Viva The Matadors - Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Kansas Jayhawks THE Site For All Red Raider Sports Fans!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50015/vtm-fav.png2013-10-10T13:00:07-05:00http://www.vivathematadors.com/rss/stream/45500032013-10-10T13:00:07-05:002013-10-10T13:00:07-05:00Playcall Rewind - Texas Tech at Kansas
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<figcaption>John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We haven't seen a ton of the screen game utilized yet this year, but I'm hoping this kind of play call is a peek in to what we can expect more of throughout conference play. </p> <p>Hey VTM!</p>
<p>Another conference win in the books on a day when adjustments were really the key to the big win over Kansas. After a slow start Kliff Kingsbury and the boys really woke up and found a way to move the ball when we had it and stop it when we didn't.</p>
<p>Today's play dissection comes from the third quarter when we're really starting to pull away. I'm not sure we've seen as many screens as some may have expected this year, but I have a feeling this nugget was just a preview of what wrinkles we may be seeing as the season progresses. So let's get to the play!</p>
<p>We start off set up in 20 personnel, with Eric Ward on the left alone, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134717/jace-amaro">Jace Amaro</a> in the slot, and Bradaley Marquez on the right. The backs in the play are <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134716/deandre-washington">DeAndre Washington</a> and Sadale Foster splitting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/214473/baker-mayfield">Baker Mayfield</a>.</p>
<p>Before the snap, Foster goes in motion to the right, taking the outside linebacker with him. We'll come back to him later...</p>
<p>At the snap Amaro and Marquez go in routes taking their defenders away from the play to set up space and to begin blocking. Standard screen procedure. I'm also glad Eric Ward wasn't taking notes from new fan favorite Mike Davis. He acts like he's doing something <i>right from the snap </i>and engages his guy like a football player, rather than find some unsuspecting knee he thinks needs to bend both ways.</p>
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<p>As the D Line begins to engage the line, they do a really good job of not letting on to the screen quickly. Two O Linemen stay engaged throughout the development of the screen, leaving the other three to get down field. Unfortunately, as the play develops, the angles get away from them and they aren't left with too many blocking options that are feasible. Nevertheless, the rest of the play sets up well enough for a big gain.</p>
<p>One interesting part of this screen to me is the path that Washington takes coming out of the backfield. While the screen is obviously set up to go to the right side, he takes a little detour on the way to his spot. As he steps up to faux-chip block, he ends up turning inside of the DT and swinging around <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161449/jared-kaster">Jared Kaster</a> before getting in Baker's view. I think he's done a great job here of not getting caught up in the backfield, a great way to end any screen prematurely. However, the other side of that is that Baker needs a split-second more to wait for him to get there. Baker ends up doing a fantastic job using a slight shoulder hitch to make the DT hesitate long enough for him to side step him and get the ball to Washington.</p>
<p>Now to the part of the play that is personally my favorite piece. Remember how Sadale split right, taking his LB <i>towards</i> the intended path of the play? After the snap, Foster turns up field and goes out of view for a moment. As soon as Washington catches the ball and get turned up field, you see Foster re-enter the view, and he is straight-up handling his man with authority. I'd wager to guess that block alone gets us about 12 yards on that play.</p>
<p>If a few more of those linemen get good angles on the guys they find down field, we may be talking another 10-15 yards.</p>
<p>Overall, I'm really impressed the way Mayfield, Washington, and Foster worked to make this play work. Baker and Washington with slight adjustments to get it going, and Foster with the great blocking. That'll earn him some more playing time, and I don't think many of us would be unhappy with that.</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2013/10/10/4824126/playcall-rewind-texas-tech-at-kansasDonkey Jote2013-10-06T06:14:51-05:002013-10-06T06:14:51-05:00Post Game Thoughts | Texas Tech 54, Kansas 16
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<figcaption>Get well soon, Baker. | John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Post game thoughts on one of the best and conflicting games of the season, as Texas Tech rolls Kansas in Lawrence, 54 to 16.</p> <center>
<p><b> <a href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/ttu05.html" target="newwindow">Box Score</a> | <a href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100513aan.html" target="newwindow">Quotes</a> | <a href="http://www.texastech.com/view.gal?id=147807" target="newwindow">Photos</a> </b></p>
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<p><b><u>THE RESULT</u> | Terrific and Conflicting |</b> I just hate injuries. Just hate them. Doesn't matter really who it is, I just want to see guys compete on a high level and do well and compete against each other, but life doesn't work that way. This team embodies Texas Tech in a way. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury says it in his post-game presser when asked about what happens next. He's at a loss for answers and he's not going to speculate, but whatever happens:</p>
<p>"Next man up."</p>
<p>That's all you can do, and whoever will play quarterback will move the ball and score touchdown. Kingsbury doesn't use qualifying words like, "we hope" whoever plays comes in moves the ball and scores touchdowns, but this is what will happen.</p>
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<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1331173/Wingding_-_star.png" height="25"><b>OFFENSIVE STAR OF THE GAME |</b> QB Baker Mayfield, we may not get to award this to you for the rest of the year so here you go. Baker was 33 of 51 for 368 yards, 7.2 yards per attempt and one early interception, where he looked a bit rattled, but was otherwise spectacular and he didn't even throw a touchdown.</p>
<p><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1331173/Wingding_-_star.png" height="25"><b>DEFENSIVE STAR OF THE GAME |</b> How about DT Jackson Richards, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery on the same play, plus he had two tackles for a loss. You could also go with Hyder or Jackson, but we'll get to them later.</p>
<p><b><u>THE STORYLINES</u></b></p>
<p><b>The Knee |</b> Crap. Crap. Crap. That's how I feel and I hate this for Mayfield. I don't know if this is the end of the year for him, but if it is, then it's the worst way to end his year. This was the worst thing about this game, maybe the only bad thing about this game. Get well soon. Heal fast. We want to see you on the field soon.</p>
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<p><b>Next Man Up |</b> If you listen to the presser, you can hear head coach Kliff Kingsbury asked about Mayfield and he just says, he's not sure right now. Next man up.</p>
<p>Next man up.</p>
<p>I don't know if this is going to be Brewer, but it was really good to see him in uniform and it was good to see him taking snaps, sorta. He didn't really get the opportunity to do what he probably wanted to do, but it was really good to see him. If anything, I think it was a sign. A sign that Kingsbury was sure that Brewer was fully healthy and that he could play. The other sign? Moving walk-on quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/219395/collin-bowen" class="sbn-auto-link">Collin Bowen</a> to an outside linebacker spot. I'm not totally sure, but I think that Kingsbury needed at least four quarterbacks for drills and before Brewer was healthy, it was Mayfield, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/202993/davis-webb" class="sbn-auto-link">Davis Webb</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161426/clayton-nicholas" class="sbn-auto-link">Clayton Nicholas</a> and Bowen. With Brewer healthy, Bowen can maybe be moved to a spot where he can play more or see the field as soon as possible.</p>
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<p><b>About That Defense |</b> Three fumbles lost, one interception, three sacks, and ten tackles for a loss. Only 1.4 yards per rushing attempt and only 53 total yards rushing for the game. Not 390, but 53. And 3 of 16 on third downs, that's just 18%. The thing that I'm probably most impressed about is this defense's ability to string out play and for players to get to the ball.</p>
<p>And how about that defense's ability to adjust during a game. I think part of this was just Kansas coming back down to Earth a bit because Heaps just couldn't miss and he was only completing 50% of his passes or so for the season. Heaps was 7 for 8 on those first two drives, and Kansas had 104 total yards. Kansas had 169 yards the rest of the game on 57 plays for 2.96 yards per play.</p>
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<p><b>Dominant Defensive Line |</b> Holy smokes, the defensive line played gap control defense, not just getting inside where they were supposed to be, but dividing offensive linemen and dominating those gaps. That was the best game that I've seen from DE Branden Jackson. Best games. And that was also maybe the best game that I've seen from DT Jackson Richards and DT Kerry Hyder was there too. Kansas was shut down because the defensive line just dominated every facet of the Kansas ground game. Kansas tried to pass the ball too much, they should have tried to run more, but I don't think it would have mattered.</p>
<p>Just to put your head around some of the numbers for the players mentioned, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and turnovers. Again, dominant.</p>
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<p><b>Don't Let Anyone Tell You 114 Yards Rushing |</b> There were 43 yards lost from the three or four bad snaps, so we're taking those out of the equation. The running backs had 140 yards on 17 carries for 8.3 yards per carry. It wasn't just one guy, it was Kenny Williams with 12 and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134716/deandre-washington" class="sbn-auto-link">DeAndre Washington</a> that just demolished Kansas. Listening to the press conference, Washington mentions that they zoned Kansas 6 plays in a row (if there was every any question whether or not Texas Tech still zone blocks, which they do, but those things take time).</p>
<p>That first drive of the second quarter, when we were all thinking that Texas Tech needed a score, Texas Tech started off that drive with four straight passes from Mayfield and then . . . Then it was Williams, 2 from Sadale Foster, who was a terrific change of pace, 4 from Williams, 1 from Washington and the drive ended with just a field goal. That's 8 straight runs, something I don't think we've seen all year. And just getting the field goal felt like Texas Tech was robbed a bit, but that's all the skies needed to let the rains come down.</p>
<p>From that point, it was a terrific mix, still more passes than anything else, where Kingsbury and Mayfield just worked over the Kansas defense. Really, just at thing of beauty at that point. There were some times that the goal line offense didn't look great, and there were WAY TOO MANY FIELD GOALS! but Texas Tech scored 54 points, none of those points came in the first quarter.</p>
