#2 Tea Sips vs #8 Sand Aggies...Let's hear it!

[ktchamp97]

Being in Midland, I'm literally surrounded by Sand Aggies proclaiming the genius of Mike Leach and the reduced porosity of their now stellar defense...which, all, of course, points to a win over the poor overrated Sips in DKR.

SO...

Who wins this game and why?

More specifically, how does Tech keep this from getting out of hand? ;)

Give me sound reasoning why us Sips should overlook the fact that Kansas and Nebraska held the unstoppable Tech offense in the 30's and kept the Sand Aggies under 400 yards of offense. Is the Sip defense not considerably better than those two units? Why too should Tech be in the Top 10 with wins over three teams they should be ashamed of playing?

Honestly, I like Tech. That offense is fun to watch (except when it's throwing 30 yard passes into the endzone when up by 39) and I like that Tech takes and utilizes guys that get overlooked simply because of their size (Henderson, Glover, Welker, Amendola, etc.) That said, I don't see how Tech can expect a closer game than what they got in Lubbock last year. The only thing that might keep this thing interesting is if Jamaal Charles can't go at all...even then, I see Vince and the receivers having a field day while Hodges spends most of the afternoon on his back.

I know we have plenty of Red Raiders in here, so let's hear it!

[jtk1519]

I think the key to this game is Texas' D-line. Even with just a 4 man rush, they have been able to put tremendous pressure on the QB this year. Robison has been a beast and Crowder has been doing quite well himself. I think Chizik will use that D-line to take advantage of Tech's spread out O-line. That spread out line having to focus on Wright, Robison and Co. are going to leave huge gaps for the LBs to shoot through. Chizik likes to blitz and don’t be surprised if Kelson is back at LB this week for that very reason. I think sending Aaron Harris on a blitz right up the middle would do the trick. That would allow Kelson and Bobino to cover the short pass. The blitz would force Hodges to move out of the pocket which he likes to do, but that will force him right into the hands of Crowder or Robison.

I look for the Texas defense to mix it up a lot, but in the end I think they will be the difference. Hodges will get his yards a probably throw a TD or two, but he will also throw some picks. The Texas secondary is very good. Texas' pass defense ranks 6th in the nation. By comparison, Kansas State's ranks 74th. Texas has the 7th best scoring defense giving up just 14 points a game. Texas also comes in with an offense that ranks 9th in the nation in the run and 4th in passing efficiency. Tech's defense ranks #32 against the run and #23 against the pass.

I know I'm cocky, but I think the size of the Texas win depends a lot on Jamaal Charles. If he is 100%, I think he will carve the Tech defense up which will just open up more things for Vince.

Texas 42 - Tech 21

[KT2000]

Colorado has a better team than Texas Tech in my opinion.

That said, I'm very interested to see what Chizik comes up with this week. He is very good at scheming for pressure, and the Texas defensive end play this year has been outstanding. Robison, Crowder and now Orakpo should be in Hodges' grill all game long.

The Horns easily have the ability to pressure with the front four and bring the backers occassionally as well. Also, Texas has the ability to cover each receiver Tech has because of the depth in secondary talent that most other teams don't have.

I think the Missouri game prepared the Texas defense well for some of the things Tech likes to do from a blocking and alignment standpoint.

Texas is locked in this year and I think VY has another Heisman worthy performance whether Charles plays or not (I think he will). If you look beyond the gaudy numbers Tech always puts up, they haven't played a team this year that's prepared them for what they are going to see this week. Tech gets a late consolation score in a Longhorn walk.

Texas 52 Tech 20

[jtk1519]

FWIW, CBSsportsline says Texas SOS ranks 22 in the nation (better than USC and VT). Tech's SOS ranks 87th in the nation. By far the worst of any top 10 team. I think Texas will be better prepared having played a few tougher teams.

I also agree with KT2000's in that Texas will be prepared for the Tech O-line after playing Mizzou.

[rattlerbacker]

I think Chris Brown may have a big impact in this game. There's a reason they burned his shirt and this game would have to be it. He won't have to worry about run defense, just get after the QB. As fast and quick as he is I don't see any O-lineman Tech has stopping him. He won't start but I expect them to rotate the D-line a lot and he should be in there a good bit.

