Five Reasons Texas Tech Will Win :: Texas A&M Aggies Edition

by Seth C on Oct 22, 2009 12:30 PM CDT in Texas Tech Football

This weekly feature considers five reasons why Texas Tech will win and five reasons Texas Tech will lose to each opponent. Related: Five Reasons Texas Tech Will Lose :: Texas A&M Aggies Edition.

Reason #1 :: No Reason to Choose: Sports-talk would not be sports-talk without a quarterback controversy and we've got plenty of fans choosing between QB Taylor Potts and QB Steven Sheffield. The thing that interests me more than anything else is that right now, there's really no reason to choose, and I tend to think that's a good thing. This is one of those times where I tend to just enjoy the ride, whoever is calling the shots. I know that I don't have any control over who plays or what happens during the game and it can be entertaining to watch. Texas Tech hasn't had the opportunity to argue over a backup quarterback in years. We're hungry. Fortunately, things like this tend to work themselves out. I think Texas Tech is also fortunate to have 2 outstanding signal callers, and despite the thought that Potts may not read defenses as quickly as Sheffield, he's still pretty damned good. In fact, I was looking at Cody Hodges numbers from 2005 and he completed 66.5% of his passes and had 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Roughly speaking, Potts would have similar numbers to Hodges if you were to play out his numbers for the rest of the year, 31.2 TD's and 14 INT's. Quite simply, I appreciate the lively debate, but to say that Texas Tech is in going to have issues because Potts is on the field seems to be a stretch.

Reason #2 :: A Defense that Stops the Run: The Aggies aren't necessarily known to be a running team, but in games where the Aggies have won, they've run an average of 47 attempts for 244.00 yards a game. In TAMU's 3 losses, it's 33 attempts for 69.67 yards. You might say that stopping the run might be of the utmost importance on Saturday night and I'm guessing that the DC McNeill understands the importance in stopping the Aggie rushing game. At this time last year, the Red Raiders were also 24th in the nation, having played 4 patsies in a row and then a tough Nebraska team. This year, it's been quite a difference mix and I'm thinking that the defense won't be perfect, I think this game is going to be about fundamentals on the defensive side of the ball, which includes stopping the run.

Reason #3 :: Reliance on the Run Game: Do unto others . . . well, you know what I mean. We talked yesterday about how the relatively new left tackle could be problematic for Potts, but I think part of the solution is to have ensure, whether it be from Leach or from Potts checking down, to make sure that the running game is an integral part of the game-plan. On paper, it certainly doesn't look pretty, but the truth of the matter is that RB Baron Batch is averaging, yes averaging, 9.29 yards a carry and 5 TD's. RS freshman Harrison Jeffers is averaging 4.67 yards a carry and 4 touchdowns. I don't know if the slow start to the running game was a product of Leach's play-calling or Potts not checking down, but making it a priority on Saturday is key to keep the heat off of Potts. If TAMU is slightly concerned about the running game, it theoretically should give Potts a bit more time, and the more time he has the better off he is as a quarterback.

Reason #4 :: Pressure on Johnson: Henley? Check. Howard? Check. Sharpe? Check. For the first time last week you saw how having 3 healthy defensive ends could impact a game. Daniel Howard gets the fumble return for the touchdown, Brandon Sharpe is able to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback and Rajon Henley was incredibly solid against the run. The Red Raiders sit at 8th in the nation in sacks and is 1st in the Big 12 in passes defended at 45 total, an average of 6.43 per game. The pressure on TAMU QB Jerrod Johnson needs to come from the ends, but the secondary's ability to pressure Johnson into some bad throws (although Johnson, to his credit, has only thrown 3 INT's all year) which might result into more 3 and outs rather than long sustained drives.

Reason #5 :: Pride as Well: Please allow me to go back to this well, especially after coping out yesterday, but I mentioned that the Aggies, as is any college football team, plays with pride. And that certainly doesn't just apply to the Aggies. Texas Tech was a step-child for so many years and to be honest, I think the tide turned a bit when this program and this team, started to play with a little more pride for themselves and this school. I do not believe that this attitude, which seems to just ooze from these players, and was noticable last year, but is very noticable this year, is very prevalent. This is a confident group, but this group consistently talks about being the underdog and not taking anything for granted. To say that it can take years for a school to take that next step towards national revelance is an understatement, but it can take only one bad season, and it can affect the program for much longer than you might like to admit. Texas Tech cannot afford to nap against any team and I seriously doubt that they will against the Aggies.