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<p><b>Receivers Had Big Days |</b> I'm not exactly sure just yet how many third down receptions TE Jace Amaro had, but I'm pretty sure he had a lot. I just loved seeing Kingsbury take SARR's suggestion to heart and getting the ball to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134711/jakeem-grant" class="sbn-auto-link">Jakeem Grant</a>, who had 7 catches for 92 yards, but the big days were reserved for Amaro, who finished with 9 catches for 96 yards and Eric Ward, who had 7 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. Really terrific play from those three guys.</p>
<p>Ward finally got some separation along the sideline and Mayfield figuring out that he can trust him. That pass along the sideline to find a streaking Ward was really a beautiful throw.</p>
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<p><b>QUICK HITS |</b> Some of these insightful things I may have mentioned on Twitter.</p>
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<li>As soon as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/219403/dylan-cantrell" class="sbn-auto-link">Dylan Cantrell</a> caught his touchdown, I tweeted out that he has the stickiest hands on the team and he does. At that point, I was tweeted out by our own mojavereject this video: <center>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/vivathematador">@vivathematador</a> relevant: <a href="http://t.co/PaqMrpCWX8">http://t.co/PaqMrpCWX8</a></p>
— Matthew Sullivan (@skippable) <a href="https://twitter.com/skippable/statuses/386573078202830848">October 5, 2013</a>
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</center> There's also another Cantrell on the way, but I think he's like in junior high. I would love nothing more than to have a Cantrell and Whitehouse pipeline. </li>
<li>I thought that the offensive line, as a whole, was terrific and when you don't notice then, that means they are doing their jobs. I thought RT Rashad Fortenberry had his best day that I can remember. There was one block that he had on a DeAndre Washington touchdown on the right side and Fortenberry just sealed his man. Great play is about consistency and I think this is the best and most complete game that Fortenberry has played. Just great work. I'd also add that moving <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115491/james-polk" class="sbn-auto-link">James Polk</a> to left guard and planting <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115494/beau-carpenter" class="sbn-auto-link">Beau Carpenter</a> at right guard looked really good and really shored up some of the issues that this team had in allowing some guys inside. With a smaller center, it can be tough on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161449/jared-kaster" class="sbn-auto-link">Jared Kaster</a>, but he really competes and he's mobile.</li>
<li>I'm going to have to wait until the full game is posted online, but when in the drive before Mayfield rushed 19 yards for his touchdown, there was a similar defensive look. Essentially, Kansas thought it would be a good idea to just rush four players, essentially trying to pressure the edge. In the play before, I think that Kaster just stood there with no one to block. I'd guess that Kingsbury, Morris and Cumbie pulled Kaster and Mayfield aside and told him that Mayfield would just take off running. It was awesome to see Kaster run down the field, eyes on a swivel, just looking for someone to plow down. He couldn't find anyone for 15 yards. It was terrific play calling, and it was probably a situation where the coaches were asking, WTF was Kansas doing not having any defender stunt back around. Great recognition by Mayfield and Kaster. </li>
<li>I haven't even talked about the linebackers, but they were awfully good too. Quiet days from everyone except <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134710/sam-eguavoen" class="sbn-auto-link">Sam Eguavoen</a>, who just had a killer play on a screen that he sniffed out incredibly early. Will Smith and Eguavoen finished with 6 tackles each, Smith had 1 sack for good measure and Eguavoen had 1.5 tackles for loss. </li>
<li>Someone asked for the penalty breakdown and I can't promise this each time, but here goes: <br>(1) false start (1st Q; <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134730/le-raven-clark" class="sbn-auto-link">Le'Raven Clark</a>); <br>(2) offside (1st Q); <br>(3) pass interference (2nd Q; Eric Ward); <br>(4) delay of game (2nd Q); <br>(5) pass interference (3rd Q; Ola Falemi); <br>(6) false start (3rd Q; Jared Kaster); <br>(7) illegal formation (4th Q); <br>(8) holding (4th Q; Beau Carpenter -- on an extra point); <br>(9) personal foul (4th Q); <br>(10) delay of game (4th Q). <br>Really, what we're talking bout is just 6 penalties when the game really mattered and that's probably pushing it. The offensive line didn't have any holding penalties other than the hold on the extra point. </li>
<li>This is going to get lost a bit yesterday and today, but Texas Tech and Tubby Smith received a commitment from Plano East F Zach Smith! </li>
<li>Don't want this to get lost either. Davis Webb, comes in cold off the bench, and all he does is toss two touchdowns. </li>
<li> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77747/ryan-erxleben" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Erxleben</a> got his job back, at least for this week and averaged 46.5 yards a punt. </li>
<li>The average starting field position for the game was Texas Tech's own 44 yard line.</li>
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<p><b>HIGHLIGHTS </b></p>
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https://www.vivathematadors.com/2013/10/6/4808186/post-game-thoughts-texas-tech-red-raiders-54-kansas-kayhawks-16Seth C2013-10-05T14:58:11-05:002013-10-05T14:58:11-05:00Post Game Thread | TTU 54, KU 16
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<figcaption>John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Texas Tech has a shaky first quarter, but is simply dominant the rest of the way in beating the Kansas Jayhawks, 54-16.</p> <p><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/191238/bell_ringer.gif" align="right"> It was a bit of a rough first quarter with Kansas scoring early and the offense struggling early, but Texas Tech very much had control of this game after the first half.</p>