[FootballJunkie]

FWIW, CBSsportsline says Texas SOS ranks 22 in the nation (better than USC and VT). Tech's SOS ranks 87th in the nation. By far the worst of any top 10 team. I think Texas will be better prepared having played a few tougher teams.

I also agree with KT2000's in that Texas will be prepared for the Tech O-line after playing Mizzou.

That SOS is after current games not including games that WILL be played. I don't think any of that matters I don't see UT losing unfortunately so #1 and #2 should remain the same unless USC bites the dust. I believe UT will expose Texas Tech and this game could get ugly. TT offensive line and defensive line had trouble with Nebraska they could be in big trouble this week. UT pulls away big in second half is my prediction.

[Papa LoneStar]

Texas Tech 20
Texas 52

[garlandredraider]

TECH FAN HERE!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

I really hate comparing teams to how they played them this year because teams get better through the weeks. Texas Tech esp. How do you think last year they could lose to NM, but then beat Cal. I just think its a weak comparison.

Tech has played a crappy schedule, so in reality... we are not sure how Tech will come out of this game. Our Defense is starting to click....
D. Slay hopefully will have a good game... here is the hit from last weeks game.
http://media.putfile.com/DwayneSlay

Offense- We know what tech will do.... pass up and down the field. Texas held Tech to 21 points last year, but that was with a weak QB. Hodges is a lot stonger QB who had suprised everyone. He also now has 3 huge targets.... Hicks, R. Johnson, and Filiani. All had over 100 yards of rec. last week.

I have been to every single tech game this year, and i cannot tell you what they will do on Saturday. I have seen them go up 21 points at NU, and blow the lead. I have seen them stuggle in the first half to KSU and lead at halftime 17-13. I am not sure what is going through Leach's head. But I am confident that Tech will not get embarissed. Tech has nothing to lose while UT has everything.

My heart- Texas Tech-45, Texas-43
My Head- Texas-49, Texas Tech-31

WRECK EM TECH!!!!

[bowiedawgs01]

Tech scoring 31 pts @ Texas would be an upset in itself. It won't happen. Your offense is exactly the same as the past 5 years, just with different players. If you think Texas' D is going to let them pass up and down the field, you're going to be disappointed.

Slay is one guy. The rest of Tech's D is nothing. They'll prove to be more of a speed bump than anything else. Texas will score 40+. If we have Charles, make that 50.

I would be worried if this was a night game in Lubbock. It is not.

[garlandredraider]

So if our offense is the same as it always is.... then we will come into Austin last time and put up 40.

Yes, I do see UT getting points up into the 40's, but I do not see UT's defense totally stopping tech to less that 20 points. Ut's defense is SOLID... but they have not played a team that passes 95% of the game. And you say Mizzou helped UT with how our offense is... are you kidding me?

There is more to our D than slay... Meeks perhaps rings a bell. If we can stop the run, we can make it a game. Of couse... that is going to be a long IF for tech. Also if we get our offense moving, then it will be more of a game. And yes... Tech will move up and down the field. We do it to yall every year. (40 points in 2003, 43 points in 2002) Now the problem with last year was we could not score, nor could we not throw an int. We will move the ball... scoring is a different issue.

I see this more of a game than all the UT fans are saying. If I am wrong, and Tech gets blown out, I will come back on this thread and eat crow. I just dont see Tech falling down so easily as everyone says they are going to. If I am wrong, I will wave goodbye to texas and wish them luck against USC. If Tech makes it a game though, I would not be suprised.

[GTown02]

Im a huge Longhorn fan, and ive been nervous about this game for a while... I know Texas has what it takes to win, just hope they prepare well this week and show up to play on saturday.

[TechGuy07]

Tech has not exactly proven they have the offensive horses, just yet. I do think that Tech needed a woodshed game and a big offensive explosion to gain some confidence and to possibly beat Texas.

