Football Friday :: Worrying About the Air Raid and Player Reaction
by Seth C on Jan 15, 2010 6:40 AM CST
in Texas Tech Football
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PrintBecause there was so much information this morning, I thought it might be best to make one post about all of the football news. Not to mention, I'm not afraid of change, I embrace it, and I hope you enjoy this curveball today.
Press Junket
Yesterday, in addition to meeting with the team, Tuberville had the opportunity to meet with every local news organization. A lot of those interviews are linked below, but Tuberville did one-on-one interviews with each and every outlet, which is interesting in that he's really wanting to make a good first impression and reach out to the media, get himself on television and get more exposure for Texas Tech. All of those videos will be linked at the very bottom of this post.
Everyone Is Worried About the Offense
I keep reading about where Tuberville lied in his initial press conference regarding retaining the entire former staff and keeping the offense. I wanted to take a step back and go back to the transcript and here's what Tuberville said about wanting to hire coordinators, who will then make the decision on position coaches:
I'm a believer of having a great offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator. But I also believe in letting them have the opportunity to interview coaches, to make sure that they fit into their beliefs and how they want them to coach, either receivers, running backs, quarterbacks, offensive line.
And here's what Tuberville specifically said about the offense:
So those that are out there thinking well, he's going to change everything we're doing on offense, that's wrong. We'll make some subtle changes. Most that you won't even recognize when we get to spring practice and we get to the fall.
Snip.
The thing that's given me problems over the years of defending is multiple offenses, sets, motions out of the backfield, motions from wide receivers, different personnel. Fast-paced offense. I can't really tell you at the moment what we'll look at in terms of changing. But, again, it will be very subtle in what we do. We're going to air it out. We're going to keep the air raid. I think it's something that Tech has hit upon that gives them that identity to recruit and we all want to have.
I'm not trying to nit-pick here, but if there's anything that Tuberville is guilty of is that he used a term near and dear to the heart of Red Raider fans and that the offense that we've known so well may not be the exact same offense in years past.
Again, Tuberville openly acknowledged that it wasn't going to be exactly the same, but then he says that Texas Tech is going to keep the Air Raid offense. But knowing what we know now, in that Tuberville has hired offensive coordinator, who has talked about increasing the same style of offense but possibly running more and increasing the tempo isn't such a bad thing.
I'd also like to go ahead and remind everyone that in 2008 Leach ran a number of two tight end sets, which included your favorite wide-out in Adam James and former Red Raider, Ryan Hale, a running back / tight end and punishing blocker. Leach didn't have a true tight end on the roster this year, other than James, who really doesn't have the size to be a tight end, and the relationship with James soured, but don't be surprised if you see a few tight end sets with Brown. We also saw Leach have a few Wild-cat plays with former WR Eric Morris in 2008 and I Leach tinkered with this in the spring with WR Cornelious Douglas. Don't be surprised to see this as well.
What Is the Air Raid?
Before we continue, I'd love to hear your comments about what is the Air Raid offense to you. As we move along in this process from the initial press conference to today, I'm really surprised by the personal connection that folks have with a particular offense, and that the Air Raid offense shouldn't be referenced because the Air Raid was Leach. Again, perhaps this is just an instance of a poor choice of words by Tuberville, a choice of words that he may not have realized that fans would have had such a personal connection.
But I ask you . . . what is the Air Raid offense?
And this isn't some rhetorical question where I'm going ask it, and then answer it for you. I want your comments about what you think the Air Raid offense but what I'm thinking is that if we have 30 different comments, then we're going to have 30 different answers (also check out SmartFootball).
The Hot Seat . . . Offensive Coordinator
New offensive coordinator Neal Brown received his opportunity to meet with the media yesterday and he's saying all of the right things in that the offense isn't broken and Brown is here to try to make the offense better. LAJ's Don Williams and DT's Alex Ybarra both write this morning that Brown wants the tempo of the offense to be faster. Here's Brown:
"One thing we will do is we’ll pick up the tempo,’’ Brown said. "I thought (the Raiders) did a decent job in the bowl game doing that. We’re going to pick up the tempo and play a little faster than they probably have.’’