<p>Bring it Big Phil.</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> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/214473/baker-mayfield">Baker Mayfield</a> looked good after the first quarter. I love that Kingsbury has faith to keep Mayfield in the game and not have an early hook, it would have been easy to do so. </li>
<li>The running game really took over in the second quarter and put Kansas on their heels. It was dominant for an entire drive and Kansas never recovered.</li>
<li>As I am writing this, with about 2 minutes left in the game, Kansas has 266 yards. We'll break this down from 1st quarter and the rest of the way, but, oh my, what a performance.</li>
<li>The defense produced 4 turnovers, just a fantastic effort. They just dominate the play, stringing out a play in space and making things happen. Really just a beautiful thing to watch.</li>
<li>Eric Ward, please be back, you're so good.</li>
<li>Michael Brewer. He wouldn't have played had he not been 100% healthy. This is nothing but good news if Mayfield's injury is serious. And I'm not sleeping on Davis Webb's contributions this game, he looked good too.</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>Mayfield getting his knee hit is a part of the game and I hate that. The hit didn't look at all intentional, so this isn't a situation where I've got any hard feelings towards that player. Just want to wish Mayfield a speedy recover.</li>
<li>The defense really struggled in the first quarter and that was disturbing, but obviously, there was a significant adjustment.</li>
<li>I'm trying to think of something else, but I got nothing.</li>
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https://www.vivathematadors.com/2013/10/5/4806550/post-game-thread-texas-tech-red-raiders-54-kansas-jayhawks-16Seth C2013-10-05T14:00:07-05:002013-10-05T14:00:07-05:00GDT III | Texas Tech vs. Kansas
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<figcaption>Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Spo</figcaption>
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<p>Let's do this.</p> <table style="width: auto; font-size: 14px; box-shadow: 5px 5px 5px #888888;" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" align="center" border="1"><tbody>
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<td colspan="10" align="center"><b>Game Information</b></td>
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<img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/1710437/Texas_Tech_Helmet_Present__MG_.gif" height="100"><br><b>4-0, 1-0</b>
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<b>Date |</b> October 5, 2013<br><b>Time |</b> 11:00 am 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/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a><br><b>Location |</b> Memorial Stadium | Lawrence, Kansas<br><b>Weather |</b> <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.b.weather.com/weather/tenday/Lawrence+KS+USKS0319:1:US">Showers, High 70, Low 47</a><br><b>TV |</b> Fox Sports 1<br><b>Radio </b>| <a target="newwindow" href="http://sportsaffiliates.learfieldsports.com/affiliates/texas-tech">Affiliates</a>
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<img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/1710429/Kansas_Helmet__MG_.gif" height="100"><br><b>2-1, 0-0</b>
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<p> </p>
<p>Go Raiders . . .</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2013/10/5/4799012/game-day-thread-iii-texas-tech-red-raiders-vs-kansas-jayhawksSeth C2013-10-05T12:00:09-05:002013-10-05T12:00:09-05:00GDT II | Texas Tech vs. Kansas
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<figcaption>Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Spo</figcaption>
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<p>Let's do this.</p> <table style="width: auto; font-size: 14px; box-shadow: 5px 5px 5px #888888;" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" align="center" border="1"><tbody>
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<img height="100" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/1710437/Texas_Tech_Helmet_Present__MG_.gif"><br><b>4-0, 1-0</b>
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<b>Date |</b> October 5, 2013<br><b>Time |</b> 11:00 am 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/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a><br><b>Location |</b> Memorial Stadium | Lawrence, Kansas<br><b>Weather |</b> <a target="newwindow" href="http://www.b.weather.com/weather/tenday/Lawrence+KS+USKS0319:1:US">Showers, High 70, Low 47</a><br><b>TV |</b> Fox Sports 1<br><b>Radio </b>| <a target="newwindow" href="http://sportsaffiliates.learfieldsports.com/affiliates/texas-tech">Affiliates</a>
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<img height="100" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/1710429/Kansas_Helmet__MG_.gif"><br><b>2-1, 0-0</b>
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<br><p>Go Raiders . . . </p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2013/10/5/4798992/game-day-thread-ii-texas-tech-red-raiders-vs-kansas-jayhawksSeth C2013-10-05T05:35:36-05:002013-10-05T05:35:36-05:00TTML | Soccer Beats TCU; Football Game Day Links
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<figcaption>John Weast</figcaption>
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<p>The soccer team took down TCU, 2-0. The volleyball team is set to host West Virginia while the cross country team will travel to Fayetteville to run in the Chile Pepper Festival. Oh, and football game day links.</p> <table border="1" align="center" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" style="width: auto; font-size: 14px; box-shadow: 5px 5px 5px #888888;"><tbody>
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<td align="center" colspan="10"><b>Game Information</b></td>
