OT - Shell Shock:  As I struggle to find any content worth your time this morning, I read The Morning News every morning, if nothing else, for the news link dump because I'm too lazy to go find news on my own.  In any event, in yesterday's links there was this link to a blog post on Mind Hacks and another link to the newly released Youtube video from World War I from soldiers who had suffered "shell-shock".  I found it absolutely fascinating and disturbing all at the same time.  Nothing graphic, but very telling about the affects of war.  I don't want to start any sort of political debate, so don't leave any comments, I just found this video interesting and thought I'd pass it along.

  You've Got To Find Your Inner Pirate:  I don't watch the television show Friday Night Lights, but Captain Mike Leach will be making an appearance on the show in episode 2 this year.  Apparently, Leach is at a gas station, talking to Eric, and tells him something we should all take to heart (per the LA Times):

You've got to find your inner pirate.

Perfect.

  Denton Ryan vs. Denton Guyer:  Thanks to theta12's comment in yesterday's DD for pointing out that Texas Tech commit QB Scotty Young and his Denton Ryan teammates will face off against Denton Guyer tonight and the game will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:00 p.m.  If you want a preview of the game, then you can find a good one from the Denton Record Chronicle's Adam Boedecker:

Ryan is led by quarterback Scotty Young, who’s thrown for 2,900 yards with 39 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He has two big weapons outside in receivers Bud Sasser and Antonio Anderson and an under-the-radar running game led by Kaylon Alexander.

"He [Young] just understands their offense and he throws a very catchable ball," Walsh said. "His mechanics are exceptional. Whoever coaches him deserves a lot of credit. I coached QBs for a long time, and watching him, he’s a very fluid passer. His brain works at a high pace, too." 

Guyer’s defense has forced 50 three-and-outs this year in fewer than 100 total possessions, led by its formidable defensive line, which has Ryan offensive tackle Garrett Gramling excited for a challenge.

"We've got to get in there and protect Scotty so he has enough time to make the throws," Gramling said. "No doubt they're a good defensive line, but we're going to get out there and block as hard as we can."

  Redshirt a Freshman:  LAJ's Courtney Linehan writes that head coach Pat Knight is considering placing a redshirt on at least one of Texas Tech's freshmen (I'm of the opinion that both should be redshirted).  Here's PK on freshman SF Jaye Crockett:

"His best basketball is ahead of him, and I’d hate to have him waste a year where he didn’t play as much, where if he’d just redshirt he’s got four years of playing ahead of him," Knight said.

And freshman PG/SG Mike Davis is adjusting to the step-up in play:

Davis said the competition level even in practice has been a surprise. He felt exhausted and sore after the first few practice sessions, but is slowly adjusting.

Knight said he recruited Davis as a potential replacement for Alan Voskuil; if he plays as a freshman, it will be in a fourth- or fifth-guard role.

"Everybody’s good here," Davis said. "Everybody can do unbelievable things at any time."

Interestingly, I thought that Davis played point guard for his high school team last year.  It will be interesting to see where Davis eventually plays, especially because there's really no other true point guard on the team.

  Basketball Thoughts:  I've got a second lengthy post on the basketball team going up this morning, but to whet your appetite, TR's RRR has some thoughts on the basketball team.

  Neglected Video: Fox34 with a report on the defense first attitude this year: