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Passing Yards</b></td>
<td>357.88 (3, 2)</td>
<td>245.00 (52, 7)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Yards/Passing Attempt</b></td>
<td>8.0</td>
<td>8.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Rushing Yards</b></td>
<td>149.00 (78, 8)</td>
<td>197.88 (32, 3)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Rushing Yards Per Attempt</b></td>
<td>4.60</td>
<td>5.03</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Touchdowns | Turnovers</b></td>
<td>42 | 14</td>
<td>46 | 8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Turnover Margin</b></td>
<td>-0.50</td>
<td>0.75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Yards/Play</b></td>
<td>6.45</td>
<td>6.38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Pass Attempt / Sacks Allowed</b></td>
<td>27.61</td>
<td>34.28</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Offensively, the Longhorns are greatly improved and they actually look like a very efficient offensive team. An excellent red zone touchdown percentage and a pretty good third down rate are all good indicators of a very good team. Also, the Longhorns have more touchdowns than Texas Tech, which is something I would not have guessed.</p>
<p>The problems for the Longhorns have been that RB Malcolm Brown has been injured for part of the season. Against the two worst defenses in the Big 12, Baylor and Kansas, the Longhorns rushed for 251 and 211 yards. I do believe that they can run the ball, although I am surprised that they were only able to rush for 136 yards against Oklahoma St. and 135 yards against West Virginia. I would have guessed that they would have done better than that.</p>
<p>Ultimately, UT seems like a really inconsistent team. I think that on any given day, they can be a very good football team, but then they can just barely beat a bad Kansas team, beat a Baylor team by only 6 points and lost to what appears to be West Virginia team that isn't capable of stopping any opposing defense.</p>
<p><i>All helmet images via <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/">The Helmet Project</a> and thanks to <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/">College Football Statistics</a> for these stats.</i></p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2012/10/30/3575354/stats-that-matter-texas-longhorns-vs-texas-tech-red-raidersSeth C