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<img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/1710437/Texas_Tech_Helmet_Present__MG_.gif" height="100"><br><b>4-0, 1-0</b>
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<b>Date |</b> October 5, 2013<br><b>Time |</b> 11:00 am CST<br><b>Good Guys |</b> Texas Tech Red Raiders<br><b>Bad Guys |</b> Kansas Jayhawks<br><b>Location |</b> Memorial Stadium | Lawrence, Kansas<br><b>Weather |</b> <a href="http://www.b.weather.com/weather/tenday/Lawrence+KS+USKS0319:1:US" target="newwindow">Showers, High 70, Low 47</a><br><b>TV |</b> Fox Sports 1<br><b>Radio </b>| <a href="http://sportsaffiliates.learfieldsports.com/affiliates/texas-tech" target="newwindow">Affiliates</a>
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<img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/1710429/Kansas_Helmet__MG_.gif" height="100"><br><b>2-1, 0-0</b>
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<h4>
<img height="30" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1680903/Wingding_-_link.png">LINKS</h4>
<p>Good morning and it's game day. The first game day thread goes up at 10:00 am.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<b>Soccer |</b> The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-soccer/recaps/100413aab.html">soccer team beat TCU, 2-0</a>, last night and will host Arkansas Pine-Bluff on Sunday. I've got some highlights embedded below and the two goals were great, loved the cornerkick, then a header, and then another header to finish it off.</li>
<li>
<b>Volleyball |</b> The volleyball team is <a href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/100413aaa.html" target="_blank">set to host West Virginia @ 1:00 pm today at the United Spirit Arena</a>.</li>
<li>
<b>Cross Country |</b> The cross country teams are set to run in the <a href="http://www.texastech.com/sports/c-xc/spec-rel/100513aaa.html" target="_blank">Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas</a> of all places (I don't really associate Chile Peppers with Fayetteville). There was also this <a target="_blank" href="http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/251075-Workout-Wednesday-Season-8/video/719025-Kennedy-Kithuka-3k-2k-1k-XC-Workout">pretty cool video of Kennedy Kithuka</a> (and the other athletes) working out at 6:00 am and gets pretty specific with his training, which was neat. </li>
<li>
<b>Football |</b> Lots of links this morning:
<ul>
<li>The <a target="_blank" href="http://redraiders.com/filed-online/2013-10-04/week-helps-tech-prep-kansas-long-run#.Uk_fjFWzKph">LAJ</a> writes that Texas Tech hopes the week off prepares the Red Raiders for Kansas and the rest of the season.</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/collegefootball/big-12-conference/story/LT-goes-one-on-one-with-Texas-Tech-coach?blockID=947175&feedID=3799" target="_blank">FSSW's LaDanian Tomlinson</a> does a Q&A with Kliff Kingsbury and it's entertaining. Kingsbury talks about the difference between Kingsbury and Leach offenses and some off-the-wall things.</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www2.kusports.com/news/2013/oct/04/tale-tape-ku-vs-texas-tech/">KUSports</a> does a Tale of the Tape and they also have a <a target="_blank" href="http://www2.kusports.com/news/2013/oct/05/notebook-texas-tech-test-ku-d/">notebook</a>.</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.rockchalktalk.com/2013/10/4/4802162/kansas-jayhawks-vs-texas-tech-red-raiders-matchup-notes" target="_blank">Rock Chalk Talk</a> previews the game.</li>
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<img height="30" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2365719/Wingding_-_movies.png"> ACTION</h4>
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https://www.vivathematadors.com/2013/10/5/4805090/texas-tech-morning-links-soccer-beats-tcu-football-game-day-linksSeth C2013-10-04T09:00:14-05:002013-10-04T09:00:14-05:00Weekly Conversation | Kansas Jayhawks
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<img alt="Yes I'm still emotional about the end so just scoot back ok." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gJdQd3pcRaSyLJsXOc38BsvA1Kc=/38x0:459x281/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20624695/i9l5uvhtj8irk-1.0.gif" />
<figcaption>Yes I'm still emotional about the end so just scoot back ok.</figcaption>
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<p>SARR and Seth C discuss mo clicky, mo clicky, criticizing players, how to fix the offense and word association.</p> <p><b>Seth C:</b> After a bye week of almost no news from the official site or any player or coach interviews, we really just get to go back to the week that was in the Big 12 and we also maybe get some perspective on how good Texas Tech is or isn't.</p>
<p>This week, we saw an unlikely upset as West Virginia upset Oklahoma St. and Oklahoma looked pretty dominant beating Notre Dame. What are your thoughts from the weekend?</p>
<p><b>Travis (SARR):</b> I think what we saw last weekend just solidifies what we’ve been saying for weeks which is the Big 12 is wide open. WVU won an ugly game against Oklahoma State, who for the first time in a long time looked pedestrian. The WVU defense played lights out, and that scene in Morgantown is pretty impressive. Tech better take a sack lunch with them when they go up there in a few weeks because it’s gonna be a long day and I hope they’re up for it.</p>
<p>Oklahoma was impressive, but I don’t think they’re dominant. They got a quick 14 points on INTs but then cruised along for the win. Not taking anything away from the defense or how they won it, but this isn’t your grandpa’s OU.</p>
<p>I was surprised to see Texas State double up Wyoming 42-21. I sorta pay attention to Wyoming (Keith makes me) and they’re a decent team. It was only their 2nd loss of the season after losing to Nebraska 37-34 in week 1. It definitely makes me feel better about the win (and the struggles we had) against the Bobcats a few weeks ago.</p>
