No let up, dominate every phase of the game against ATM

by centexraider on Oct 20, 2009 8:10 PM CDT Comment 9 comments

It’s well known tendency that the Raiders play down to the perceived level of the competition. That’s not to say the players aren’t going all out it just seems to be an erratic and misfiring level of performance. Like TTU versus Colorado in 07. As we all would like to see a level of maturity displayed in that the Raiders play a superior game despite the perceived level the competition is at. Literally get on top of the opponent and manhandle them. All things being equal everyone is trying hard, Raiders and Aggies, but one team must display the skill and level of execution to dominate. Both teams have good coaches with stellar pedigrees, way cool facilities, coupled to tutors, athletic dorms and swag clothing contracts. The level at which the division one game is played at is a huge moral, emotional, preparatory sort of beast. It literally consumes the participants. Being that the game is a one of collisions, chaos and repetition it’s no wonder you see strange events like Appalachian State defeating Michigan. Not a very easy problem to neatly construct in fact it defies the mathematicians ability to neatly sum up or figure out to a gnats a$$. To determine why such seemingly insane events happen is a real mystrey. That being said this game against an Arch Rival Texas A& M and they are - no matter how down they may seem - they are going to throw their punches and bodies all over the field. It is likely to be a very hard fought affair. Aggies really want to save the season. Raiders really want to prove it was no fluke that they are a rising program ranked in the Top 25 and moving towards the level of the elite 30 or so NCCAA teams. The emotional factor hinges mostly on the mindset of a bunch of 18 – 22 year olds. They must come out spitting and run over the opponent to gain - no to wrench the initiative away and dominate the opponent. When you recruit, train, condition and coach a group to execute as 11 members of a team the result becomes predictable. Anything but a berserkers emotional effort is whipped. Talent is a great attribute but desire trumps all. Talent and desire is a relentless avalanche ergo you get the USC, Penn State type consistent winners turning into dominating teams. Let’s look for a relentless level of desire by our Raiders coupled with talented athletes to skull drag the Aggies. Make a statement in the Big 12. A TTU team heading towards a satisfying, overdue and well earned finish of the season. . Onto the game. Go Tech. Wreck the Aggies!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Double-T Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Double-T Nation's writers or editors.

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Well said, Centex

You are right about sometimes playing down, and up, to the competition. Tech has done this for many years. However, this week will not be one of those times. Why? Seth Doege. Should he start, he will not be playing down to anyone. He wants to show that he is well capable and ready to run this offense. Other programs can only dream of having the kind of depth Tech possesses at the quarterback position. Of course, no one really knows how solid that depth is…not yet. My feelings are that Mr. Doege is about to be the next great Tech quarterback…this year. Then, everyone will start dreaming that dream mentioned above. GO TECH!

TTpilk

by TTpilk645 on Oct 20, 2009 9:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I love your outlook TTpilk645!!

You always inspire hope and good fortune. I agree wtih you about Doege. I think he will do just fine. I’m still not entirely sure if Potts is cleared to play but I wouldn’t mind seeing Doege get a chance to play ball.

Wreck Em TECH!!

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by KWashburn on Oct 20, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he does get the start that is

Potts will probably be cleared. But Potts should come out full of piss and vinegar after sitting the bench so long, so either way I think we’re covered. Now… the big question. Does Doege ever get a chance to start? Next year will probably be either Sticks or Potts, with Doege and Karam as replacements. From all they hype I have heard from Karam, and how I have heard he is practicing, he could be our next 3 year starter, and Doege would be his back up for a career. I’m not concerned about our wellbeing in any case, just wondering here.

by RdrPwr on Oct 20, 2009 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the main reason why we don’t see a letdown (similar to Colorado in ‘07): Ruffin McNeil. The players just want to play for him and he will keep the defense fired up! In past years, I don’t think there has been a sideline presence to light into the guys when they do play down to lesser opponents. When Defense plays well,it gives the offense energy and vice versa.

I think Tech is very fortunate to have such depth at QB. It’s not the end of the world that Sticks is down with an injury. Potts will play with a chip on his shoulder and I’m hoping will play Lights Out!

Wreck Em!

by WreckerRaider on Oct 20, 2009 9:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

The difference in not having letdown games I think is the defense. In the past our letdown games have been horrible offensive performances and usually the defense isn’t helping. With Ruff at the helm that eases the burden on the offense so they don’t have to show up and dominate every week. I have faith our defense will keep us in any game this year, and thats something I couldn’t say in the past.

by RAIDERdweb on Oct 21, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NO QUARTER.

Go register. Or else.

by Skin Patrol on Oct 21, 2009 8:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Like the opposing army flies a red flag before the battle. It would be cool if people would fly a no quarter flag at the game and certainly there would be a few Aggie history nerds like me that would understand.

by Plano Jeff on Oct 21, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Turning over a new leaf (or whatever cliche you want to use)

The inspiring part about last week’s victory is the fact that we found a way to win without statistically dominating the game. As several have mentioned, we were actually outgained in terms of total yards. This is a different type of win for Tech especially when you consider the fact that we were on the road in a hostile environment. As much as I detest the SEC there are many games where the teams just find a way to win…look at Florida versus LSU or Alabama versus Arkansas. Yeah, it’s not pretty but what separates contenders from pretenders is the ability to win when things aren’t necessarily going your way. Now the TAMU game could prove me wrong but I get the feeling like we are heading in the right direction. We battled through adversity and a whole bunch of “bulltwit” but we seem stronger and more cohesive as a team and I feel confidence going into this weekend’s game, regardless of who plays quarterback. Contrary to the media’s opinion we are NOT a plug and play offense. We recruit excellent quarterbacks who understand their role in the pirate’s brigade.

Wreck ’em!

by Remington870 on Oct 21, 2009 8:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice work Centex

Agree and very timely post. Good for all to keep in mind that these are all talented (some more than others) players. It’s 100% true when you hear coaches say you MUST prepare well every week or you’re in trouble.

Wrecker makes a good point. Coach Ruff seems to have his guys fired up for every game. You know he’s gonna be ready to go and ready to display his 2-3" vertical jump on the sideline.

If the teams needs an example, all they need to do is look at what happened to aTm @ KState. KState get’s rolled by Tech. Maybe aTm didn’t prepare as hard as they should have (no evidence of this). And they get beat down by KState the following week.

by imisswesttexas on Oct 21, 2009 10:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs