Post Game Thoughts :: Baylor Bears Edition
by Seth C on Dec 1, 2009 6:00 AM CST
in Football
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SBN Box Score :: TTU Box Score
The Result :: Just Okay: We've discussed this to a point, but it wasn't the best possible win. Perhaps this is something that should be expected coming off a game like the Oklahoma game, but it was just okay. I was happy as hell to get out of the Cowboys Stadium with a win and I hated that I was nervous about it for such a long period of time.
I was thinking of saving this thought for off-season thoughts, but I'll throw this out there now. Perhaps the thing that interests me the most about this team is the fact that we as a community have become that much more critical, and I mean that in the best possible way. I've always thought that Texas Tech has this stigma that Red Raider fans are apathetic in the sense that we're happy with occasional wins against various opponents, but the expectations of excellence were never really there. The days of going into a game with no expectation of a win and being completely disinterested with a loss are behind Red Raider fans. That's a good thing. I/we/DTN is now firmly behind expectations of excellence and I'm happy about that. That's not to say that the most difficult mornings for me personally are the mornings where I have to think of something worth-while to write after a loss and I think that's an indication that DTN and this program has arrived to an extent. That makes me happy (not the losses).
Storylines and MVP's after the jump.
The Storylines ::
About that Defense: At first blush, I thought the defense had a less than stellar game. For the game, the defense gave up 342 yards, only 176 yards in the 2nd half and of those 176 2nd half yards, 60 came on the last drive. The Bears had 3 plays that accounted for more than 20 yards, the first being the long pass to Gettis for 57 yards. I've only had time to watch the replay once, but on that play, it appeared that CB Jamar Wall was expecting help over the top and I believe that FS Franklin Mitchem just didn't get there. The 2nd big play was to Kendall Wright for 24 yards and I think this was scheme issue as LB Brian Duncan was trying to cover one of the fastest players on Baylor's team. It's hard to fault Duncan on this play as he's just not capable of covering a slot receiver. The 3rd big play was to Terrance Ganway, another situation where LB Marlon Williams was asked to cover him out of the flat and in open space (this is the play I'm not sure about). That first play led to Baylor's only touchdown, the second play was a play that ended in a Baylor field goal and the third play resulted in a punt. The point being here is that although the defense gave up 3 big plays, which accounted for 105 yards were the bulk of the Baylor offense. I've always hated how folks will take certain plays out of context of a game, but I'll do it now because it totally serves my purpose and you've got a defense that gave up 237 yards for the game, good for a 3.33 yards per play average. The big plays hurt the defense, but all 3 of these big plays were, at least in my opinion, were the result of bad match-ups and a bad play by a safety that's had a pretty good season.
Improved Line Play: By my count, this same set of offensive linemen have been together for 4 straight games, starting with the Kansas game. We've all talked about how with a better offensive line, the overall play will get better and other than the Oklahoma St. loss, that's been the case. That's not to say that this group didn't have some kinks to work out, including giving up 5 sacks against Kansas, all at the feet of QB Seth Doege, none with Potts; 1 against Oklahoma St.; 2 against Oklahoma; and 1 against Baylor. For a string of 7 halves, the offensive line only gave up 4 sacks and if there's a reason for the team's better play, that's a good place to start. Another indication that when the team runs the ball, good things happen: 32 carries for 105 yards rushing against KU; 14 carries for 50 against OSU; 35 carries for 161 yards; and 28 carries for 101 yards against Baylor. Run the ball and this team will have success.
Making Plays: I've always sort of thought that the hallmark of a good defense isn't necessarily the yards or the points, but the plays that the individuals make. For the 2nd year in a row, the defense is in the top 4 in the conference in sacks, 34.0 in 2008 and 40.0 in 2009. In 2007, the defense only mustered 26.0 sacks. Same goes for passes defended. Top 4 in the conference in passes defended as 2008 the team had 18 interceptions and 55 passes broken up (5.62 per game), in 2009 it was 8 interceptions and 68 passes broken up (6.33 per game), while in 2007 the defense had 10 interceptions and 55 passes broken up (5.00 per game). It may not seem evident over the course of time, but this defense has become more aggressive, especially in the secondary. The defensive play-makers are trending up, despite losing talent on at defensive end at in the secondary. The same could be said for Saturday's game where the defense broke up 4 passes, including one beautiful interception by Brent Nickerson, forced 3 fumbles and 4 sacks. That's a pretty good day at the office.
The Disappearance and Emergence of Receivers: This is probably going to be an offseason project, but I find it absolutely fascinating how certain roles have been completely reversed in some cases with the offense. In the early part of the year, the team was greatly dependent on guys like Detron Lewis and Tramain Swindall, but recently, it's been the emergence of Alexander Torres and Austin Zoualik with a fairly consistent bit of Lyle Leong mixed in for good measure. I can't give you an explanation, other than defenses may be keying on Lewis and Swindall or the thought that Lewis and Swindall may not be giving maximum effort in practice, but it's interesting. Be patient, I promise an much more comprehensive post after the season (this is absolutely a tease and intended to keep you guys around for a while).
The Guy That Matters Wasn't Happy: I didn't catch this until yesterday, but I noted in Chris Level's Twitter that Leach wasn't happy with the 20 points on Saturday as he ran the team through a padded practice on Sunday. Not only that, Leach pitted the first team against the first team and the work was spirited. I get the feeling that this perception that Leach is fairly easy on the team, but much like this community is changing there's this thought that Leach is changing as well. We all like not being satisfied with just being mediocre and the fact that Leach made the team practice on Sunday is certainly a good thing.
The Offensive Co-MVP's :: WR Lyle Leong and IR Austin Zouzalik: Zouzalik made some really nice grabs (7 for 92 yards), most of them over the middle of the field. Leong gets credit for making some really nice touchdown grabs (6 for 58 yards and 2 TD's).
The Defensive MVP :: DE Brandon Sharpe: It's fitting to think that he couldn't even get on the field last year, but finished the year as Texas Tech's single-season record holder for sacks.
The Special Teams MVP :: KR Eric Stephens: Another season long reward for his work on kickoff returns. You always like to see a player make up for a bad play as Stephens' 64 yard return late in the game was a huge game-changer. The rest of the Big 12 gets 3 more years of this guy.
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Expectations changed? Absolutely
Couldn’t agree more about your thoughts on how Tech fans’ expectations have changed over the past few years. IMO, over time we’ll look back to 2008 as a turning point for our program.
I’m also not sure whether or not our defense has gotten enough credit for their play over the course of the year. Sure there have been comments here or there, but maybe this deserves a deep-dive as well?
I haven’t verified this, but according to Chris Level’s Twitter, Tech defense has held 6 of 8 Big12 teams to less than 17 points this year. If accurate, that is very impressive. Especially when you consider some of the poor field position they have been handed by the offense.
by imisswesttexas on Dec 1, 2009 8:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Agree
Tech’s defense made this season what it is. We have come a very long way.
by Raider1992 on Dec 1, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Baylor game again was more than we wanted in an opponent. I think it important to recognize the work by their head coach, his football players play hard nose football. They are going to improve each year…some of us will be surprised, I am not saying they will become Big12 leaders, but with the opportunity that existed in that program—the gap, if you will—we are going to see a better football team under Coach Briles.
It is almost funny how we look at players. We watched a guy who is likely the best Air Raid qb to date develop over 3 years as a starter, have all kinds of ups and downs, made some awful looking plays, then after enough reps turned into something special playing behind a great, not just good, but great O-line, and developed great rapport with his recievers. When the process starts over, we go ‘what ??’
Coach Leach has given credit to the defense for their play, something to the effect that the team with TTU’s defense in the third quarter wins the game. He has not given credit to the D very often in his decade at TTU. We continue to grow that side of the game. I think he likes his DC !!
I am not sure I follow the points developed by the stats for the game. Total yards by the bad guys = 342, ‘only 176’ in the 2nd half, 342 minus 176 = 166 for the first half. ??? The bears had 3 big plays that accounted for a bunch of their yards…that is kind of what happens in a lot of the games. I am proud of the defense for keeping the bears out of the end zone, for disrupting their game to the degree that they did and for holding together when the bears took advantage of the mis-matches underneath the lb’s. (and I wonder why the bears stopped doing that !! )
The O-line has gelled from the early part of the season. They stopped trying to make heros of new guys and although somewhat compelled to do so, returned to developing the play of the guys who were more experienced. Enjoy the bowl game line play on the right side of the line…we are again losing 3/5’s of the line from center to the right. I think Koewn has shown he can play, I wonder who is getting ready behind him, then right guard and right tackle. Bennie is going to get them ready for spring and fall, then we see the impact of coaching and development.
Did you notice Brent Nickerson, he played only a few plays…and laid a trap on one for the int. When I read that it made me happy. I saw the int, but did not realize that he played only a couple of plays. Here is another tidbit, lb Julius Howard had 8 tackles, who ??? A 3 star safety in hs who is developing at Will, last season he had about 10 tackles total. He is a RSJR.
We might enjoy a discussion on receivers, what in the world is happening with these people ??? I am happy for the good play of every one who makes good plays, I am very confused and disappointed in people who fell off the game map this year. Good football players too !!!
Yes, maybe the HC is too easy on this players…remember the change in play on defense when he agreed with a ‘new’ DC to allow them to practice tackling !!!
by TallMike on Dec 1, 2009 8:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
TallMike...
Good points here. About the lack of patience at the QB position. I think it comes down to two things, the first being the focus of this article. Expectations are growing. This is not 2006 anymore, and IMO it’s a good thing that fans, players, and coaches are less likely to support 3 year fixer-uppers.
The second reason I feel the QB position has received less patience is that Potts nor Sticks have 3 years to develop, they are juniors. That glaring fact should end the comparisons to Harrell once and for all. We just need to come to terms with the fact that Potts is developmentally behind Harrell as a junior, when Harrell was just a Soph. Furthermore, his time for maturation is running out. I have said before and will say again, if he had another 3 years I think he would be special too, but I digress.
