How Does Tech Beat KU
by Tech92 on Oct 21, 2008 9:12 PM CDT
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PrintWell, here we are. The true meat of the 2008 schedule starts Saturday with a trip to Lawrence. This, as everyone knows, is the start of a brutal four week stretch of games that will define our season. But we can only take it one week at a time.
So how does Tech start this gauntet off right vs. KU? I think a huge key is Kerry Meier. The converted QB is one of the most athletic players on the KU team and is probably the heart of the team. Several TV announcers have stated that he's not only the most popular player on the team, but probably the most popular student at KU. they just love the kid up there.
Meir ranks 8th nationally in receptions per game (and is the Big XII leader in that category) with just over eight catches per week. But more importantly, he's a drive extender. His catches tend to keep drives alive on third down and though he's not a TD machine (three all year), he is the quiet cog that keeps KU rolling. Dezmon Briscoe is the flash guy and he's the deep threat for KU, so we can't let him run free all day, but I think Meier is much more important to the success of KU.
What makes keeping Meier in check even more difficult is the escapability of Todd Reesing. Just as Meier keeps drives alive, Reesing keeps plays alive with his active feet and escapability. Just when the D-line thinks they have him corralled, he can escape and keep the play going, often finding Meier in the flat all alone. This puts a huge amount of pressure on our underneath coverage to stay with Meier for extended periods on some plays. A tough task for any LB or CB.
Tech can do one of two things: Assign a spy on Meier to shadow him all over the field, which is a poor strategy. Taking a player out of the mix to follow a guy is never something I've been a fan of, though. A better strategy is ensuring the D-linemen maintain their lanes and don't allow the hope of a sack to create an avenue of escape. In other words, work to the QB, but keep contain. Easier said than done, I know. But with the ability our D-line has shown to get decent QB pressure so far this year, I think it's doable.
If Tech can cover Meier closely enough to prevent the critical third down completions, while pressuring Reesing enough so that his only option is a run up the middle, a sack or a dangerous pass, I think Tech has a great chance of taking this one. If Reesing can flush to either sideline and create defensive coverage breakdowns, this could spell trouble and make ball control a dirty phrase for Red Raider faithful.
The one great thing about Tech is we usually don't have to worry about how many points we'll score. We'll score. Usually a lot. It's keeping the other guy down long enough for us to build a big lead, thus taking their offense out of its gameplan that is the key. Face it, in a shootout, Tech wins 9 out of 10. Kansas doesn't want that. We do.
Thanks goes to Seth for letting me have a spare key on this thing.
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Good Overview
First, let me give a huge thanks to Doubletnation for the articles and blogs this season, I’ve just joined after months of keeping myself up to date with daily looks at the site. It’s nice to read about the team and comments from a community of red raiders fans.
Now onto business, this week is critical, for the season and reputation of the team in the eyes of the BCS and poll voters. I think it comes down to a few simple stats or situations within the game. It fair to say both teams can score, and to your comment, Kansas doesn’t want or need a shootout. So, I see the game working out for the team that can play the most consistent. By this I mean simple things, fewer penalties and no turnovers. If Tech can just do its thing, put up points early, we should be fine. If we start under utilizing possessions, it could get a little too close for me. My prediction for the game is TTU 35, KU 24 with Tech never trailing in the game.
Thanks again for the opportunity to add comments and go raiders.
Great Post
I just want to give a big hat’s off to Tech92 for the post – takes a lot to put this up in front of everyone.
In response to the post – I’ll keep it simple.
I think that Todd Reesing is going to be a new challenge for us. It’s a great challenge because he is very athletic and seems that he has a good head on his shoulders. He can read the defense as well as scramble around until a play is made. This is a challenge I think we can overcome. I’m sure our defense will struggle in the first half, then Mr. McNeil will go chew some ass and right the defense.
I really like this match-up – I see a lot of similarities between Reesing and McCoy (did I just say that?). He is one of the elite in THE Big XII. How we contain Reesing is going to be a big indicator of how good our D-Line is.
I have two “man-crushes” on the team – Dixon and Batch. I think they are both going to have great games.
Dixon will contain and Batch will run it. Simple enough. Harrell and Crabtree, Lewis, Leong, Morris, etc… will hook up for their normal yardage and I think we will scrape by, by at least ten. I really think our running game is going to throw them off a bit to make way for the pass. (I love Woods to death, but it is like the Pepsi Challenge right now – they are both good, it’s just a matter of preference)
I think getting some “true” pressure on Reesing is the key to the game.
There you go….simple enough, right?
Thanks!
First, thanks for the compliment. Second, thanks for the laugh on “man crushes.” It takes more stones for you to say that than for me to post the story. That had me laughing!
I’m with you on Batch. That kid just tries so dang hard on every carry I want to lace ’em up again and go throw some blocks for him. Determined is how I characterize his style. Never, ever, ever quits.
I know
you will be watching this post with it being your first and I just wanted to congratulate you on your first solid, well written post, I’m sure there will be more to come. GO TECH
Being an accountant and famous don't go together. If you're a famous accountant, you probably did something wrong.
You're definitely right...
that, more than anything, is what people aren’t talking about in regards to the OU loss. Sure KU moved the ball and stayed in the game, yadda, yadda, yadda…but prior to that game they were 3rd in the nation in converting third downs and a big reason why was Kerry Meier.
Apparently OU watches tape and did everything they could to take away Meier, because he was only able to free himself for 4 catches. If I were a betting man, I’d say there was a little correlation between this and the fact that KU went 0 for their first 10 on 4rd down tries.
But like you said, just as important is containing Reesing. Kerry may be his go-to-guy, but he’ll throw to anyone on the team and as long as he keeps his feet moving, his head will be up looking for a guy to spring open.
Waiting for a long time
We have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I have been following Tech football for over 40 yrs. and this is the first time I can remember us in a position this late in the season to be in control of our own destiny. It is possible for us make our mark on the BCS bowl picture. I believe our defense will step up at KU, our offense will continue to do it’s job and we will complete the next step in our journey. TT 48 – KU 31.
Thanks Seth for extablishing this blog. I come here at least twice every day. Just joined today.
Just WIN BABY
We just need this one this week and I like our chances down the strech. It is our best chance for GAMEDAY and the Big 10 homers to come to Lubbock. I want to beat Texas but I also want the chance to do it on ABC Nov. 1 p.m. So just win at Kansas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wreck’em TECH
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