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Comments

I really can’t wait. Regardless of what everyone has said all year about how bad the aggies are and the fact that the aggies are like 80th in the country right now or something is all starting to not matter. At this point all I’m feeling is that we need to destroy them. I’m as pumped up for this as I would be if they were in the top 10. It really doesn’t matter. The feud can’t get any bigger than it already is. I certainly agree about #5 and home field does matter in college football. And it will matter Saturday. It will matter to about 60K people. And it will matter to me b/c I live with 3 aggies right now.

If anyone is close we are planning on a tailgate behind rasin’ canes. We should have a tech flag, a card table, and a small propane grill that sits on the ground. Come over and have a hot dog or somethin.

by logan5555 on Oct 22, 2009 12:48 PM CDT reply actions

Been out of Lubbock for 25 years ..

So where is rasin’ canes ?

"do routine things routinely"

by centexraider on Oct 22, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe

We are at the Days Inn parking lot on University in case you or anyone else wants to stroll that way. Honda Odessey mini van. Yes, I’m taking the wife’s van. Should be loads of fun.

by Raider1992 on Oct 22, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Sounds awesome. If I come down there I’ll be yelling Raider 1992 and wearing a pirate hat.

by logan5555 on Oct 22, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Great

Names Paul so that may be better than yelling Raider 1992.

by Raider1992 on Oct 22, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice work Seth.. I know a lot Aggies and they have had their pride stung..

1.Our nicked up O line will still execute its scheme. It still can’t be dominated by one great player See Von Miller. Also See last week for stats on A. Suh. (who is still a legit Heisman candidate long shot but still legit. IMO.) They will keep Potts upright. (or walk the plank).
2. The Raiders receivers are better than the 6 x guys the Aggies will drop in coverage. T. Potts can release the ball quickly. Please Taylor just do it. A break out game for B. Batch is probable.
3. Our Kickers won’t have a very many long FG to tries – see Raiders running game. I would agree the Aggies defense is fired up and running on pride. But it could be case of over doing it and blowing the play . See D Lewis 58 yard catch and run late in the 2nd Quarter to answer Ne FG producing drive.
4. Defensive line will get 4 tipped passes and 4 sacks. On the way to allowing less than 150 yards rushing by the Aggie offense. There are many issues with this Aggie O line unit, injuries (depth), scheme, speed or lack thereof ?? Aggie offensive line play coupled with the level of play of their skill players won’t allow them to over whelm the Raider defensive scheme. IE R. McNeill can rotate in Defensive Ends and Tackles faster that they can call and run a play. It’s still a game of inches and the Aggie skill positions aren’t getting the interference from the big eaters which are necessary to dominate anyone. Coach Sadler isn’t going to have his unit dominated in Lubbock on Saturday.
http://www.doubletnation.com/2009/10/20/1093610/no-let-up-dominate-every-phase-of
5. Texas A & M special teams can’t out execute the Raiders kick coverage team. Yes there will be trick plays and onside kicks especially if the Raiders get up 2 plus scores. Coach Eric Russell will have the team ready for the trickeration aspect of this game. See Kstate returner B. Banks stats vs. TTU. Also see same players’ stats vs. aTm last week in Manhattan. Ouch!
5.A. The Raider crater has debilitating acoustics fueled by cranked up students. Read into that however you want to my friends.
http://www.doubletnation.com/2009/10/19/1091224/random-things-to-worry-about

"do routine things routinely"

by centexraider on Oct 22, 2009 12:49 PM CDT reply actions

1st correction

“Our Kickers won’t have a very many long FG to tries” ..should read .. FG’s to try..oops

"do routine things routinely"

by centexraider on Oct 22, 2009 12:56 PM CDT reply actions

Right On

Good call Seth and as to the QB situation, trust Leach to be the Head Coach and make whatever call needs to be made when and if it has to be made. Our program is in the best overall long term condition it has ever had because of his leadership. Tech 49 tamu 21 Wreck EM Tech.

by cweber7377 on Oct 22, 2009 1:10 PM CDT reply actions

Totally agree

With Seth…but one more thing, make Johnson beat us with his arm. Im sure with Sharpe, Howard and Henly, that wont be a problem. Take that normal 3.6 seconds in the average pocket…knock it down to about 2.
I think our defensive up front will be the MVP’s this game. Though Im a fan of Potts’, thats no secret, I really wanna see Doege get some snaps this game. And sticks needs a speedy recovery, I’d love to see him ready to play for Okie State!

by ttutyler on Oct 22, 2009 1:24 PM CDT reply actions

OK remember last year when Aggies dropped like 8 and GH just built a sandwich back there?