Brown's main philosophy is to get the football to players in space and get the football to the best players:
"My whole philosophy is I want to get the best players the football in space,’’ Brown said. "If the running backs are the best players, then they’re going to get the most touches. If the wide receivers are the best players they’re going to get the most touches. It’s not a deal where I’m coming in here saying, ‘The running backs are going to get the most touches.’ Whoever the best guys are are going to get the touches.’’
And Brown makes it clear that he's not here to fix anything:
"I’m not a fool," Brown said. "I’m not here to fix this. There ain’t nothing broken here. You can look at the stats. You can look at the results. The offense isn’t broken. There will be some subtle differences. Joe Schmoe sitting in the stands isn’t going to notice the difference."
I'm going to throw a ton of links to video after the jump, but I wanted to include this bit from the DT (they always do great work and they upload it on YouTube, which makes my life infinitely easier) from Neal Brown:
I'm going to reserve judgment until I can see this for myself, during the spring game, but right now, I think that Tuberville and Brown are all saying the right things and don't see where they've lied to fans regarding how the offense will change, remain the same, etc.
Much more after the jump, including player reactions, news on Scotty Young and links to all sorts of video of yesterday's events.
Player Reactions
Yesterday was the first time that the players were going to have the opportunity to meet Tuberville and there's a ton of reaction, most of the players comments are that Tuberville wants a more professional and tidy ship. LAJ's Adam Zuvanich and DT's Adam Coleman both recap the players' thoughts on their new head coach, here's LB Bron Bird:
"As soon as he walked in, there was definitely a different feeling in the air," Tech linebacker Bront Bird said. "He’s a real professional guy. He came in in a tie and slacks and the whole deal, and I think one thing that he said that kind of got everybody fired up is, ‘I came here to win championships.’ He said, ‘I’ve been to six (championship games) and won three of them.’
It seems as if the biggest thing that the media and the players discussed is that there is now a dress code for the staff and for the players that are at the complex. Here's LB Brian Duncan:
"It’s a big difference. It’s a big change," Duncan said. "You have our strength and conditioning staff with polo shirts on, with ties. Even our equipment staff, they normally wear sweats and stuff, with polos and ties. The whole atmosphere is professional. It’s very, very professional, and I think they can get more done with a professional staff."
And Bird is excited about the opportunities of playing in a Tuberville 3-4 defense:
"To me, it’s just an exciting defense because you can do so many things out of it," he said. "You can get in a 4-3, you can bring as many people as you want, drop people quarterbacks aren’t used to seeing drop — like a one-technique or something like that. I’m excited about it and it’ll be a lot of fun."
Again, another DT production with players such as Brian Duncan, Alexander Torres, Steven Sheffield, Taylor Potts and Tramain Swindall:
Scotty Young, Quarterback of the Future
Denton Ryan quarterback and current Texas Tech commit spoke to the media yesterday, as did his Denton Ryan head coach, about Scotty Young's commitment to Texas Tech. FWST's Dwain Price is the only one on this story and Young says that he's talked with Tuberville and with Texas Tech offensive coordinator Neal Brown:
"He seems like a good coach and a good guy," Young said of Tuberville. "I talked to [Coach Brown on Wednesday night] a little bit and he was helping me out and letting me know that they are going to throw the ball a lot. Although it’ll be a little more balanced, the offense should be about the same — just little changes to it — so it seems like a good thing."
And both Potts and Sheffield discussed how they both wished they could play for Tuberville for more than their remaining year of eligibility:
Potts: "He should be excited to come down here," Potts said Thursday. "I’m sorry I only get to play under [Tuberville] for one year because I wish I had more, to be honest with you."
Sheffield: "I hope [Young] can come here, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about him,’’ Sheffield said. "He came up here and we played some basketball, and he’s a good guy and he’s a good basketball player, too. I just hope that he can trust Coach Tuberville and know that there’s still a lot to accomplish here no matter who’s coaching. We’re going nowhere but up as far as the entire program goes."
Again, per Price, Denton head coach Joey Florence had this to say about Young and his decision:
"I just think the whole (circumstances surrounding the firing of Leach) is bizarre out there,'' Florence said. "But I want what's best for Scotty and hopefully it'll be a good match for everybody and it'll work out for Tech and for Scotty.
"I've heard a lot of good things about both Tuberville and Coach Brown, but we'll just have to wait and see. Scotty is very intelligent and he and his parents will make the right decision, and we'll just have to wait and see how it works out.''
Florence said: "If he's in the spread and they're throwing it -- he's a pocket-passing quarterback -- that's what he needs to do. He's not real terribly agile and mobile.
"But if they expect him to stand in there and throw it, then he'll do good. I know he's going to meet with them and try to hammer out the details and make sure that's what's right for everybody.''
This situation sounds better that the situation regarding fellow Texas Tech commit, Kadron Boone. I'd also like to clarify something that's been passed around where Tuberville allegedly stated that he's talked with every recruit. Keep in mind when Tuberville was hired, he said this:
At 12:06 central time, Coach Myers called me and offered me the job, and I accepted. I guess about six-and-a-half hours later I was here in town, on the phone with almost -- not all -- but all the players that I could visit with on the phone about their commitment to Texas Tech or their looking at Texas Tech with some possibilities of going on other places.
Again, Tuberville never stated that he talked to all recruits, but almost all of the recruits. We have no idea if Tuberville contacted Boone, but for whatever reason couldn't get in touch with him. I'd also like to remind folks that I believe starting on this Monday (01/11/2010), there is a dead period where coaches cannot contact players, so Tuberville had less than 12 hours to hold his initial press conference, meet with the media and try to call as many commits before the clock struck midnight.
Interviews and Videos: LAJ with Tuberville . . . KAMC with Neal Brown and players . . . Fox34 with Neal Brown . . . KAMC with Tuberville . . . KCBD with Tuberville . . . Fox34 with player reaction . . . Fox34 with a preview with Tuberville . . .
Miscellaneous: LAJ on the Team Leach Rally yesterday afternoon . . . DMN's Kevin Sherrington thinks that Texas Tech hiring Tuberville was better than USC's hiring of Lane Kiffen . . . LAJ's Don Williams on the James Willis hire for defensive coordinator (more on this later next week) and that Tuberville is close to hiring Tommy Maindord, formerly the offensive coordinator at Lamar (son of Carlos Mainord) and Travaris Robinson, formerly at Southern Mississippi as their cornerbacks coach . . . LAJ's Don Williams writes that QB Taylor Potts was the target of a home robbery, but the police has apprehended the suspects . . . TR's dedfischer ponders building a defense (I'm not sure I have to say this, but really a must read) . . . LAJ's Don Williams writes that Chancellor Kent Hance would like for Ruffin McNeill to work in the athletic department at Texas Tech (I'm not a big fan of Hance right now, but I really like this gesture as I'm fond of Ruffin as a person) . . . LAJ's Adam Zuvanich writes that the players support Adam James (I'd like for Zuvanich to talk with students about how they feel) . . .
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im copyin and pasting my comment from another post
this was my definition of the air raid from a couple days ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34uzkpR9XbA
the air raid involves very few plays and repition of these plays to a degree few other schools can match. it also involves wide recievers and quarterbacks being coached to find the open or soft spot in zone defenses and to "sit down" in these zones. the air raid also incorporates very wide splits amongst the offensive linemen which is something leach helped to pioneer and is now being used in many other similar systems. the air raid tries to spread 11 guys all the way across the field and attempts to get equal touches to all eligible pass catchers so that the defense cannot focus on one person in particular. the air raid is practiced in a very particular fashion which you can see in teh video. leach studied offenses for years to develop this style of football. the air raid is not just a throw it all over the yard type of offense nor is it just a quick tempo offense like most spreads. it is innovative and unique unlike most spreads out there.
by orangebloodvampire on Jan 15, 2010 7:29 AM CST reply actions
UGH!!!!
I HATE change!!!!! I can’t believe you did not put all of this in the DD! I’m gonna make some shirt… “Team DD” and maybe put a picture of a big bra with swords crossed underneath it. Anyone have any suggestions for a better symbol? I’ll sell them all over the web! Also, we need to get a facebook group together for Team DD to demand that the football news be put back in the DD! And we need a RALLY!!!!!!!! What’s everyone doing at 7:30 am tomorrow morning? Let’s meet up at Memorial Circle. Maybe we can even get the DD to call in. It’ll be awesome and Seth will see that we won’t stand for this!
