2008: Do or die for Texas Tech

[Firebird]

Despite the obvious risks involved predicting a 10 win season, the fact is that 2008 is probably going to represent the best shot Texas Tech is ever gonna have to get over the hump and finish with 10 wins or make serious noise in the Big XII south.

First up, the schedule. Most important-- Pirate Kryptonite Mizzou and Colorado are gone:

Tulsa
@Nevada
SMU
UMass
OPEN
@Kansas State
Nebraska
@ A&M
@Kansas
Texas
Oklahoma State
@Oklahoma
Baylor

I've bolded the games that I think are real dangers for the Raiders. OOC should be a cakewalk for an experienced Raider team.

K-State is not going to be a better team than Tech, but Prince's squad can always be dangerous for folks that overlook them. Tech has to go on the road to Manhattan. Tech should handle Nebraska at home. They will be a few years away after the damage Callahan inflicted and all the turmoil around the program. Playing A&M at Kyle would at one time have been circled on every calendar, but Aggies need to face the facts. Kyle hasn't been too scary in a long time and lately, Tech owns A&M no matter where they play. Plus the Ags will be breaking in a new coach.

The Big XII has notice that KU is not to be overlooked. Tech has to play them at home. KU loses a lot of seniors and will be unlikely to be BCS material again, but Mangino's bunch will be well coached and come to play. This should be Tech's first big test of the year.

The importance of Texas at home is obvious. Texas also had a young team this year, and will be fast, talented, and good next year. Leach needs to beat UT. It helps that the game will be in Lubbock, but UT should still be favored. Tech will have a shot at this game, though.

Okie State burned Tech next year. Tech should have a better team and will be playing in Lubbock. This is the gauntlet of the Big XII South, but like the thread title says-- it's do or die time.

At Oklahoma will probably be the Raiders' toughest game of the season. Leach can beat OU, the question is, will he beat them in Norman. Again, OU will have a better team, but the better team doesn't always win.

Baylor under Briles will be nowhere near ready to beat Tech at home. I don't see this one being too big of a challenge.

Now the team itself. Tech returns nearly everyone on the offensive side of the ball. Amendola is the biggest loss, but it's plug and play with Tech recievers. Tech signed several talented recievers last year, so Detron Lewis or Rashad Hawk should fill in nicely. Tech loses Grant Walker, though he has never been a huge contributor. Tech needs an RB to step up, as their offense has sputtered when troubled RB Shannon Woods is not on the field-- he will also be gone. They return all-everything Crabtree. Tech fans have a complicated relationship with QB Harrell, but there's no doubt he'll get yards. Taylor Potts is more than qualified to back him up. Everyone returns on the massive OL, but Tech fans will be hoping for Rylan Reed's recovery from a leg injury. Blue-chipper Lonnie Edwards should see plenty of PT on the OL.

On defense, Tech also loses little. Joe Garcia, a solid safety will be gone as well as LB Paul Williams, probably the biggest losses. In the secondary, Jamaar Wall is a budding star, and Darcel McBath is pretty good. Marcus Bunton had a solid year. The DL gets a huge boost with the return of former freshmal All-America McKinner Dixon, hopefully he has not suffered by being out of IA ball these past few years. I hear the staff is high on LB Blake Collier. The front seven should be much improved as Ruffin McNeil implements his defense, hopefully the entire D will be boosted. Tech won't be known for its swarming defense, but a small improvement could equate to more wins.

That's my breakdown. Now for the analysis. I'm not going to predict 10 wins for the Red Raiders. There are still lots of hurdles and Texas and OU are going to be darn good teams next year. What I will say is that Tech is unlikely to ever have a fairly friendly schedule and an experience laden roster fall into place like this again. As a young team, they notched 9 wins. If Leach can't take this group to a 10 win regular season and at least a 2nd place Big XII South finish, then I'm going to question if he will ever be able to. To be sure, the odds would have to be against him, but the odds are narrower than in most years. It's time for him to get it done.

[lonny23]

Despite the obvious risks involved predicting a 10 win season, the fact is that 2008 is probably going to represent the best shot Texas Tech is ever gonna have to get over the hump and finish with 10 wins or make serious noise in the Big XII south.

First up, the schedule. Most important-- Pirate Kryptonite Mizzou and Colorado are gone:

Tulsa
@Nevada
SMU
UMass
OPEN
@Kansas State
Nebraska
@ A&M
@Kansas
Texas
Oklahoma State
@Oklahoma
Baylor

I've bolded the games that I think are real dangers for the Raiders. OOC should be a cakewalk for an experienced Raider team.

K-State is not going to be a better team than Tech, but Prince's squad can always be dangerous for folks that overlook them. Tech has to go on the road to Manhattan. Tech should handle Nebraska at home. They will be a few years away after the damage Callahan inflicted and all the turmoil around the program. Playing A&M at Kyle would at one time have been circled on every calendar, but Aggies need to face the facts. Kyle hasn't been too scary in a long time and lately, Tech owns A&M no matter where they play. Plus the Ags will be breaking in a new coach.