This is one situation where it would be nice to have Doege or Gloves, problem is, we don’t know when they’re gonna do it. Would be nice if we used Doege like Tulsa uses that true frosh from Wichita Falls who was a highly recruited dual threat. Have him back there in a trick formation and BLOW their minds. I know I have trumpeted SS’s virtues quite a bit, but it’s more of for what a kid like him can do for this program in the future. With Potts, we were all resigned to letting TP take his lumps this year, so we could make a run NEXT year, and then start the cycle all over. Seeing someone with absolutely zero game experience come in and go 100 mph just excites me to no end. I’ll stand proudly behind Taylor and I know he will kick some fake Army butt.

by Plano Jeff on Oct 22, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Yup. Good work Seth

is a big deal. Not sure how much you watch the Ag’s this year, but Von Miller is as tough as they come. IMO, one of the better d-linemen in the big12.
Being able to run the ball will hopefully offset their pass rush some and open up the passing game even more. Can’t afford to let that guy pin his ears back on every play or he’ll cause some issues.

by imisswesttexas on Oct 22, 2009 1:34 PM CDT reply actions

Sorry, meant number 3 above is a big deal.

by imisswesttexas on Oct 22, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions

The title picture used by Seth here is great !

I just looked closely at this picture you used Seth. WTHell over?!? Sheffield is completely airborne, NE Guy on the ground is pulling his undershirt off by the sleeve and someone just belted Sticks or looks to be dog piling him. And A. Suh is trying to remove his foot above the ankle. A neat action shot!

"do routine things routinely"

by centexraider on Oct 22, 2009 1:49 PM CDT reply actions

#6 The Jones at night

aka: a nightmare parallel world of hate and discontent where the opposing team starts at 6 feet under and has nowhere to go but down.

by mojavereject on Oct 22, 2009 2:43 PM CDT reply actions

I’ll do my part to help this description fit. And an awesome description it is.

by logan5555 on Oct 22, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Tuff stuff goes back to 1977....

For those that are old enough to remember as I am, in 1977 the atm came into the Jones ranked behind us as we had Rodney Allison and TTech finished in the top 10 AP poll and we had a real shot @ aSWC championship and maybe a national title. But the atm said they would knock Allison out and they did on a very late hit. Broke his leg and that was it for 1977( glad we have aleast 2 good QB’s now). TTech was actually ahead in the game in the 4th, 17-14 but lost 33-17. Anyway, the real or perceived “ransom” on our QB made us all mad and just put the rivalry over the edge. I was a freshman that year @ TTech and went thru some tough times but glad things are much better now! Wreck’Em Tech

by techgolf44 on Oct 22, 2009 3:23 PM CDT reply actions

That was my freshman year as well.

by natkcole on Oct 22, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Mine too

Is everybody on this board 50 years old?

by mbrown603 on Oct 22, 2009 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions

1/2

I’m exactly half that old timer :)

by jdeeTTU on Oct 22, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions

I was a sophomore that year. Memorable for sure.

by Wheatguy on Oct 22, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions

So atm put a bounty out on R. Allison?

That just irritates the living sh#t out of me.

"do routine things routinely"

by centexraider on Oct 22, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I remember that as well.

I was in post grad at Baylor then, but hated to see our chances snuffed out. Grrrrrrrrr

by TechFirst on Oct 22, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Im 26 so I don’t remember that but thats the type of thing that make this game so important. I do remember Japorskly Lane guaranteeing a victory one year. And I remember Dwayne Slay knocking the crap out of him and he fumbled.

I also remember listing to the radio when Wes welker returned that punt for a TD at Kyle field. Still probably my second most exciting Tech moment behind Crabs catch. I also remember Zach Thomas and the interception.

College Football rivalries are the best. And the worst if you lose.

by logan5555 on Oct 22, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions

For a # of years that 1977 game was the biggest crowd in Jones history...