I know I for one will not be giving another dime to DTN until the football news has returned to the DD! You didn’t even give football news fair warning… just BAM out of nowhere! Where was its due process. I’m just gonna go ahead and call for Seth’s head right now… I demand that he resign immediately if this is how he is going to run this site!
(painfully obvious, but insert sarcasm font all over this comment)
Get over it... I'm movin' on...
The DD’s just out for itself… always trying to draw your attention away from everything else… no loyalty… probably out shopping itself around linked to other websites… it’s just trying to use this site as a stepping stone to something else…
It’s kind of quirky… you never know what it’s going to say… and it’s way too difficult to deal with.. trying to get everything into the same place… and there’s a lot of other issues you don’t even know about… it basically brought all these problems on itself…
How many Nobel Prizes did the DD ever win? How many Pulitzers?
I think we ought to get rid of the DD altogether… Go back to some good old paper printing and physical distribution literature… It’s proven… that’s what it takes to win the big one….
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 1:55 PM CST up reply actions
This is about justice.
If you were the DD you’d shop yourself around to, that’s just business, you can’th old the DD responsible for having a wandering eye.
This is not about the DD anyways it is about justice and we can’t just have people running the show who would move the DD like that. The DD was the best post in this site’s history, do you remember what came before it? We can’t do anything without the DD.
This site was here before the DD...
And it will be here after the DD…
Are you a member of the DD? Or are you a member of DTN?
DTN’s bigger than just the DD… The DD just got a little too big for it’s britches… so the adminstration had to make a move… the admin did the right thing… and if you think you and any of your facebook friends have any say in it, you’re sadly mistaken… that’s not the way we do things around here…
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 2:21 PM CST up reply actions
Well ok fine
without the DD we’ll just go back to the same old vanilla posting news hodge-podge. You think that’s going to help us compete with the Burnt Orange Nation’s of the world? Don’t think so.
Also DD put us on the map, people were talking about us, and now we’re going to be just another blog without anything to distinguish us from others. Can’t believe we did this to the DD it’s unconscionable
I don't really care if the "news hodge-podge" does make DTN a better sight.....
and increases membership 1000 fold. We didn’t do it with DD, and we didn’t do it my way, and that’s all that matters. I just don’t like it.
What in the hell is DD?
Am I just missing something completely?
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
Yeah, I finally figured it out.
Mind has officially left the body.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
I'm preparing a Temporary Restraining Order to fix this whole DD thing
I’m confident it will be successful – unless Seth bans me for life before the hearing actually occurs
by jeffinhouston on Jan 15, 2010 2:33 PM CST up reply actions
Back in Dimmitt...
If you ever filed a TRO against you’re site admin, you’re going to get banned…
You’re just bringing it on yourself… you’re bannning yourself…
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 2:37 PM CST up reply actions
If he does...........I'll throw a rally together at 10:00am, April 15th......
I don’t think most will have anything else going on.
why u being so insubordinate?
i need you to sign something or else im giong to have to ban you from teh site
In the meantime.....
do you have a 26 year old kid, and a 500 pound friend that can blog in your place?
You bastards get in the shed
an lock it behind you.
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
As an assistent blogger........
I don’t know if the shed is a good idea. jeffinhouston has a “mild” case of carpaltunnel (sp) and I think the shed might be a tad inappropriate. At least thats what I will say if my job depends on it.
Oh what the hell.
I just got a call from jeffinhouston’s dad, says we’re not giving him enough space on the website. If he calls again I’ll play it for all of you.
Replacement
Is anyone interested in replacing jeffinhouston? Looks like that spot is about to open up. I think we’d be better off with a blogger than can defend an opinion better than presenting one. The DD already gives enough opinions, and it will prolly stay about the same, but we could take it up a notch if commentors could defend the points made in the DD.
I don't think we have to look very far......
From what I can tell, Jeff has a 500 pound friend who should be able to fill in nicely. Even though he has never really been effective as a defensive blogger. But damn it, the other bloggers really love’em, and he has a bear hug that will take the breath out of you!
Sounds risky
but I like it. Maybe we should keep our eyes open just in case though. You never know if there is an old wise blogger from one of the SEC sites that could come in and make a difference defending posts.
Might be worth a look, just don't tweet the FanPosts
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
Thank you!!