The Big XII has notice that KU is not to be overlooked. Tech has to play them at home. KU loses a lot of seniors and will be unlikely to be BCS material again, but Mangino's bunch will be well coached and come to play. This should be Tech's first big test of the year.

The importance of Texas at home is obvious. Texas also had a young team this year, and will be fast, talented, and good next year. Leach needs to beat UT. It helps that the game will be in Lubbock, but UT should still be favored. Tech will have a shot at this game, though.

Okie State burned Tech next year. Tech should have a better team and will be playing in Lubbock. This is the gauntlet of the Big XII South, but like the thread title says-- it's do or die time.

At Oklahoma will probably be the Raiders' toughest game of the season. Leach can beat OU, the question is, will he beat them in Norman. Again, OU will have a better team, but the better team doesn't always win.

Baylor under Briles will be nowhere near ready to beat Tech at home. I don't see this one being too big of a challenge.

Now the team itself. Tech returns nearly everyone on the offensive side of the ball. Amendola is the biggest loss, but it's plug and play with Tech recievers. Tech signed several talented recievers last year, so Detron Lewis or Rashad Hawk should fill in nicely. Tech loses Grant Walker, though he has never been a huge contributor. Tech needs an RB to step up, as their offense has sputtered when troubled RB Shannon Woods is not on the field-- he will also be gone. They return all-everything Crabtree. Tech fans have a complicated relationship with QB Harrell, but there's no doubt he'll get yards. Taylor Potts is more than qualified to back him up. Everyone returns on the massive OL, but Tech fans will be hoping for Rylan Reed's recovery from a leg injury. Blue-chipper Lonnie Edwards should see plenty of PT on the OL.

On defense, Tech also loses little. Joe Garcia, a solid safety will be gone as well as LB Paul Williams, probably the biggest losses. In the secondary, Jamaar Wall is a budding star, and Darcel McBath is pretty good. Marcus Bunton had a solid year. The DL gets a huge boost with the return of former freshmal All-America McKinner Dixon, hopefully he has not suffered by being out of IA ball these past few years. I hear the staff is high on LB Blake Collier. The front seven should be much improved as Ruffin McNeil implements his defense, hopefully the entire D will be boosted. Tech won't be known for its swarming defense, but a small improvement could equate to more wins.

That's my breakdown. Now for the analysis. I'm not going to predict 10 wins for the Red Raiders. There are still lots of hurdles and Texas and OU are going to be darn good teams next year. What I will say is that Tech is unlikely to ever have a fairly friendly schedule and an experience laden roster fall into place like this again. As a young team, they notched 9 wins. If Leach can't take this group to a 10 win regular season and at least a 2nd place Big XII South finish, then I'm going to question if he will ever be able to. To be sure, the odds would have to be against him, but the odds are narrower than in most years. It's time for him to get it done.Good analysis. Chris Parker will be gone from the secondary, so we need to replace these starters:

IR, and that might be the JUCO guy from Blinn, not to mention the guys Tech didn't play this year.

K, and I've heard they might give a scholarship for a K. Maybe the guy who did the onside will take over, but Lacour also kicked in high school. We're replacing a kicker who didn't miss ANY extra points in 4 years at Tech, and he hit 3 game winning field goals in the last 2 years with several big kicks of over 50 yards.

CB, and some say Parker's replacement might be the hardest to fill.

I liked Garcia, but I hope the future guys have more of an impact. Can we get Slay back for a few years?:D Garcia was OK, but he wasn't a game-changer. That's how I also feel about Williams.

I'm on board with Wall stepping up, and guys like Duncan, Whitlock, Henley, and Brandon Williams showed me a few things this year. I think L.A. Reed will be a good safety next year since we know he likes to hit and play special teams. Dixon and Sesay are going to be beasts on the DL. I think the defense will be a LOT more aggressive next year.

The offense will be better next year. The WR's will be better, the QB will be better, the OL will be better, and the RB will be better.

Tech is about to make a closing run in recruiting. They only have 11 people right now, but it looks like there are quite a few opening coming up. I expect about 7 guys to be honest with you. You might want to getcha popcorn ready for this one!:D

I always look at games as either home or road. The only home team that's good enough to beat Tech is Texas. I don't think it happens next year. I don't think it happens even if Texas brings their own refs again.

Tech isn't going to lose a road non-con game. That's 8 wins.

I don't think they lose at A&M and that's 9.

They could lose at K-State, but I don't think that happens either. Leach doesn't lose games to teams with less talent. The Colorado and Mizzou teams the last 2 years had more talent than Tech did. That's 10. If Prince was a better coach, he might make a difference.

When it all comes crashing down, I think Kansas and OU are the big threats to beat Tech.