Ask yourself a couple of questions. What teams in our conference do we want to be compared to, and beat? One of those, Texas, will be starting the era of a new QB next year. Do you really think our hated rivals from Austin will stand by and watch their new gun average over 2 interceptions a game for 5 games, including losses to UH and ATM (at home)? I think not. It’s time to expect more, and drop the label of “same old Tech”.
by TTUMAR on Dec 1, 2009 10:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OLine.....
I definitely underestimated the loss of the 3 OLinemen from last year…..I knew they were good but they were very, very good! And as much as I like Carter is evident that he benefitted greatly from the 3 Seniors from last year. So I don’t think our OL will drop as much as it did @ the beginning of this year. Also, the TTech D is definitely better and with players like Ford already in the mix and the Red-shirt guys this year the D will get better. I can’t wait to see if Jackson Richards can come in and play right away. TTech wil have a chance next year to do special things and I hope they will use this Bowl season and the Spring to get better! Wreck’Em Tech!
by techgolf44 on Dec 1, 2009 9:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Also...
I’ve been riding the OLine hard all season, so in the same vein, I’d like to point out that regarding the protection from the OLine:
“including giving up 5 sacks against Kansas, all at the feet of QB Seth Doege, none with Potts”
I’m not sure exactly how this was meant to be applied, but I just have to say I think at least 2-3 of the 5 sacks against Kansas need to be explicitly put on Doege. For all the crap people have heaped on Potts and all the grief I’ve given the line, Doege was just waiting TOO LONG in that game, and I think that’s what Potts brought when he came in. I think Potts was closer to “game speed”, and Doege hadn’t gotten there yet. I’m not saying Doege can’t get there or isn’t any good, but unlike the early season collapses by the line, in the KU game the protection was “ok” (not great, but ok) but Doege just waited too long to make decisions.
(just noting this to give the Line their due)
by HeeroTX on Dec 1, 2009 9:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My MVP'S FOR THE YEAR
OFENSE—- BATCH, TORRES DEFENSE— SHARPE SP. TEAMS—-STEPHENS [ Entire KO Return team did real well all year]
by Dr. Mark on Dec 1, 2009 9:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I have been off the grid for a while so sorry if it's been talked about
But if B. Sharpe has like 14 sacks, does he get invited to the combine? I don’t know if he has all the body stats those “geniuses” like. If he does end up signing somewhere, does he send Sesay and Dixon gift cards to Applebees? I love this kid Sharpe, and here’s why. Red, the photographer with the blog, was walking around the stadium in the off season taking pics of the renovation demolition, he sees this huge dude with dreads sitting on the trunk of his hooptee. Says the guy offered to show him around or something then asked Red if he’d like to buy his car. TTURed took a pic of Brandon sitting on the trunk, that’s just stuck with me. Good luck kid.
by Plano Jeff on Dec 1, 2009 9:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Higher Standard
You bet things have changed. I went to Tech when Spike was coach and we were lucky to get to 6 wins. When that happened everybody was excited we could get a bowl. Leach arrives and we start bowling every year and recruiting picks up. A&M becomes a game we should win and Texas and OU are on the bubble. I made the investment to purchase season tickets 5 years ago because I felt Tech is on the brink of greatness under Mike Leach. Today I am thankful for everything that has led up to this. My expectations are much higher after Crabtree and Harrell made us a national contender at #2 in the country for 2 weeks. I would hope everybody understands that we as fans and supporters of this team need to demand excellence within reason. This season was a perfect example of making the absolute best of a rebuilding year. 8-4 is awesome when you loose 2 of the best players who ever played at Tech. If we go and win our bowl you can bet the recruiting will stay solid. We have so much talent coming and young players on the team now awaiting their chance. So in the end I do think we should expect more, demand more and be realistic about our road to success. Our days of earing a BCS are coming and it will only get better. I tend to digress so I’ll stop here.
by Raider1992 on Dec 1, 2009 11:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Using the emergence of receivers in recruiting
Was thinking about this some. I think this is a perfect tool to leverage for recruiting.
The fact is, I would not have pegged Torres, Zouzalik as two of our more consistent performers at the start of the year. And I expected more out of some of the returning, more seasoned receivers.
The point being, I believe there is fierce competition in practice week-to-week to see who will start the following game. No one is simply handed the starting job for the year (we’ve seen evidence of this). So if you can play and you prove yourself in practice (Torres), you’ll get PT in the games. Gonna put our best 22 on the field each week and get some wins!
It’s a subtle thing, but I hope that trend continues as we sign solid recruiting classes. The days of auto-redshirt are over.
by imisswesttexas on Dec 1, 2009 12:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think all our receivers would have had a better year if they hadn’t had to adjust their routes to get back to the balls thrown their way. It killed YAC. We need a QB who can hit a reciever in stride next year (and in the Alamo Bowl this year). Potts is not that guy. How is Sheffield’s foot doing? Any chance he starts the Alamo Bowl?
by mbrown603 on Dec 1, 2009 3:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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