<div class="pullquote">It’s also interesting to watch the evolution of the SEC. We love to hate the Aggies, but they are literally transforming the SEC into the Big 12 in its heyday. <span>-SARR</span>
</div>
<p>It’s also interesting to watch the evolution of the SEC. We love to hate the Aggies, but they are literally transforming the SEC into the Big 12 in its heyday. If you want to win the big games over there now you’re gonna have to put up 40+ points to do it. Even Nick Saban is joining in the fun, although he’s kicking and screaming as he goes. LSU and Georgia was a total shoot out as was A&M vs Arkansas. Mike Leach has to enjoy watching the monster he created unleashed and infiltrating Dixie.</p>
<p>Did you get a chance to watch any games this weekend? What stood out for you?</p>
<p>I also wanted to get your thoughts on "blog etiquette" particularly as it pertains to calling out players and/or coaches. Someone mentioned a few weeks ago how striking it was to see Barking Carnival just ripping the toughness and lack of emotion coming from the players, and thought it was out of bounds. I’ve always thought that fans can react however they want (to an extent) because this is big time college football. However, I personally don’t like to criticize players on GDT or in stories (even though I may have typed NEBOH a few times last year). I always tried to stay out of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8739/taylor-potts" class="sbn-auto-link">Taylor Potts</a> hate and didn’t want to rip Doege last year, even though I was disappointed in his play at times. Again, I hope this doesn’t sound preachy because I think fans have a right to voice their opinions. It’s just a personal preference for me.</p>
<p>Coaches are another story though. They’re making tons of money and are grown men so they’re fair game, especially when I know so much more about coaching than they do. So where do you stand on this topic?</p>
<p><b>Seth C:</b> I got to watch quite a bit of West Virginia and Oklahoma St. and WVU looked like a legitimate defense. From their performance thus far this season, I thought for sure that this was just a joke of a team that couldn't play. There were definitely things that went WVU's way, but they played like a real deal football team. And Holgo looked as in tune and focused as I can remember. Not that he doesn't, but something seemed different about him.</p>
<p>I also got to watch some of the LSU vs. Georgia game and it was really just a matter of time before those SEC teams that you don't just have to win with defense, that forcing opponents to play in space and making things tough on defenses is the natural evolution of football. It's not rocket science to figure out that teams are tougher to cover, although I think the problem has always been finding the right quarterback for SEC teams and the right offensive coordinator.</p>
<p>And when I write "dominant" in describing OU, yes you described exactly what happened, they got up early and they never looked back. They'll never be as good as when Switzer was running that show because Switzer was one of the best there ever way, but they looked pretty solid. The Notre Dame offense is probably not the best offense to test an Oklahoma defense as they are very conservative, but still, to go in and win like that seems like a pretty good little win for the Sooners.</p>
<p>As to players being criticized, I think there is a respectful way to criticize a player. I think that saying a player is soft is probably on the wrong side of the fence. I don't think there is a bright line rule as to what is off-limits for me, but cursing at a player or something like that is in poor taste. We can't really know how they feel or what players think, but we can see when a player misses a tackle or misses a block or looks out of position. Things like that, actual particular play on the field, is tough. Its the reason that I got away from doing report cards after a game. I liked the format, but it's tough for me to figure out what's being too critical for a particular player and what isn't. So to sum it up, I think it is okay in talking about specific players and specific plays, but would rather leave the criticism pretty general most of the time.</p>
<p>So VTM could get a lot more page views and visits if we would have a post that reads something like, "Kingsbury to USC . . ?" That's usually the title and then in the post we would get into how Kingsbury is NEVER leaving us. EVER. What's your take on titles like this and is it good to just ignore these types of rumors and sacrifice hits or post something and watch as the visits come in, but the gist of the story is quite different than the headline?</p>
<p><b>Travis (SARR):</b> Page views and clicks is the name of the game now, so it’s a difficult balancing act. As a fan and consumer, I hate the sites with the slide shows and the stories that only have one or two paragraphs before you have to click to the next page. I’ve also noticed recently on some of the news sites I visit that a story will have 2 pages but when you click on page 2 it only contains a few words to finish out the last sentence of the article.</p>
<p>Mo clicky mo clicky mo clicky.</p>
<p>All of the above are cheap ways to generate more clicks and views and it’s not something you really ever think about until you’re on the other side of things.</p>
<p>On the flip side of that as a producer and contributor, it is tempting to try and generate controversy or contradictory headlines to drive traffic. But I’ve always respected the model you’ve set up here and I am proud of the philosophy we operate under at VTM. It’s funny because last week I kept seeing tweets and stories about Kingsbury so I sent out something about how the country will get over his dazzling smile at some point and realize he’s a legitimate football coach. You can sense that coming from him as well. Sure, he’ll endure the E! stories and Gosling references because it’s a means to an end. The more publicity he generates, the higher profile the program becomes. The silliness will in turn lead to improved recruiting classes and a higher quality product on the field.</p>