[slorch]

every game should be bolded. I'm not a slow learner...:rolleyes:

[lonny23]

every game should be bolded. I'm not a slow learner...:rolleyes:
Every game should not be bolded. None of us can deny that Tech rarely plays 60 minutes of football like we want them to. Even I find reasons to complain in games they win 75-7, etc. I just know that the current Tech roster, as schizo as they act at times, is too talented to play bad enough for 60 minutes to lose to some teams. The Tech offense is too good to play bad for 60 minutes against bad defenses. Tech's defense is horrible at times, but the worst teams can't do anything against them.

Tech's problems are not usually borne out of effort. They usually try their best and play hard. I'll chalk that TCU game in 06 to effort, but there was some bad blood with that group. It typically didn't happen before and Leach said he wasn't going to allow it again. They did a good job keeping it away this year, Next year is a new group, but most of the suspects are the same.

Sometimes Tech doesn't execute. They do dumb things, don't always concentrate, lose their heads, get dumb penalties. They lack discipline at times. They almost always have heart. That stuff gets you beat in the Big 12 against better teams, but it doesn't against C-USA.

I know they lost to New Mexico, but look when they did it. It was 2004 and there have been a lot of recruits that have come through Tech since then to build up the depth. Each year that goes by lessens the chances of a non-BCS team beating Tech. Sure, it can happen, but each year Tech has a wider and wider talent gap on the other teams. Tech will be fine as long as they keep playing hard and preparing for other teams.

The truth is Tech overachieves and we're spoiled. We expect them to overachieve and we get mad when they lose to a team that had better talent, but we expected them to win anyway. The flipside is the other teams around us that have better talent and lose games they have no business losing.

You don't see where Tech is making progress to not repeat the mistakes of the past. Mizzou was just better than Tech this year. They had more playmakers. Tech sometimes just gets outmanned.

One of the biggest flaws with Lyle might not be his style or technique. Maybe he was just too distracted by his wife's illness. We say you need to block that stuff out, but it's hard. Everything I've ever heard has been that he dearly loves his wife. Anyway, he got a 2 year extension before the year and that will give him 10 years and he'll qualify for a pension. I've heard nop static since his resigning that was basically a firing. I really do think Tech wanted to help him get the pension, but also had to make a change after the OSU game. People think Lyle took it fine. Ruff will have the boys ready to rumble next year.

BTW, Leach is on vacation this week (No, I don't know if he's headed to Dallas or Honolulu!:D). There will be no coaching staff changes mentioned until after January 9th. I think Ruff gets the DC job and I bet they'll give an upgraded position to Dennis Simmons since he turned down a good job to stay at Tech. Since they still haven't said what he turned down, something is in the works for him. He's one of Tech's best recruiters.

[slorch]

Go ahead and don't count all the games as important...you are the slowest learner... every game is the one we should be focused on.

BTW, if Leach is in hawaii, i'm sure he's going to jump to Hawaii as Jones moves to Dallas. Look at all of the surf out there, and they welcome baggage...:D

[lonny23]

Go ahead and don't count all the games as important...you are the slowest learner... every game is the one we should be focused on.

BTW, if Leach is in hawaii, i'm sure he's going to jump to Hawaii as Jones moves to Dallas. Look at all of the surf out there, and they welcome baggage...:D
I didn't say they shouldn't be focused on all the games. All of them are important. Lou Holtz talks like you and it really didn't ever get him too far. He won 1 title and had a whole bunch of talent. Jimmy Johnson was one of the most openly cocky coaches ever, but he won titles because he knew his team had to back it up with effort. If I were a coach or player, I'd be looking at everything I could to find any and every weakness of my opponent every week. The way I approach posting with stats and analysis around here is the way I am trying to beat people. I hate losing and want to win big. You can never win by enough or stop getting better.

I'm not a Tech coach or player. I'm a fan on the outside looking in and some teams pose more of a threat than others. I don't wait for the other shoe to drop. I go at every task with my full effort to produce optimum results. My attitude is I'm going to find a way to beat anybody I'm up against.

[jtk1519]

http://www2.hornfans.com/wwwthreads/images/icons/popcorn.gif

[lonny23]

http://www2.hornfans.com/wwwthreads/images/icons/popcorn.gif
I figured you'd make an entrance before Post 7.

Slorch, jtk is ready. Why aren't you?:D

[tayb]

I count 9 wins maybe 10. They may get over the 10-win hump but I don't see them finishing #1 in the South unless Texas and Oklahoma fold in epic fashions.

[slorch]

I've been on the board for 2 full football seasons, and both seasons you counted all of tthe Tech victories before the season started.

You were wrong(badly) both times and then accuse me of being Lou Holtz poor mouthing my own team. I'll go back to the allusion I used earlier. Someday, you'll quit telling yourself how gorgeous your new clothes are and you're going to realize you're buck naked. It's just incredible.