All in all, this is the best Tech team in at least 10 years. The thing is, you can't cover all the receivers adequately. If you double Hicks, RoJo has it over the middle. Roll your safeties to cover the post or deep slant, Amendola, RoJo, or Olomua can bust it through the LBs. The thing is in the most common sets you have 4 DBs and 2 LBs in coverage. Double down on Filani and Hicks with a Corner and Safety, that leaves a VERY athletic Johnson on a LB. That's not even counting in Henderson, who is one of the most productive backs in the B12 (arguably Charles and Hendo can go either #1 or #2). The blitz will work if you can beat the T to the outside...(to be honest, I'm not sure how fast UT's OLBs are). You can blitz a corner but the hot route can be broken off to force the LB to roll over on a curl route, which is often times beat on a quick pass. The key on O for Tech is to be able to put a body on a body with the OL on the DL and blitzing LBs. If it takes two to block down Wright, then that forces Hendo/Woods to pick up the free man, often times taking a 5th receiver out leaving only four options. Tech finally found an OL unit that is athletic and strong enough to fight the blitz. Whitley can hold his own on the bull rush (Whitley is projected as a 2nd Round pick to the Colts by some) of Wright. I like Manny Ramirez also inside. Again, the question is whether Tech can pick up the outside blitz. I think the combo of Gabe Hall (former TE with about 4.7 speed) and Glenn January can slow the outside rush. There will be sacks, I know. The next problem, is the delayed blitz up the gut. If Whitley starts at Center like he should can he chip the blitzer enough to knock him off...maybe, we'll see. UT's corners are going to have to be hot to stop the four main receiving options (Hicks, Filani, Henderson, and Johnson all had 100 yard games against a fairly good KSU secondary).

My guess is that Texas can shut two 2 maybe 3 options, but that still leaves one or two more.

Tech on D will, no surprise here, have to make VY throw. Obviously, he has improved vastly, but the Tech D can't allow him to run free. I think you'll see a speed package in the LBs (Saldi, Session, and Brinkley) to counter the outside game. Saldi is especially good against the run to the outside, where as Brinkley is a good cover LB, so no worries about having to drop a LB into coverage. The X-factor here is Slay. Slay can hit and will hit. I like having Slay (at SS) against the run as he is a great run-support SS and run a shadow/spy. If Slay can lay a lick on Charles, maybe a he can cause a freshman to doubt himself.

The overall key is Tech has to score and stop the run to win. Will they...I think they can for a while, but a ball control offense has hurt Tech all year (see NU).

My predicition is it's a shootout...

Tech - 52
Texas - 49

Hey, our kicker's done it all year.

[dragons08]

UT wins in a landslide, this team just looks to dominate to be stopped

[bowiedawgs01]

Meeks perhaps rings a bell.

Actually, no. I couldn't name one guy on your defense before today when I heard someone mention Slay.

2002 and 2003 were under a different scheme. Carl Reese was our DC then. He mugged linebackers and couldn't adapt to the spread. Last year we had Robinson and he shut your O down. We now have Chizik, who will incorporate the same things Robinson did last year.

We can't stop Tech's passing game? C. Griffin, Brown, Ross, Huff and M. Griffin can hang with anyone Tech has. Texas has one of the best pass defenses in the nation, and are coached by Akina who schemed with Robinson last year to keep them out of the endzone. Y'all think you can magically waltz into Austin and put up 50 on a top 5 defense that held y'all to 21 points in Lubbock last year? Gimme a break.

The more predictions I see that have Tech scoring 40+, the more confident I am.

[TechGuy07]

You will have 1-on-1 somewhere...and that's what the spread is designed to look for.

KSU doubled Hicks and RoJo all day and left man on Filani...he caught 245 yards +. I know UT has a much better secondary than KSU, but the only real way to beat the spread is to have speed EVERYWHERE on D.

[bowiedawgs01]

to be honest, I'm not sure how fast UT's OLBs are

These are 40 times out of HS...

Bobino 4.5
Killebrew 4.5
Kelson (converted safety) 4.45
Harris (MLB) 4.6

[bowiedawgs01]

M. Griffin 4.48
Brown 4.32
Ross 4.4

My resource does not go back further than 2002, so I don't have the numbers for C. Griffin and Huff. Griffin is our #1 corner and Huff runs the 100m dash in a little over 10 seconds.