Thanks to jdeeTTU, Houston Raider, Skin Patrol, TTUMAR and balckbeard for providing the best laugh I’ve had all week! Thanks for the laughter therapy.
My only concern
I agree with Seth, change was inevitable the moment they fired Leach. Give Tuberville credit for retaining atleast the style of our offense. If he wanted he could have gone out their an brought in an OC with a non-spread mindset, but he didn’t do so, unlike Briles, who wanted a clean house for his type of offense. Also, TT has made some very very solid hires as his staff. Besides, it’s looking like we will retain majority of our recruiting class.
What concerns me however, is just as in the case of Leach, Tech and TT have not signed on the contract yet.
Moving on
Seems like the players are excited about the change and the new staff. Now if all the fans and Monday morning QB’s will move on and get excited about this change too. I have a feeling that we will be proud of our Red Raiders next fall when they run on that field to play for ALL of us.
Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships!
by all means... move on if you like
the rest of us will hang onto the good old days of 8 win seasons like a dog on a prize bone.
I reserve the right to be wrong here, but I think we’re headed for a precipitous decline.
Woukld this be similiar.....
to the precipitous decline that was suppose to take place when Spike Dykes left?
by TTUMAR on Jan 15, 2010 10:30 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
God, I was glad to see him go.
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
Someone shoot me
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
I was on campus during his last year...
I seem to remember us being beaten by UNT that year… and I was certainly not among those predicting a decline from Spike, rather I thought there was nowhere to go but up.
+1
Remember Brown was with Leach for 2 years @ Kentucky as a player. I like what I saw on the tape of the ‘09 LSU game( except the prarie dog stuff) and it seemed very very similar to the Air Raid. I did like the “pistol” look for the run and as long a we score points and win, I don’t really care. Maybe time for a new offense moniker anyway! Wreck’Em Tech
The Times, They Are A'Changin....
Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
……..
Don’t stand in the doorway
Don’t block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There’s a battle outside
And it is ragin’
It’ll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
……………
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin’
Please get out of the new one
If you can’t lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin’.
As much as it may hurt the old roaders to admit….the changes taking place right now in TTU football are changes that have long been needed. Discipline, discipline, discipline. Things like looking professional at work may seem trivial, but they set a precedence that changes the whole mentality of a team. Just look at the responses from player’s quotes. They are buying into the professionalism, the discipline, the championship mentality.
Even if we don’t jump out to a 10 win season next year, the atmospherical changes that are happening here are needed. TTU has long been known as one of the most penalized, undisciplined teams in the NCAA. It has driven me (and you, admit it) crazy for years. We have always dismissed it as, “well, that’s the price you pay to lead the nation in passing,” but I would give up all the passing records just to start winning all the “bad games,” which in my opinion, are the direct result in a lack of discipline.
Guns Up, Raider Faithful. The Times, They Are A’Changing…..and its exciting.
Discipline matters more to Tubs than to Leach...
but only because he knows his offense can’t make up the difference. A 10 yd holding penalty is a joke to the Air Raid. It’s a serious problem to a team that grinds out 3 yd runs.
Seriously, though, I’m going to miss the Brandon Carters of the Leach era… and the pirate talk… and all the other things that made the games fun to folks who aren’t football traditionalists…
I seriously doubt that a 60,000 seat stadium will be necessary in the Tuberville era – even if we do win 10 games a year.
BS!
Discipline is subjective. Leach allowed players to be themselves within the framework of the team. Leach regularly suspended players for not following rules. He forced kids to go to class and study hall. Hence #1 graduatinon rate (kiss that goodbye). His point about making mistakes in a game situation was that if you were always worried about making mistakes you would not be able to go all out. Leach had more discipline than 95% of coaches in the game. Discipline and his hands being tied trying to enforce it is what started this whole mess. Don’t give me that crap!
The penalites Tech acquired were in
The penalites Tech acquired were relative to the yard gained. It’s a byproduct of the unconventional formations that allowed Tech to gain so many yards and points.
So all those personal fouls, false starts and pass interference were a product of design? Meh…
by Tech92 on Jan 15, 2010 10:02 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Trying to argue that Leach (or any good coach) was ok with penalties? Not a faster way in the game to kill a drive than a 10 yard holding penalty on 2&10 or a personal foul after a 25 yard gain.