You provide all of the evidence neccessary to debunk your points in the discussion, then you deny that they exist or that it is from smoking too many Dr Pepper Bottle labels( painted on, BTW) or something.

How anyone nominated you for keeping it real is truly beyond me. It is freaking la-la land( no disrespect to Louisiana, either)

[lonny23]

I've been on the board for 2 full football seasons, and both seasons you counted all of tthe Tech victories before the season started.

You were wrong(badly) both times and then accuse me of being Lou Holtz poor mouthing my own team. I'll go back to the allusion I used earlier. Someday, you'll quit telling yourself how gorgeous your new clothes are and you're going to realize you're buck naked. It's just incredible.

You provide all of the evidence neccessary to debunk your points in the discussion, then you deny that they exist or that it is from smoking too many Dr Pepper Bottle labels( painted on, BTW) or something.

How anyone nominated you for keeping it real is truly beyond me. It is freaking la-la land( no disrespect to Louisiana, either)I keep it real because there are no topics that I won't discuss and I don't wait or look for allies in a disagreement. Sometimes I'm mad at Tech, just like all the teams I like. I told you Windthorst didn't deserve to make the playoffs because they played like crap for 10 weeks. You got to see a lot better effort and that's the only thing that got them to the Quarterfinals.

You do poor-mouth Tech. Most of the time it seems like you're just waiting for them to fail. I know you don't have as much confidence in them as me and you're not a believer, but you sound too much like fans from Philadelphia. They seem happier when the Phillies are terrible and the Eagles stink. It gives them something to gripe about.

Almost every time we say something about Tech getting better, you come back with stuff along the lines of, "This team always fails. Just wait". We know the history of Tech, but the fans need to start to believe in the team at some point. I know the players believe in themselves, but it has to be disheartening for those guys to read the message boards and all the negativity we always see on the Tech boards. Yeah, they get motivated and mad when we say they'll lose, but I think they would rather have the support.

Slorch, this is a message board and we're not playing. I speak my mind on what I think about the team. If I were on the team, I wouldn't pop off as much because I wouldn't want to give the other team added focus. I'd be honest and answer questions truthfully and say I thought we'd win games, though.

I said 12-0 coming off of the Cotton Bowl season. I was only joking around on 14-0, but I thought they'd win the Big 12. In all honesty, I never would've said that if I had been on Tech boards as much in 2006 as I was in 2007. I would've known more about the turmoil that was tearing the team apart. That team grossly underachieved. The players weren't playing hard and Harrell really did have growing pains that I should've expected more. I was grossly wrong on that.

I wasn't grossly wrong about the 2007 team. I said 10-2 and the Gator Bowl. I even correctly picked 2 of the 4 losses before the season. Sure, they deserved to lose the OSU and Colorado games with their play, but we both know they had the talent and coaching to win those games.

When I predict a record, I naturally look at who and where a team will play, but I also look at what their expected team output should be. Sometimes you don't win as many games, but my point in picking 10-2 seasons is to show that Tech is a pretty good team. The final polls will agree with me on that. They're not perfect, but they get better all the time (2006 was a step back among turmoil).

Tech went 8-4 this year. 8-4 teams end up losing games they should win and usually win games they should lose. That was Tech. 10-2 teams take care of business and the problem usually is losing to a team that was hot that day. These teams can beat almost anybody in football.

Tech has long been a 8-4 team record-wise with 6-6 talent. I do think they can be a 10-2 teams with 8-4 talent and that number goes up all the time.

[TheBigPeach]

How long before Nebraska is back to its normal self?

[slorch]

I keep it real because there are no topics that I won't discuss and I don't wait or look for allies in a disagreement. you spread propaganda and innuendo on many topics, I agree. Sometimes I'm mad at Tech, just like all the teams I like. I told you Windthorst didn't deserve to make the playoffs because they played like crap for 10 weeks. It doesn't matter what they deserved, nor with any team, unless it is D1A football, where the media influences things. Windthorst played the State Champion to a one point game. They lost to Canadian and Holiday, which were 2A playoff teams and all 3 of their District 9-A playoff reps made the regional finals, 2 of which defeated the Trojans. You got to see a lot better effort and that's the only thing that got them to the Quarterfinals.

You do poor-mouth Tech. When have I poor mouthed Tech, and I'm not talking about being sarcastic? I am realistic, not living in some mushroom jumping princess chasing fantasy land where things happen just because I press the joystick a certain direction. Most of the time it seems like you're just waiting for them to fail. I haven't had to wait...sadly. I know you don't have as much confidence in them as me and you're not a believer, but you sound too much like fans from Philadelphia. They seem happier when the Phillies are terrible and the Eagles stink. It gives them something to gripe about. Quote me on a post where i criticize Tech's football program in a way that is not in hopes of improvement or constructive criticism. You are making up :Censor:, which is your typical M.O. It is simply not true, but that never stops you from posting what sounds good to you.