[LeanderLions3033]

UT's secondary is the 2nd surest spot on the UT defense. I'm not trying to sound like a arrogant UT fan, but if Tech puts up more than 30 points on texas, consider it an upset. Jamaal Charles could have darn near 200 yards if he is healthy. I dont care how flashy a teams offense is, if you keep that offense off the field then you will beat this team. And we have the perfect offense to keep other offenses off the field with our Oline and running game. It would be sweet to not have to put the ball i the air one time this game and just run option, draws, zone reads and what not and just do that to death (even though i know this wont happen). Tech will get their wins this year, but their SOS has not prepared them to play a team to the caliber of UT.

Texas 52
Tech 24

If the game is closer than 2 td's then this is considered a win for Tech IMO.

[TechGuy07]

Thats what I have been thinking for two weeks. But I said if Tech keeps it within 10, we can call it a moral victory...although, I don't believe in those.

The one thing most discount is Tech's secondary is a lot better than people credit us. It will be interesting for sure.

[TechGuy07]

Oh, and 2000...

top to bottom Tech is better. We shall see.

[bowiedawgs01]

Oh, and 2000...

Reese.

[Firebird]

Tech fan here. Get that out of the way first. Number 2-- Tech doesn't have the hosses to play UT on a good day and win. No question, UT puts the better athletes on the field. If UT just clicks, as they have been doing, we don't have a chance. They will roll right over us on D.

That being said, here are the key differences between Tech last year and Tech this year.

1. Recievers. Like all Tech fans, I have fond memories of little guys like Wes Welker and Donnie Hart playing outside of themselves. But I will trade those guys for the corps we put on the field to day. Jarret Hicks, Joel Filani, and Robert Johnson would be starting on just about any team in the country, even UT. Hicks made 1st team onevery Big 12 list, Filani has been running wild, especially with the attention given to Hicks. He has grown into his body and his talent and is no longer dropping balls he should catch. R. Johnson was the nation's number 1 juco recruit when he came to Tech as a qb, so you know the athleticism is there. They are big, strong, and fast. They are capable of fighting with DB's for a ball and coming up with it. They are capable of making the tough catch. UT has some great DB's and a great D all together but they are not going to be capable of locking down all three wideouts, plus Henderson, plus a decent Amendola, plus Bristol Olumawa (sp?) who has been a pleasant surprise. We will move the ball and score some points, just probably not enough. They will win some battles vs UT dbs, just probably not enough.

2. DEFENSE. No, its still not great, not even as good as we think they might be. But they are, no queston, a darn sight better than last years. Remeber, last year out O put up huge numbers on SMU and TCU, but our D allowed a lot too. They rolled over vs NM. This year, they have onlyhad one truly sub-par outing, against a Nebraska team that really isn't very bad. Like I said-- they ain't great, maybe ain't good, but they are better, especially in the secondary.

Up next-- what scares me.

[Firebird]

1. The line. Oh, how I wish we could have hung on to Gandy and Loper one more year. This year's O-Line is a drop off, and that's gonna hurt us bad vs. Texas. 'Nuff said.

2. DEFENSE. Yeah I know I already said it gave me hope. But even though our D has no doubt gotten better, UT's O has too. Probably more so than our D.

Now, all this being said, here is the only way we play competitive ball vs UT: VY has to make some mistakes. His only fault so far is perhaps his fumbles. Tech has done very well capitalizing on turnovers, we need to hope Vice slips up early and in UT territory. We need to get up a few scores, take some fire out of the home-field crowd. We need for Jamaal Charles not to 100% too. We need for UT's defense to believe their own hype, and make some mental errors early on. This happens and we MIGHT (big might) be able to pull this out in a shootout. And we need not to get the big head with a number 8 ranking. Folks who follow Tech all season long KNOW we weren't as bad as 51-21 last year. UT was better, yes, but we in no way played to our potential.

