Odds and Ends

The FanPost Editor Gets Twitter, Better - Blog Huddle
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Tier-one bill OK'd with no time to spare | AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Apparently, it was a bit of a scare as to whether or not the Tier-One bill would pass, and thanks to the hard work of some West Texas legislators, it did pass.

"Members know that when Delwin comes to talk to them that is being very serious, very sincere and if there are problems he is going to be help you fix those problems, and nine times out of 10 people come around," he said. When asked about his reputation as a troubleshooter, Jones replied, "that's what I am here for, to help my district, my colleagues and do everything I can to help West Texas, and Texas Tech is vital for us."

Editorial: Toward Tier One status | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Opinion: Editorials
In fact, the DMN praised the passing of this bill.

Success was foretold by the plan's simplicity and equity. A new incentive fund holds out rewards to universities for their own successes in attracting research gifts and scholarships. And it is open to competition from seven designated universities across the state, including the University of Texas at Dallas, UT-Arlington and the University of North Texas in Denton. The others span the Texas map – UT-El Paso, UT-San Antonio, Texas Tech in Lubbock and the University of Houston.

Texas Tech Football

Lots of little notes about Texas Tech, and nothing ground breaking.

Rivals.com College Football - Weekly Whispers: Post-spring Big 12 issues
Rivals.com's Tom Dienhart has some questions about every Big 12 team and I don't like where he starts, but I think he ends on the right note.

Texas Tech: Can junior quarterback Taylor Potts keep the offense humming? He's talented and bright, but Potts has been inconsistent and he isn't a loud and vocal leader. But many Tech insiders feels Potts will be fine. Instead, a bigger worry may be finding a pass rush. Brandon Williams (13 sacks) turned pro early and McKinner Dixon (eight sacks) may not be back from an indefinite suspension. The safety spot also is dicey.

Big 12 Announces Portion Of 2009 Football Telecast Selections - Big 12 Conference - Official Athletic Site
The Big 12 has announced television schedule and your Red Raiders have two games.

Fourteen contests have currently been chosen by ABC and ESPN, nine of those as part of the Big 12's television package along with five non-conference road games. The Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship will be aired by ABC in prime time for the ninth time as it makes its debut in Cowboys Stadium. FSN has announced four of its initial selections and one game that will be televised by VERSUS.

Saturday, September 19 Texas Tech at Texas ABC 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 26 Texas Tech at Houston ESPN2* 8:15 p.m.

Which reminds me that ESPN's Bruce Feldman thinks that the Houston Cougars could be a BCS buster (i.e., this is a scary game).

ESPN's Tim Griffin gives us all a peak at Phil Steele's college preview football magazine and is picking Texas Tech to finish 4th in the Big 12 South. 

And last, but not least, the lights have come down at Jones AT&T Stadium and those lights are going to help LCU upgrade their current facilities.