And Remember Get Your Guns Up!
you are missing the point. due to the wide splits of the offensive line you are more susceptible to false starts and holding penalties. that is what you risk for the reward of passing and running lanes and greater distances for defensive lineman and linebackers to travel. I am not speaking of personal fouls and intereference is up for debate.
Many Penalties
came on defense. Our defense didn’t play well enough to give up boneheaded penalties. On the rare occasion we got a stop on 3rd down I always looked for a flag. I will agree that 1st and 10 and 1st and 20 were pretty much the same for our offense, but our defense put said offense in a tough spot several times because of careless penalties.
Penalties Tech aquired
The penalites Tech acquired were relative to the yard gained. It’s a byproduct of the unconventional formations that allowed Tech to gain so many yards and points.
…I would argue that they were also a byproduct of the perenial “bad loss.”
Everyone knows that our penalties were caused by the declining polar bear population.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
actually
it was Nolan Ryan’s snow monkeys
by kevinkinsler on Jan 15, 2010 10:56 AM CST up reply actions
Chupacabra has been implicated, somehow.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 10:58 AM CST up reply actions
It’s like I am playing cards with my brother’s kids. What you lack in talent you make up in other ways. When you are beat deep you take the receiver down. When you are beat on a block you save your quarterback by holding.
Leach started out punishing kids for penalties they committed on the field. I think what he found was he had a bunch of kids playing worried about committing penalties instead of just giving it all they had. As Ruffin said “clear heads make quick feet.”. I think with the level of talent that Tech has compared to the talent of some of their competitiors you have to do things differently and you have to give all you have every play. Penalties are going to happen. As the talent gets better I think you can thien focus more on reducing some penalties.
Someone on DTN had posted a study on penalties some time ago...
I don’t remember the details… but the general takeaway for me was that penalties and success were not very well correlated… Many of the most highly ranked teams were the most penalized and many of the worst teams were the least penalized…
The perception that Leach is not disciplined because of the number of penalties is just another one of many judgements against him that is based more on traditional thinking than just the merits or results of his untraditional approach….
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 12:43 PM CST up reply actions
+111111111
Amen. Conventional wisdom will kill this football program unless the talent level increases considerably. Walk into a game with the same conventional approach as your opponent & he will beat you if he has better players. 3 Big 12 South teams always have better talent than Tech and Okie Light is running even lately.
Raider75, Houston Raider, and mbrown603.....
Your argument that giving up more penalties is just an unfortunate byproduct of having a high octane offense….that is the problem! And I would argue that this is the conventional wisdom that needs to change….its not college football conventional wisdom, but its been Texas Tech football conventional wisdom over the past 10 years that has to change.
The rationale that you can give up 100+ yards in penalties because you can make up for it with 400+ total yards of offense makes sense when you’re playing Rice or Baylor. But if you want to get to the next level, ie winning 10+ games/year consistently, you cannot keep that mentality.
And its not just a lack of discipline regarding penalties….its also a lack of discipline in play calling. Call it conventional wisdom, conservatism or whatever….some of the undisciplined calls we have been making over the past 10 years have been a direct result of our inability to avoid the “bad loss.”
Take the Houston game this year. 4th and short, late in the 4th quarter with a 6 point lead against an offense that has been torching your defense all night long. What you call “conventional wisdom” (I call a disciplined offense) kicks the field goal and wins the game. The play that Tech called in this situation resulted in the chronic Tech “bad loss.”
Now ask yourself, if Tubs was in the same situation, with his “conventional wisdom,” does he make the same call we did? Hell no! He makes the disciplined call, and Tech has a 10 win season. Hell, maybe 11, because the Tech team that got spanked by A&M was also largely due to UNDISCIPLINED football.
Re
But if you want to get to the next level, ie winning 10+ games/year consistently, you cannot keep that mentality.
Florida and Oklahoma played in the National Championship last year. They were tied for 7th in the country in most penalties.
This year, Troy was 5th in the country.
When Auburn went undefeated in 2004, they had 160 more penalty yards than the University of Central Florida, who did not win a game.
Even if I accepted
your theory that Tech’s above average penalties haven’t contributed to their “bad losses,” how do you, mbrown, jdeeTTU and the other pro-penalty theorists feel about my undisciplined play-calling argument?