And finally to UT fans... Do you really want a blow out? Who really wins in the long term if the Big 12 really IS as bad as all that. If I am a 'Horn I like this scenario:

Tech plays better than everyone is thinking. UT guts out a win, perhaps even a comeback win. After the game, both Tech and UT run the table through conference in dominating fashion. At the end of the year, Tech is back in the top ten at 10-1. The voters look back and are thinking--"Boy , UT showed a lot of poise and confidence coming back against a darn good Tech team. Just enough to make up for the rest of the Big 12 being severely sub-par." UT wins the MNC, Tech wins in the Cotton or Fiesta Bowl, and the Big 12, tech, and Texas come up smelling like roses. And the Aggots got stomped, TWICE, and are left hurting and frothing. Just a thought. I don't see how anyone wins if the Tech truly is the number 2 Big 12 team, and is THAT much worse than UT.

Final Predictions

UT 45 Tech 30. Tech is gonna get up for this game, I just don't see Mike Leach letting them roll over. He knows what a chance this is for the program, an ugly loss undoes lots of hard work.

[GTown02]

My best scenario... UT and TT play a close game first half lets say 24-21 going into halftime, then UT comes out and dominates :D. If only that happened! :D

[bowiedawgs01]

I always hope for a blowout win.

Tech can still win out and finish 10-1. If Nebraska wins out, they'd be 10-1 going into the Big 12 Championship game. That'd be a quality win. Colorado could end up 8-3 if they lose to NU...with losses to #2 Texas, a Top 15 Miami and a Top 25 Nebraska. Ohio State can still win out and finish 9-2. I'm not worried about our SOS as much as I was before.

[DirtyHarry01]

Jeez, Katywhatever, as I said yesterday, why even bother to play the game? According to your "logic," the outcome is already determined; save the money and stay home.

[bowiedawgs01]

Tech fans are welcome to show up for the game. But they can leave early like they did last year in Lubbock. :D

[DirtyHarry01]

None of us are planning to go because you "annointed ones" have decided it's a hopeless cause. After all these years of recruiting the "top" players in the state, ol' Mattress Mack is finally going to be crowned king. Good, took him long enough.

[ktchamp97]

Jeez, Katywhatever, as I said yesterday, why even bother to play the game? According to your "logic," the outcome is already determined; save the money and stay home.

I hope your not getting all worked up over the original post. Most of that was tounge-in-cheek in response to alot of the smack I'm hearing from Tech fans, but I am of the opinion that Texas should win this game easily. I am very impressed with Leach and his offense and I do believe Tech's D is better than they have been, but I still think Texas wins easily. I just wanted to get some good discussion going. The Tech fans have done a great job stating their case so far.

[KT2000]

If Ohio State can't hold Vince Young under 350 all-purpose yards at home, I'm highly suspicious of Tech's ability to do so on the road. Texas Tech's defense is irrelevant in this match-up in my opinion just because of what Vince Young does for Texas along with the senior, experience laden offensive line.

If Texas' defense plays like they have all year long, the game will not be close in my opinion. The Longhorn defense is clearly better versus the spread post-Reese. The improvement under Greg Robinson last year was enormous and just as pronounced this year under Chizik.

[lonny23]

This is the best Tech team since Leach arrived. It's also the best Texas team. I say Tech still scores on them and UT will score less than you guys imagine.

UT 36
Tech 30

[TechGuy07]

Obivously tOSU is not playing anywhere close to where they should be, so that arguement is slightly flawed.

I have a gut feeling of this one (as does the Misses) that this is another Nebraska (except for the 21 point jump) and Tech wins this one in dramatic fashion.

[supercentex]

I'm not a Texas fan nor Tech fan...but anyone with a brain would pick Texas. I don't even think it will be close.

[KT2000]

I'd be genuinely shocked if that happened. Texas has cleared every hurdle so far this year. Ohio State's defense is every bit as good as advertised, so I don't see any flaw in the logic there. Vince is going to get his against anyone he plays.

I just don't see how Tech's schedule, which they should be undefeated after playing, has prepared them for this game.

[bowiedawgs01]

None of us are planning to go because you "annointed ones" have decided it's a hopeless cause.

Good. Less Tech fans means fewer TT's spray painted all over our campus.


RECTUM TECH!