<p>It’s an interesting paradox because the larger sites (including SB Nation) continue to focus on the "what ifs" and celebrity side of Kingsbury while at VTM (which is the site that covers the team that Kingsbury actually coaches, BTW) we focus, for the most part, on what he is doing right now and the results he is producing right now.</p>
<p>I’ve seen so many tweets about Kingsbury at Michigan, or Kingsbury at Texas, or Kingsbury to Florida, or Kingsbury to USC that I basically ignore now. And those are followed with stories that are more than likely generating a ton of page views, and that’s ok.</p>
<p>We’ve discussed this behind the scenes but at times it gets a little frustrating to see other sites and other bloggers generating hits and Twitter buzz based on Kingsbury speculation. A misleading story about Kingsbury to USC is going to generate more page views than a weekly conversation about Kingsbury, or an Iconography story featuring Kingsbury, or a post-game write up chock full of Kingsbury quotes from the site that actually covers the coach on a daily basis.</p>
<p>Oh well, as my grandma would say "stop trying to catch those foxes. Say La V."</p>
<p>So what do you think? Should we start doing a weekly post about where Kingsbury is going?</p>
<p>Also, now that the staff has had two weeks to prepare for Kansas, what tweaks or wrinkles (if any) do you think we’ll see on Saturday? I saw some great conversations on VTM about adding in a wildcat wrinkle, which might be an effective way to kick start a struggling running game. Do you think we’ll see any twists?</p>
<p><b>Seth C:</b> I'm glad that we're in agreement regarding salacious stories. We'll miss out on page views and things like that, but I'm okay with that. As you note, I try my very best to stick to what's happening now and that was the only thing that really kept me sane the last few years and it's why we do what we do. Kingsbury coaching and players playing is what we're supposed to talk about.</p>
<p>I do think I need more uniforms posts and you probably need to do a post about DeLoss Dodds for Texas governor.</p>
<p>Despite thinking that Kingsbury might try something different, this goes entirely against the Mumme, Leach and Kingsbury philosophy, which is to do what you do and do it over and over and over again until you get it right. I would be willing to be a mortgage payment that Kingsbury didn't do much of anything other than get better at what they need to do which is make the offense better, not by trying new things, but by doing the things that they do even better. Can you imagine the out-cry of disappointment if Kingsbury were to bust out with some sort of Wildcat that flopped? We'd be talking about how Kingsbury wasted valuable practice time on an offense that didn't work.</p>
<div class="pullquote">If there is one thing that Kingsbury has preached, it's playing without thinking. This is his philosophy. He wants to be great at what he does. <span>-Seth C</span>
</div>
<p>If there is one thing that Kingsbury has preached, it's playing without thinking. This is his philosophy. He wants to be great at what he does.</p>
<p>So to answer your question, I think he has to figure out how to get WR Eric Ward open. He's too big of a weapon to be catching 3 or so passes over the past few weeks. More than anything else, it's about getting Ward one-on-one and maybe getting Ward something over the middle. I've gone back and watched film on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8731/michael-crabtree" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Crabtree</a> and although they play opposite sides of the field and I'd love to see some of those things: slants, screens, vertical routes. Ward is a receiver in the body of a running back, I'd love to see him put the hurt to some defensive backs, but he has to get the ball in his hands. More than anything else, I really think that by including Ward, no matter who is at quarterback will be better.</p>
<p>I know the rushing game needs to get better, but I'm not real sure how to make that happen. What do you do to help the offense, not that it needs a ton of help?</p>
<p>I'm asking this in the weekly Iconography post, but I had actually been writing it before someone linked or quoted the Longhorn fan regarding the late-season melt-downs of the past two years. Starting out 4-0 and finishing with losing records. My question to the crowd is "What's different?" and that's my question to you. What's going to be different about this team versus other years? Is it attitude or coaching or something else?</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>Jakeem Grant = Nehemiah Glover</h2>
<img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/21209237/20130921_jla_aj7_333_large.jpg"><span>SARR thinks Grant needs a few shovel passes.</span>
</div>
<p><b>Travis (SARR):</b> I’d love to see him find a way to get Grant more involved. Surely he remembers how successful he was with the shovel passes to Nehemiah Glover back in the day. Lets see 2 or 3 of those a game, along with some of those Welker type end arounds that Leach loved to run. Grant needs the ball in his hands 10-15 times a game.</p>
<p>As far as what’s different I think it’s all the above. It seems that over the past few years we’d hit one game where it was obvious the coaching staff threw in the towel early and I think the players responded to that accordingly. I don’t see that happening with this staff. We’re probably gonna be in a situation where we are down a few scores with a few minutes remaining but I bet a dollar that Kingsbury won’t punt it away. It’s an attitude. #ATMO and #TYFR are silly hash tags that us old guys don’t understand, but it means a lot to those kids. I’ve been saying for weeks now that the swagger that Kingsbury brings and the sense of togetherness this staff exudes bleeds over into the play on the field and can make the difference between a win or a loss in a few close games. We’re about to find out if that’s true.</p>