Seth (?)
had a great post a while back detailing the factors of our ‘bad losses’ and, IIRC, penalties weren’t one of them..
a disciplined offense is not judged by playcalling, the coach is…and having a coach who might too often want to go for it on 4th down is a stretch to call him undisciplined.
In fact, I would say his approach to some of the big games (playing it safe and going for field goals, especially early) caused us to never be able to come out on top (specifically OU in 2006)
by kevinkinsler on Jan 15, 2010 2:32 PM CST up reply actions
I disagree with it.
I’ve stated my position a lot but, put simply, I think the conventional wisdom on punting and field goals is broken. The decisions of most NCAA and NFL coaches does not hold up against statistical scrutiny. David romer of Berkeley had a great paper on it, but…
Here is a statistical analysis from the pros:
http://www.advancednflstats.com/2009/09/4th-down-study-part-4.html
Scroll down to the bottom and it shows when teams should or should not go for it.
For the record...
I’m not pro-penalty… I’m just saying that the number of penalties are not due to Leach being undisciplined… there are different factors that cause the high number of penalties… and some of them are good things on the whole…
Regarding undisciplined play-calling…
Again, I disagree…
It’s not undisciplined… In fact, it’s pretty disciplined… it’s just based on some more unconventional, yet statistically valid, thinking…
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 3:05 PM CST up reply actions
Still......
can’t figure out how Dana and Kliff are able to do the exact same thing we do down in Houston, but without the “disciplined and unconventional” penalties, time out wasting, etc…..I mean they don’t even have a pirate?
Don't know about last year, but...
the year before, UH had 110 penalties in 13 games, TT had 113 penalties in 13 games…
Maybe they’re a little more pirate than you think they are…
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 4:02 PM CST up reply actions
maybe they are a crappy commuter school...
And if we ever lose to them again I am going to freak out and reveal my evidence that Zebbie really did steal all that stuff.
a win next year won't be easy
Keenum will be back and I think I heard 9 of 11 starters on offense returning. It will be a shootout in Lubbock. Oh, wait. Maybe not.
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jan 15, 2010 4:31 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah
we may not have the playcalling for a shootout anymore.
Pirate for life...
by Damien Franco on Jan 16, 2010 6:02 AM CST up reply actions
Penalties don't harm a teams win loss record
http://www.fanblogs.com/ncaa/007596.php
Conventional wisdom is a trap. Free your mind.
penalties don't harm teams
teams harm teams. Remember kids, ‘The best offense is a good defense’ and ‘Only you can prevent Flagrant Fouls!’
I can't wait to see all those exciting field goals!
and punts.
Also, I though Leach was fired because he was too much of a hard ass disciplinarian and forcefully threw an innocent, weak child in an electrical closet. He also said some really mean things to him too.
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jan 15, 2010 2:19 PM CST up reply actions
Summary of my post
since you apparently didn’t read it.
Areas of Leach lack in discipline: Penalties and play calling.
And I'd rather see a field goal and a W
than a failed 4th down conversion, a loss and another season riddled with bad losses. If you wanna see more of that, just stick to your playstation.
That's the wrong way to think about it.
The FG is either the right or the wrong decision. But if it is the right decision, it isn’t wrong because the kicker misses it, correct? You wouldn’t say after a loss in which the kicker booted a FG that we should’ve gone for it, would you?
Depends on the situation....
In the Houston game this year, it was the wrong decision. We were up by six. Houston needs a TD to win unless we can score. Between a field goal and a TD, the field goal is the better chance for us to win, especially from inside the 5 yardline.
hey, I'm ready to lead the nation
in fewest penalties and cliche press conferences. Add in those 3-2 scores and I’m getting excited already!
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jan 15, 2010 2:37 PM CST up reply actions
I'm getting a Kicker jersey next year!
GOOOOOOOOOOO FIELD GOALS!!!
Pirate for life...
by Damien Franco on Jan 16, 2010 6:03 AM CST up reply actions
+1
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 5:22 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
About the Air Raid
I think there are several important components to the Air Raid.
- Spread the field horizontally. Sets include multiple WRs and wide splits on the OL.
- Pass first. Check down to a run only when dictated by the defense.