[Firebird]

I agree that it would be foolish to actually pick the Red Raiders. That is why Vegas will take your money on it. But, every year, some team that no one gives a snowball's chance in hell a chance of winning knocks off a top team. That is why they are called upsets, that is why they go out and play the game. Good thing that we played the Holiday Bowl last year, the national media gave us less of a chance in that one.

Last year's game in Lubbock shouldn't have been as bad as it was. Leach has said often that after Nebraska last year, Tech got soft, Tech started talking about how Vince couldn't beat them running, about how they could throw agaisnt anyone, and then stank it up. Leach is stating repeatedly how much more pleased he is with how this team handles the spotlight. That they are having great practices. Notice you don't hear any smack coming out of Lubbock. Tech is hungry, they are focused, and they are not going to make the same mistakes as last year. Unfortuantely they just don't have the horses, I think.

Like I said before, the key is UT mistakes. Tech has a fumble creating machine in the secondary with Dwayne Slay, 6 fumbles caused in 6 games. He can bring the wood. If VY coughs it up, and Tech capitalizes, look out.

Chizik's D is obviously much better against the spread, but Tech has better personnel than last year, and a better attitude. I still say Tech scores in the 28-35 range.

My picks, decreasing in probability:
UT plays like they can and should, Tech comes to play:
UT 45 Tech 30

UT makes some mental errors, Tech plays a dang near perfect game:
Tech 49 UT 45

Tech pulls a "Spike Dykes", chokes spectacularly:
UT 60 Tech 21

[GTown02]

I dont think anyone is saying Tech has no chance because thats just not true... this is the best Tech team in years and to say they have no chance to win is foolish... I still think UT wins, but it should be a great game...

[rattlerbacker]

The most points scored by any team on a Gene Chizik defense in the last 2 1/2 years was 31 by LSU in 2003, the year they were national champs.......well, some said they were co-champs with USC. They also played USC that year and USC scored 23 on them. I wouldn't count on scoring more than 40 on his defense this year.

[garlandredraider]

So according to the horn fans I should sell my tickets and just sit at home in Lubbock and watch us get our butts handed to us.....

Its all according to how the teams play. If tech has a perfect game, then it is going to be close. If techs offense line (which i am scared of) gets to hodges too much, then it might be a long night. I have seen some UT fans hoping that Hodges gets a broken leg. Good lord, we are both from the same state... have some respect for the players and lets wish for a clean healthy game. Anyways, its not like we dont have a backup with over 400 yards already.

I agree to an extent that our defense is going to have to pull off some unbelievable stuff to win and stop texas.

I also agree that our schedule is lacking, (but UT cant count OU has a difficult game because they are a joke) You have played OSU and CU. We have played NU on their Homecoming at their stadium and came out with a win. We ended their 38 year HC streak and won our first game ever in Nebraska. Also NU's Defense is something to practice with before UT. I know they are not as good, but NU and KU both have great defenses. This is not the typical tech that is going to go to an away game and crumble. Tech has everything to gain and nothing to lose. They also are very pumped about getting their butts handed to last year at home and do not want that to happen again. I will be in Austin friday... (alot of classes at tech are cancelled friday for people to travel).

Lets all wish for a clean, well played, no injury game by both teams. Lets also hope its not a blow out because what fun would this thread be if it becomes that.

WRECK EM TECH, and BEAT UT!

[ktchamp97]

Good stuff garlandredraider.

I hope nobody gets injured on either side. Again, I like Tech and I hope y'all win every single game every year...except against my Horns, of course.

The game this Saturday will be a great showcase for Texas and, for that, we should all be proud. I hope both teams play to the best of their abilities and I hope they put on a great show.

I don't think the Texas defense can totally shut down Hodges and crew, but I can see a scenario where Tech puts up good yardage and strings together some good drives, but they don't translate into points. Like others have said, the key will be how much pressure the front 4 can provide throughout the game. Texas can't let Hodges sit back there and go through his reads. I do think the Missouri game prepared Texas for this game because of having to deal with those ridiculous splits. Brad Smith is nowhere near the passer Hodges is, but their offense was putting up some pretty sick numbers before Chizik's bunch got ahold of them. Another thing to consider is that Texas' secondary matches up with the Tech receivers better than just about any other team. Brown, Ross, Huff, and the Griffin boys all have good size and are great athletes. The key for them will be to limit YAC. Tech is going to complete plenty of passes, but Texas can't let those 5, 10, or 15 yard passes turn into 60 yard scores; they have to make the Red Raiders really earn every scoring drive.