Almost every time we say something about Tech getting better, you come back with stuff along the lines of, "This team always fails. Just wait". We know the history of Tech, but the fans need to start to believe in the team at some point. WTH are you talking about? Building false hopes? Faith founded on what? those who ignore the past are doomed to repeat it. I know the players believe in themselves, but it has to be disheartening for those guys to read the message boards and all the negativity we always see on the Tech boards. Yeah, they get motivated and mad when we say they'll lose, but I think they would rather have the support.
if the message board runs the team's emotions, therein lies a huge part of the problem. Do you not realize your little fantasy world doesn't influence Texas Tecg football? I would absolutely hope what we type doesn't mean crap to them. i haven't posted the negative stuff you are implying that I did. If asking for consistent effort and improved defense is too much to ask, then the men in in black(and scarlet) just need to turn in their cleats.
Slorch, this is a message board and we're not playing. This line right here made me ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WTH does this mean?" We're not playing( in my Allen iverson voice) I speak my mind on what I think about the team. It makes me think you may have lost your mind somewhere off the caprock If I were on the team, I wouldn't pop off as much because I wouldn't want to give the other team added focus. I'd be honest and answer questions truthfully and say I thought we'd win games, though.

I said 12-0 coming off of the Cotton Bowl season. I was only joking around on 14-0, but I thought they'd win the Big 12. In all honesty, I never would've said that if I had been on Tech boards as much in 2006 as I was in 2007. I would've known more about the turmoil that was tearing the team apart. That team grossly underachieved. The players weren't playing hard and Harrell really did have growing pains that I should've expected more. I was grossly wrong on that. there was no reason to think 12-0 was realistic. None at all. if saying that makes me negative, then I guess i am like a virgin's pregnancy test.
I wasn't grossly wrong about the 2007 team. I said 10-2 and the Gator Bowl. I even correctly picked 2 of the 4 losses before the season. Sure, they deserved to lose the OSU and Colorado games with their play, but we both know they had the talent and coaching to win those games.

When I predict a record, I naturally look at who and where a team will play, but I also look at what their expected team output should be. Sometimes you don't win as many games, but my point in picking 10-2 seasons is to show that Tech is a pretty good team. The final polls will agree with me on that. They're not perfect, but they get better all the time (2006 was a step back among turmoil).

Tech went 8-4 this year. 8-4 teams end up losing games they should win and usually win games they should lose. That was Tech. 10-2 teams take care of business and the problem usually is losing to a team that was hot that day. These teams can beat almost anybody in football.

Tech has long been a 8-4 team record-wise with 6-6 talent. I do think they can be a 10-2 teams with 8-4 talent and that number goes up all the time.

I went to tech. It is part of who I am. I actually lived there and started my career there. i am a Red Raider through and through. Now, because some bandwaggoneer thinks he's a football guru and my refusal to worship at Blackie's trough; I am somehow not a true Red raider fan?

Get real dude. Get a life. Base your comments on fact and I won't impune them. there's nothing wrong with being tongue-in-cheek or sarcastic about something, but don't act like you're some kind of holier than thou Nastradamus or something. It's almost too much to take, if I hadn't seen it for the past 2 years...

[jtk1519]

http://www2.hornfans.com/wwwthreads/images/icons/popcorn.gif

[BDB]

http://www2.hornfans.com/wwwthreads/images/icons/popcorn.gif

you gonna pass that?

[jtk1519]

you gonna pass that?

Get your own, Wang.

[DragonBand06]

Get your own, Wang."Shut your hole, Wang Chung!"

I love the Breakfast Club.

[BDB]

Get your own, Wang.

you dirty irish, im suprised its not a potato

[lonny23]

How long before Nebraska is back to its normal self?
They're fighting a battle now. Mizzou, Kansas, and Colorado are all around them and getting better and there aren't many kids in South Dakota.

[lonny23]

I went to tech. It is part of who I am. I actually lived there and started my career there. i am a Red Raider through and through. Now, because some bandwaggoneer thinks he's a football guru and my refusal to worship at Blackie's trough; I am somehow not a true Red raider fan?

Get real dude. Get a life. Base your comments on fact and I won't impune them. there's nothing wrong with being tongue-in-cheek or sarcastic about something, but don't act like you're some kind of holier than thou Nastradamus or something. It's almost too much to take, if I hadn't seen it for the past 2 years...
I've given you facts and that's why I say what I say.

1. Tech rarely loses to teams with less talent since Leach has been there.
2. OU and Texas do lose games every year to teams with less talent.
3. Tech gets better talent every year than the year before.
4. Texas won't have another class like the one that entered in 2002 for a long time.
5. OU has not played the same on defense since Mike Stoops left. Their offense hasn't been as explosive recently, either.
6. Tech has a shot in any game in Lubbock.
7. Tech can play with Texas and OU.