It was a huge game, tony franklin was the atm kicker who kicked bare-foot, and Romeo Cronell and Bill Parcells were D coaches. Go back on youtube and watch some of the 1976 year with Allison running the option. Side note— Allison was actually Brett Favre’s QB coach @ Southern Mississippi. Anyway, the “putting Allison out” was all over the LAJ the week of. Also, that was the @ 2nd year that around 10 p.m. on Friday nite cars started stopping on University and all 4 lanes very shutdown on that side of the Campus from 4th to 19th St. Great Pep Rally broke Out. It actually started the year before the nite before the Texas game( which we won). The “Pep Rally” lasted a few years and it kinda got out of hand and had to be put a stop to.. Great times and memories!!!!!! Wreck"Em Tech

by techgolf44 on Oct 22, 2009 4:22 PM CDT reply actions

In ‘77 one of my cousin’s was the “Raider Red” mascot, as well as a Saddle Tramp. He’s the one who got in a fight at UT with some of their fans at a basketball game.

by Tech92 on Oct 22, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions

You know....

you could do a fan post with some of these past things that have happened. I know I love reading some of the things that happened before my time and I bet other do as well.

If you not having fun....then your not playing the game right.

by texastfan on Oct 22, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions

We need to have someone catalogue these great moments

And save them for topics in the off season.

by Plano Jeff on Oct 22, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions

We didn't call those pep rallies

We called them what they were: riots. By the 3rd year (1979) People were climbing on the businesses along University & ripping off rooftop AC units. Somebody took a golf cart from the College Inn parking garage & dropped it a level below on top of a car. All the wooden traffic barriers put out by the police were thrown into a pile in the middle of the Broadway and University intersection and set on fire. Strange but very fun times. Oh to be young and irresponsible again.

by mbrown603 on Oct 22, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I think that was the beginning of the end of the University street "pep rallies"...

I was a freshman in ’79 and remember being afraid to go get too much in the middle of all of that…
So I was hanging out over by the fountains at the Broadway entrance…
And then, of course, some people wound up in the fountains…
Memories…

by Houston Raider on Oct 23, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I forgot about that happening! I lived right on University, it was wild that night.

by Wheatguy on Oct 22, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Lose Lose situation for Tech

As an Aggie, I feel confident that playing A&M each year can only hurt Tech in much the same way that playing Montana State does. Win or lose, you still scheduled a cream puff and no one is impressed. Who’s laughing now!

by techmed on Oct 22, 2009 5:11 PM CDT reply actions

Techmed…this game was not scheduled like UNM or Rice. It’s a Big 12 South conference game. Did you just start watching college football yesterday?

Also, if you’re an aggie, why do you go by techmed?

by WreckerRaider on Oct 22, 2009 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions

techmed is an aggie going to med school at Tech.

I'm not worthy. Really.

by Campeador on Oct 22, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll give him the right to be a Tech homer

I went to grad school down there, but never once claimed them as a rooting interest, I however do get up for my other grad school Tulsa.

by Plano Jeff on Oct 22, 2009 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions

dude… seriously? Is this your first message board? I haven’t had to explain sarcasm since 8th grade.

by techmed on Oct 22, 2009 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions

1. Righto, not need to choose, the choice is made by default. Potts is going to qb and he may be better than we saw him last…just as the choice to put Sheffield in was by default…and he did well. There is no issue at qb that we have a guy who can win and win going away. Regardless of who is rushing on the left, I am worried about TTU’s left tackle. I hope he has a great game !!!

2. Defense under Coach Ruff is predicated on stopping the run, making them pass and covering well. We have demonstrated that we can play the run even though I think that Nebraska for example missed an opportunity to really test TTU. Houston ran much better than I thought they could have. The secondary, even with its youth is playing good football, the hard hitting and good coverage has impact. They have some receivers, I will enjoy watching them play.

3. I am not sure that we will see TTU ‘rely’ on the run….or maybe I do not want to see that happen because it will imply that Potts or the O-line is not working well enough to read and pass. I do want an effective running game, one that makes the bad guys work and one that catches them having to think about it. But I want lots and lots of completed passes for lots and lots of yards and td’s….oh, some running td’s as well.

4. Defense again with pressure on their qb, while containing his ability to run.

5. Pride is an important issue in this game, the seniors have not played a game againt this group without a win. That is pretty special. The game is home, that is special. Then there is the history of the rivalry…anyone one of those is motivation enough.

by TallMike on Oct 22, 2009 5:59 PM CDT reply actions

only chance

Over the summer, I called a let down for Tech against the Aggies. Then Tech’s season wasn’t going as well as last year and the Aggies looked not-horrible, so I started thinking that Tech probably wouldn’t overlook them. Then the Aggies started looking extra-special-horrible, Potts gets his starter spot back because the back-up is injured, and maybe the Ags will show a little pride after being embarassed- so there’s a slight chance for A&M to accidentally win.

by techmed on Oct 22, 2009 9:59 PM CDT reply actions