As for Tech's defense, I'm really not sure, because I have no clue how I would attack the Texas offense right now. Should Jamaal Charles not be able to go, that would be a huge break for Tech because he really opens up the Texas offense to its full potential...it's just not the same without him. Vince is coming off his best game ever as a Texas QB, so the old "make 'em beat you through the air" strategy isn't quite as attractive as it once was. You can limit Texas by containing the QB running plays, which other teams have done and obviously Texas is prone to fumblitis. Were I a Tech defensive coach, I would have my guys practicing ball stripping techniques all week long. If Texas doesn't take care of the ball, this game could easily go either way.

I expect Tech to come out and score early...maybe 14 to 17 in the first quarter, quarter in a half...that wouldn't surprise me at all. Chizik has made great in-game adjustments all year long, so I expect to see the same on Saturday. I could see this game being close into the third quarter, but I expect Texas to start pulling away in the late 3rd or early 4th...it will all depend on how well they take care of the ball.

[bowiedawgs01]

Don't get me wrong. I like Tech. I love seeing Leach on the sideline with his P2 controller. It's entertaining.

But I just don't see them hanging in this game with Texas for 4 qtrs. With Jamaal, Selvin, Ramonce and Vince running the ball behind that line, I think the Tech front 7 will start wearing down in the 2nd half. 4 and 5 yard gains will become 10 gains. Texas will move the chains, eat clock and score touchdowns.

[Firebird]

Attacking the Texas defense is really the answer no one has, KT200 Especially with a healthy Jamaal Charles, there is literally no weakness. They pass well, run well, block well. They CAN beat our defense through the air or on the ground. The only way you consistently play well against the UT O is simple-- have equal or better athletes as the 'Horns, line up in base packages with blitzes thrown in every now and then to mix it up. Then just make their athletes beat your athletes. Unfortunately for Tech, there is possibly one team in the country that actually has equal or better athletes, and that team is USC.

The best we can hope for is that UT turns the ball over and the defense holds them to at least field goals every now and then. Then our O has to make sure they hit on all cylinders, and try to outscore them. If it turns into a track meet, I like Tech's chances. Problem is, Tech has their work cut out for them to make it a track meet.

Man, why won't some SEC or Big 10 school come and hire Chizik for a HC job. :mad:

[DirtyHarry01]

I'm not worked up Katywhatever, you're the one with the insulting post. My point is why bother to play the game, since you "experts" have already deemed it unwinnable by Texas Tech? I don't really have a dog in this hunt anyway. Good luck to you and your fellow "annointeds" from the 52nd best college in the nation.

[KT2000]

None of this is personal. Just opinions.

[wide-e-wide]

I'm not worked up Katywhatever, you're the one with the insulting post. My point is why bother to play the game, since you "experts" have already deemed it unwinnable by Texas Tech? I don't really have a dog in this hunt anyway. Good luck to you and your fellow "annointeds" from the 52nd best college in the nation.


52nd best college...?

[rattlerbacker]

I'm not worked up Katywhatever, you're the one with the insulting post.

It sure looks like you're the one throwing the insults with the "Katywhatever", "Mattress Mack", etc. comments. KT said "in my opinion" and "I think" in his first post. If you disagree with his opinion why don't you try and present some reasoned argument against it instead of just whining about it? Several of the Tech fans have done that in this thread. Bottom line is, Texas is the favorite in this game, for a lot of reasons, and things will have to break right for Tech to win. That happens every week. In fact, Tech has probably been favored every week up 'til now and will be every other week of the season.

But upsets happen every week, too. Probably every UT fan would admit the possibility of an upset Saturday if Texas doesn't play up to its potential and/or turns the ball over. No UT fan on here has said Tech fans shouldn't show up and support the team, you're the only one saying that.

[cougardude]

A Big 12 feature in the Abilene Reporter-News today shows some stats for the season so far. One thing that I noticed is about the passing offense and defense. Tech does have the leading pass offense at an average of 472.3 ypg. Texas has the best pass defense allowing only 147.7 ypg. ;)

Hook 'em Horns!!! \m/

[lonny23]

I agree that it would be foolish to actually pick the Red Raiders. That is why Vegas will take your money on it. But, every year, some team that no one gives a snowball's chance in hell a chance of winning knocks off a top team. That is why they are called upsets, that is why they go out and play the game. Good thing that we played the Holiday Bowl last year, the national media gave us less of a chance in that one.

Last year's game in Lubbock shouldn't have been as bad as it was. Leach has said often that after Nebraska last year, Tech got soft, Tech started talking about how Vince couldn't beat them running, about how they could throw agaisnt anyone, and then stank it up. Leach is stating repeatedly how much more pleased he is with how this team handles the spotlight. That they are having great practices. Notice you don't hear any smack coming out of Lubbock. Tech is hungry, they are focused, and they are not going to make the same mistakes as last year. Unfortuantely they just don't have the horses, I think.

Like I said before, the key is UT mistakes. Tech has a fumble creating machine in the secondary with Dwayne Slay, 6 fumbles caused in 6 games. He can bring the wood. If VY coughs it up, and Tech capitalizes, look out.

Chizik's D is obviously much better against the spread, but Tech has better personnel than last year, and a better attitude. I still say Tech scores in the 28-35 range.

My picks, decreasing in probability:
UT plays like they can and should, Tech comes to play:
UT 45 Tech 30

UT makes some mental errors, Tech plays a dang near perfect game:
Tech 49 UT 45

Tech pulls a "Spike Dykes", chokes spectacularly:
UT 60 Tech 21
I don't think Tech chokes. I knew Leach was unhappy a few times last year and that cost them the Cotton Bowl. They should've beaten A&M and NM to go 9-2 into the Cotton Bowl.

Tech can stay in the game if they keep getting turnovers.

[lonny23]

So according to the horn fans I should sell my tickets and just sit at home in Lubbock and watch us get our butts handed to us.....

Its all according to how the teams play. If tech has a perfect game, then it is going to be close. If techs offense line (which i am scared of) gets to hodges too much, then it might be a long night. I have seen some UT fans hoping that Hodges gets a broken leg. Good lord, we are both from the same state... have some respect for the players and lets wish for a clean healthy game. Anyways, its not like we dont have a backup with over 400 yards already.

I agree to an extent that our defense is going to have to pull off some unbelievable stuff to win and stop texas.

I also agree that our schedule is lacking, (but UT cant count OU has a difficult game because they are a joke) You have played OSU and CU. We have played NU on their Homecoming at their stadium and came out with a win. We ended their 38 year HC streak and won our first game ever in Nebraska. Also NU's Defense is something to practice with before UT. I know they are not as good, but NU and KU both have great defenses. This is not the typical tech that is going to go to an away game and crumble. Tech has everything to gain and nothing to lose. They also are very pumped about getting their butts handed to last year at home and do not want that to happen again. I will be in Austin friday... (alot of classes at tech are cancelled friday for people to travel).

Lets all wish for a clean, well played, no injury game by both teams. Lets also hope its not a blow out because what fun would this thread be if it becomes that.

WRECK EM TECH, and BEAT UT!
They sure seem to think they know what will happen. That's dangerous.

[HOOKEM]

Obivously tOSU is not playing anywhere close to where they should be, so that arguement is slightly flawed.

I have a gut feeling of this one (as does the Misses) that this is another Nebraska (except for the 21 point jump) and Tech wins this one in dramatic fashion.

that feeling in your gut must have been some bad crow!

[wide-e-wide]

I have a gut feeling that TechFan07 spent his entire paycheck on
crack cocaine...call me crazy...but it makes sense to me.

[lonny23]

I have a gut feeling that TechFan07 spent his entire paycheck on
crack cocaine...call me crazy...but it makes sense to me.
I'm wasting my breath if I call you crazy. You already know you're crazy! :p