I don't know the answer to the Mizzou-Colorado thing. The players and the coaches change, but the results haven't.

I didn't say and don't feel like you're not a true Red Raider fan. I won't ever say that. If anything, I think you're a protypical Raider fan. I think most fans are waiting for the shoe to drop. I know you want them to win, but it just seems like you'd rather not get your hopes up and be disappointed if they lose vs. not expecting anything and being surprised when they win. I'm just the opposite. I prepare to win, think I'll win, and expect to win. At the same time, I honestly look at things and say I'm/we're not good enough to win when applicable. I don't like false bravado and bragging to hype yourself up to think you're going to do something you're not capable of doing.

I'm not a holier than thou Nostradamus. I'm an ardent fan of a team that is scratching and clawing and doing everything they can to get better. I refuse to bow down and cower at the feet of UT and their fans in this state. The whole thing about Texas is they want to outspend people and discourage competition. My attitude is, "I don't care how many titles you have, what your tradition is, who's playing for you, and how much money you have. We're going to keep getting better until you wake up one day and realize we're better than you." UT wants Tech to be soft. I refuse to be soft.

When I came on this board, I had to listen to UT crap all the time. I hated reading the college section at one time because Wide and some of the other fans were just terrorizing things. They were getting better and the climax was the 05 season when they were the best. They had reason to crow, but the burnt orange brigade made a lot of the other fanbases mad. I didn't talk much in the college section back then. When I started posting, I made it a point to stand up to the 'horn fans. I wasn't going to let them run roughshod over all the teams. I'm excited for the future of Tech football. I don't think that excitement is unfounded. I've expressed that on here. You know as well as I do that Tech's program is trending upward. I don't think there is a glass ceiling that Tech can't bust through. I talk about obstacles for the team, but I never talk about them giving up on trying to bust through. I'm just a believer.

[Firebird]

My .02.

This is not a prediction. This is an observation of the fact that Tech has a very experienced 9 win team returning, and they will play a schedule that, at first glance, looks to be much more favorable than last year's nine-win team had. But it's more interesting to me, as a meaningless sports fan on a message board, to explore the possibilities in a bit more depth.

I highlighted the games I did because, as a meaningless sports fan on the interweb, I still like to discuss football and look at what could be good games/potential roadblocks.

You two are going at it like cats and dogs. Regardless of what you think, this next year, IMHO, will say a lot about what Tech is capable of under Leach. If he can't get them over that double digit win hump in 2008, I think it's highly doubtful he ever will. Take that for what it's worth.

[lonny23]

My .02.

This is not a prediction. This is an observation of the fact that Tech has a very experienced 9 win team returning, and they will play a schedule that, at first glance, looks to be much more favorable than last year's nine-win team had. But it's more interesting to me, as a meaningless sports fan on a message board, to explore the possibilities in a bit more depth.

I highlighted the games I did because, as a meaningless sports fan on the interweb, I still like to discuss football and look at what could be good games/potential roadblocks.

You two are going at it like cats and dogs. Regardless of what you think, this next year, IMHO, will say a lot about what Tech is capable of under Leach. If he can't get them over that double digit win hump in 2008, I think it's highly doubtful he ever will. Take that for what it's worth.
I'm 100% with you that 08 will say a lot about Tech. The talent gets better all the time, but Potts will be the QB in 09 and we'll see how that goes. Maybe he sets the world on fire or maybe 10 will be a good year. 08 shows what we can do with an experienced team.

Slorch and me are just at opposite ends of the spectrum. I like to project ahead and pick stuff. He thinks you're overlooking people by talking about that kind of stuff. I give every team a fair shake. Last year, I looked to see who SMU had on their team and if Rice had people coming back from a bowl game. I decided pretty quickly that Tech would make short work of both teams. I was legitimately more worried about UTEP, but I never thought Tech would lose.

[Firebird]

I'm 100% with you that 08 will say a lot about Tech. The talent gets better all the time, but Potts will be the QB in 09 and we'll see how that goes. Maybe he sets the world on fire or maybe 10 will be a good year. 08 shows what we can do with an experienced team.

Slorch and me are just at opposite ends of the spectrum. I like to project ahead and pick stuff. He thinks you're overlooking people by talking about that kind of stuff. I give every team a fair shake. Last year, I looked to see who SMU had on their team and if Rice had people coming back from a bowl game. I decided pretty quickly that Tech would make short work of both teams. I was legitimately more worried about UTEP, but I never thought Tech would lose.

I don't think that Mike Leach or the Texas Tech football team gives a tinker's dam whether or not 5atexasfootball.com posters overlook certain teams.

[lonny23]

I don't think that Mike Leach or the Texas Tech football team gives a tinker's dam whether or not 5atexasfootball.com posters overlook certain teams.
I'm not talking about Leach or the team. I really doubt many of them if any read this board. I was talking about Slorch saying all the games should be bolded. The most important game is always the next game, but the next game sure isn't always the hardest. It's just the hardest to prepare for and win that week.