<p><b>Seth C:</b> I don't think we've covered this particular subject, but if we have, please humor me? Name the one player that you think has been the best player on offense and defense. And no cheating by naming multiple players and saying that you can't choose. Walt would never do that (I have no idea if this is a true statement, I'm just trying to be cool by referencing Breaking Bad).</p>
<div class="pullquote">I don’t necessarily know if these two guys are having the best year on either side of the ball, but the two that I’ve really enjoyed watching and seem to be involved in the big plays are Bullitt on defense and Marquez on offense. <span>-SARR</span>
</div>
<p><b>Travis (SARR):</b> You’re exactly right. Walt would never do that because Walt is dead.</p>
<p>I don’t necessarily know if these two guys are having the best year on either side of the ball, but the two that I’ve really enjoyed watching and seem to be involved in the big plays are Bullitt on defense and Marquez on offense. Bullitt just seems to be everywhere and I really enjoy watching him cause havoc. Marquez only has 17 catches but he already has 4 touchdowns, and they seem to come at critical times (especially in the TCU game). With the focus on Ward, and the inconsistency from Amaro and Grant (not necessarily their fault by the way, it’s just that neither seems to get in a rhythm for a complete game) Marquez has really picked up the slack and made plays. Who are your top two?</p>
<p>And let’s get into your favorite subject- predictions! I say we start slowly, maybe even trail for the first time all season at some point during the first half, but then find a rhythm in the 2nd half and pull away 28-14. Mayfield gets most of the snaps but Webb comes in for a few series. This is an offense that’s still trying to establish itself but we’ll win the game with solid defense and timely scores.</p>
<p><b>Seth C:</b> I think I'm going to have to go with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115469/tre-porter" class="sbn-auto-link">Tre' Porter</a> and Jace Amaro. I go with Porter for some of the reasons you are choosing Bullitt. I can think of only one pass play the entire year where the offense went over the top, the trick play from SFA. I think that's a testament to coaching and a fleet footed defensive back that can cover some ground. I'm sure this won't last all year, but I think he changes the game defensively and makes it tougher on opponents to really get down the field. He's really been a fantastic equalizer.</p>
<p>Offensively, I feel the same way about Amaro, the complexion of the game changes when he is on the field and it's really fun to watch him work. He's got so much ability that I don't think he even knows it. And I don't think that Amaro's issues with blocking are effort, just not really knowing how to do it or where to go and he doesn't practice goal line stuff all that much that it's probably not second nature for him. Still, opposing defense really need a guy at the line of scrimmage and need a safety to cover him for anything over the top. Amaro takes away two defenders most of the time, and theoretically, it should make life easier for everyone else.</p>
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<h2>Bruce Jones is Cray</h2>
<img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/21208761/181515589_large.jpg"><span>By using the word "cray" I understand that this is an incredibly dated attempt to sound cool and hip.</span>
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<p>I think Kansas is pretty anemic on offense and I just can't see how they will score lots of points to keep pace with Texas Tech, no matter who is at quarterback. After the news that Brewer is in pads and smiling, I think that Kingsbury needs to get him some time (obviously, he needs to be cleared medically). I still think this sets up for Brewer to maybe start against Iowa St, which seems like Kingsbury's plan all along.</p>
<p>Predictions? You want predictions? Here goes. Brewer plays on Saturday and throws a touchdown. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161431/bruce-jones" class="sbn-auto-link">Bruce Jones</a> gets an interception. Texas Tech wins 35-7.</p>
<p>Let's do one last bit before we sign off for the week. Let's play some word association. I'll give you the player, you give the one word response.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134730/le-raven-clark" class="sbn-auto-link">Le'Raven Clark</a><br> Will Smith<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134707/pete-robertson" class="sbn-auto-link">Pete Robertson</a><br> Kenny Williams<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115483/jackson-richards" class="sbn-auto-link">Jackson Richards</a></p>
<p><b>Travis (SARR):</b> Le'Raven Clark- Anchor<br> Will Smith- Summertime. Ok sorry, Evolving<br> Pete Robertson- Man<br> Kenny Williams- Frustrated<br> Jackson Richards- Surprising</p>
<p>You’re turn:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134717/jace-amaro" class="sbn-auto-link">Jace Amaro</a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115496/kerry-hyder" class="sbn-auto-link">Kerry Hyder</a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134711/jakeem-grant" class="sbn-auto-link">Jakeem Grant</a><br> Tre Porter<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134737/ryan-bustin" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Bustin</a></p>
<p>And don’t think I don’t know you thought about giving me Bustin because you knew what I would be tempted to write.</p>
<p><b>Seth C:</b> Hell yes, the obvious one for Bustin is like shooting a layup for someone that has basketball skillz, like Dirk Nowitzki.</p>
<p>Jace Amaro - Unstoppable<br> Kerry Hyder - Relentless<br> Jakeem Grant - Explosive<br> Tre Porter - Fearless<br> Ryan Bustin - Reliable</p>
https://www.vivathematadors.com/2013/10/4/4798030/weekly-conversation-kansas-jayhawksSeth C