[Mhs06]

Can't we all just get along?!

[slorch]

My .02.


You two are going at it like cats and dogs. Regardless of what you think, this next year, IMHO, will say a lot about what Tech is capable of under Leach. If he can't get them over that double digit win hump in 2008, I think it's highly doubtful he ever will. Take that for what it's worth.

I believe it is reasonable to support my position when someone accuses me of being a naysayer, when I am the one basing my opinion on reality.

When someone says that "You are waiting for the other shoe to drop" but he cannot quote me on saying so, I am going to reply.

When someone thinks they are some kind of patron saint for a team's fans and program, but misrepresents( AKA is dillusional about) the truth concerning the past, present, and future of the results, then yes, I am going to work damage control. I do not want folks thinking all of us think that way. It is my perrogative to respond, in kind.

All I have asked for is wins. I have never wavered in my desire for that. My counterpart has blamed everything from referees to the Texas high school coaches establishment to money to regional bias for holding Tech down. Guess what? If freaking Kansas(now) and Kansas State ( in the late 90's/ early 2000's) can field BCS quality teams, then Tech surely can too. I just get tired of the excuses. the Colorado and Mizzou games the past 2 years are completely unnacceptable , if being a champion is Tech's goal. My saying that, does not make me a detractor, but a realist.

Because 3 of the top 10 WRs look at Tech before they decide to go to Florida or Tennessee really doesn't do alot for the program or for me, but if that's what lonny wants to hang his hat on, then great. It will make absolutely no difference when we trot our 'system" guys out there next season and kick people's butts on offense. until the defense improves, we'll be fortunate to maintian the status quo of 4 cupcakes and 4 conference wins a year, and with baylor and A&M, there are 2 more cupcakes. Sorry, i cannot hang my hat on 3 decent wins a year, even though that might win Ohio State a national Championship...

[slorch]

I'm not talking about Leach or the team. I really doubt many of them if any read this board. I was talking about Slorch saying all the games should be bolded. The most important game is always the next game, but the next game sure isn't always the hardest. It's just the hardest to prepare for and win that week.

and what part of that is a) negative or b) incorrect?

[JMSFan]

Whats a tinker's dam? :confused: ( post # 23 )

[slorch]

Whats a tinker's dam? :confused: ( post # 23 )

i think it's what he used when going down on Speed Buggy...:D

(about 3 % of the people on here will get this one.)

[lonny23]

I believe it is reasonable to support my position when someone accuses me of being a naysayer, when I am the one basing my opinion on reality.

When someone says that "You are waiting for the other shoe to drop" but he cannot quote me on saying so, I am going to reply.

When someone thinks they are some kind of patron saint for a team's fans and program, but misrepresents( AKA is dillusional about) the truth concerning the past, present, and future of the results, then yes, I am going to work damage control. I do not want folks thinking all of us think that way. It is my perrogative to respond, in kind.

All I have asked for is wins. I have never wavered in my desire for that. My counterpart has blamed everything from referees to the Texas high school coaches establishment to money to regional bias for holding Tech down. Guess what? If freaking Kansas(now) and Kansas State ( in the late 90's/ early 2000's) can field BCS quality teams, then Tech surely can too. I just get tired of the excuses. the Colorado and Mizzou games the past 2 years are completely unnacceptable , if being a champion is Tech's goal. My saying that, does not make me a detractor, but a realist.

Because 3 of the top 10 WRs look at Tech before they decide to go to Florida or Tennessee really doesn't do alot for the program or for me, but if that's what lonny wants to hang his hat on, then great. It will make absolutely no difference when we trot our 'system" guys out there next season and kick people's butts on offense. until the defense improves, we'll be fortunate to maintian the status quo of 4 cupcakes and 4 conference wins a year, and with baylor and A&M, there are 2 more cupcakes. Sorry, i cannot hang my hat on 3 decent wins a year, even though that might win Ohio State a national Championship...I'll say this about the Kansas issue. This was the first time that Mangino has looked to be a better coach than Leach. I think it will last, but he's not a proven commodity yet. To the fat man's credit, I have to think twice if the choice is to switch Leach for him. Very few people get past thought one.

At some point, name guys are going to pick Tech. I know you think Tech will get left at the altar again and maybe it will happen. I just happen to trust in the guys at Tech getting the job done. Last year, I was not happy with Tech's effort in recruiting so it's not like I've been all sunshine about matters. They've done a much better job this year. We will await the results.

The fact that you state I'm delusional about the future backs up my point that we're 2 different people and by nature I'm an optimist and you're a pessimist when it comes to Tech. The future hasn't even happened yet, but you say there will be problems. There is nothing about being a realist when it comes to the future. Realism is based only on the past. Even the present becomes the past 1 second later. For argument's sake we put a present category in there and extend out the time, but it's really past and future.

We don't argue too much about the past and you know that. Outside of me griping about the refs in the 06 Texas game, you've agreed with most of my game analysis and I agree with your's. We both want them to win, I just happen to believe they'll start winning more than you do and sooner than you do. You have your reasons for believing things will stay the same and I have mine for why they'll get better. I think most of your reasons are because of what has happened before and my reasons are because of recent changes. Leach has been a slow learner on some things, but he's getting better.

That defense is going to get better. They just haven't had the bodies in the past. Tech didn't have any players. At least the players are getting better. I think Ruff gets hired. I have no idea how his schemes will look or work compared to Lyle's system that he had to pretty much keep through the end of the year. Until I'm given a reason to doubt Ruff, I'll wait by with cautious optimism about the defense. I said the offense was going to get better because that is a proven commodity and it's reasonable. The defensive talent will be better next year, but none of us know yet how well the scheme will work.

[lonny23]

and what part of that is a) negative or b) incorrect?
The underlying message of your original post will appear to be negative in most people's eyes. I really think your true feelings aren't conveyed well in the words you choose to use on these posts.

I don't see any way you can possibly be worried that UMass is going to beat Tech in Lubbock. It CAN happen and it MIGHT happen if Tech doesn't prepare for the game, but none of us will EXPECT that to happen unless we READ examples of being overconfident or SEE examples of the team being lax going into the game. We KNOW TEch is playing at home and has better talent. We assume Tech has better coaching and it's probably a good bet. What we're left with is having to give Tech the benefit of the doubt until they give us a reason to THINK they might get beat.

This isn't rocket science we're talking about. We're talking about Texas Tech. We don't go into every game with more talent and none of us are overlooking the other teams like some schools do. I see nothing wrong with saying in January we should win a game in 08.

[Mhs06]

that Defensive Line is going to be much improved... with Sesay and Dixon coming back. I honestly hope they don't bench Brandon Williams for it though, he really is very talented. Colby Whitlock is going to be huge for us.

I think the linebackers will improve a lot despite the loss of Paul Williams. I think he made a lot of mental errors on the field, as did Chris Parker. Just a thought.

[lonny23]

i think it's what he used when going down on Speed Buggy...:D

(about 3 % of the people on here will get this one.)
Probably around 10% have even seen the show!:D

[lonny23]

that Defensive Line is going to be much improved... with Sesay and Dixon coming back. I honestly hope they don't bench Brandon Williams for it though, he really is very talented. Colby Whitlock is going to be huge for us.

I think the linebackers will improve a lot despite the loss of Paul Williams. I think he made a lot of mental errors on the field, as did Chris Parker. Just a thought.
Some think Dixon will get moved to tackle.

[Mhs06]

Some think Dixon will get moved to tackle.

That's what I've heard, and that's what I'm hoping. I wonder what Dixon thinks of it though?

[Firebird]

Whats a tinker's dam? :confused: ( post # 23 )

Two different explanations:

1. A tinker's "dam" is the material (dough, soldering material) an itinerant repairman of household items ( a "tinker" used to be common a long time ago) used in his trade to hold molten tin and other metals in the proper place when he fixed things. The material is worthless and is thrown away after the repair has set, thus, a tinker's dam is esentially worthless.

2. A tinker's "damn" is the minor curses often uttered by the tinker, who is an inconsequential person and who frequently and thoughtlessly cursed. Thus, it is an unimportant, throwaway curse that should not be taken into account.

Two different spellings that mean the same thing. I understand linguists get very worked up as the the "proper" way of saying this.

[Crank_It]

jesus lonny, any and all respect i had for you has paased into a faint void due to your red colored glasses

i guess logic and reason havent been a factor in predicting how far tech will go, but then again it never was

[lonny23]

jesus lonny, any and all respect i had for you has paased into a faint void due to your red colored glasses

i guess logic and reason havent been a factor in predicting how far tech will go, but then again it never was
What did I say that made you feel that way?

[JMSFan]

Two different explanations:

1. A tinker's "dam" is the material (dough, soldering material) an itinerant repairman of household items ( a "tinker" used to be common a long time ago) used in his trade to hold molten tin and other metals in the proper place when he fixed things. The material is worthless and is thrown away after the repair has set, thus, a tinker's dam is esentially worthless.

2. A tinker's "damn" is the minor curses often uttered by the tinker, who is an inconsequential person and who frequently and thoughtlessly cursed. Thus, it is an unimportant, throwaway curse that should not be taken into account.

Two different spellings that mean the same thing. I understand linguists get very worked up as the the "proper" way of saying this.

Interesting info there. Ive heard that expression a bunch of times before, just never did ask anyone what it meant.

[JMSFan]

i think it's what he used when going down on Speed Buggy...:D

(about 3 % of the people on here will get this one.)

Yea, Im not part of that 3%. You gotta fill me in on that one day, I guess.