- Crossing route combinations should be emphasized to take advantage of holes in zone coverage. Routes should be “layered” in order to spread the defense both vertically and horizontally.
- Shotgun. Lining up under center is for ’90s Nebraska style teams. If you want to throw it, your qb needs to see the field.
- Screens and draws keep the defense honest, NOT straight run plays.
- QBs should be accurate. WRs should be quick and have strong hands. Linemen should be huge immovable objects (quick pulling guards are totally unnecessary), RBs should be able to pass block, TEs should look good sitting on the bench
BD above pretty much sums it up
BUt, you know me, I gotta add something
Tons of repititon in practice – read the link Seth provides to understand
Distribution to the first open receiver – not necessarily the “best player”
Splitting and settling in zones
One route opening a second route
And the biggest factor for Texas Tech’s recent successes Blocking by receivers.
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
He's undefeated in press conferences.
I am not sure what it is you think you told me about him and press conferences.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 10:34 AM CST up reply actions
I saved a lot of money on car insurance.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
Naw I was just saying I am happy to hear Neal Brown talk about the offense. I said yesterday “Don’t fix what ain’t broken” and he said the same thing today. I was worried about Scotty Young yesterday and am less worried today. The players are buying into Tuberville, etc.
Lots of good news in today’s roundup, all I’m sayin’.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 10:41 AM CST up reply actions
Gotcha....
SI.com is still running with the story that Scotty is looking elsewhere. In the end I’m with you, less concerned. IF Brown does have a tendancy to run the QB more though, I wonder if Karam gets a hard look in the spring. My not be a bad fanpost, analyzing the QBs that will be on staff and in a wide open race with new coaching staff, who is likely to win.
Our starting quarterback is already mobile.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
LOL, are you going to personally force him to eat CiCis buffett...
three times a day? 170lbs ain’t gonna get it done.
Whatever the word is for people who are prejudiced against weight.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 10:52 AM CST up reply actions
Well excuse me.
I have a dream that my quarterbacks will one day play on a team where they will not be judged by the weight on their bones but by their success on the field.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 11:03 AM CST up reply actions
Well Mr. Martin Luther King Jr of weight issues.....
you can have all of the “DREAMS” you like, the bottom line is your pony needs to get on the Ruffin Mcneil diet ASAP, or a broken foot is going to be the least of our worries.
Your viciously weightist comments are not harmless.
Somewhere there is a skinny kid piling donuts into his stomach so that he can play quarterback at a division 1 school, just like his boyhood hero Jared Lorenzen.
That kid should be eating Flutie flakes.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 11:11 AM CST up reply actions
maybe the QB prospects who have 'NFL talent'
taking snaps from under center may be more apt to look at Tech now
by kevinkinsler on Jan 15, 2010 10:58 AM CST up reply actions
Tennessee?
They overlooked controversy surrounding their last coach….but then said coach royally screwed them over. But imagine what Leach could produce with Tennessee recruiting….
They already hired a coach I think.
David Cutriff or something like that, I was listening to it on the radio yesterday.
by Skin Patrol on Jan 15, 2010 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
Yep. TTUMAR stated this as well
But just want to point out that he turned down Tennessee for Duke! Holy crap things must be bad at Tenn…
IMWTx
by imisswesttexas on Jan 15, 2010 10:48 AM CST up reply actions
This is probably a rude awakening for Tennessee. They were 5-7 last year and 7-6 this year. Eww.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me...
well said....Ewwww
One word though: Duke. Seriously, we’re talkin bout Duke Football. We’re not talkin bout basketball here or coach K or anything. We’re talkin about Duke football, man. (felt like an AI moment)
IMWTx
by imisswesttexas on Jan 15, 2010 11:09 AM CST up reply actions
Kent Hance is no fool......
Once he heard the outrage regarding that athlectic dept. secretary who was fired Wed. after working at Tech since she was 17, and surviving 5 coaches, Kent moved quickly. Introducing Ashley Green, she will be now be responsible for all dictation in the athletic office.
hehe, dictation....
not what I read the first time
by kevinkinsler on Jan 15, 2010 11:22 AM CST up reply actions
hiring dooley from louisiana tech, losing record in the wac
by orangebloodvampire on Jan 15, 2010 5:07 PM CST up reply actions
To the bank......
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
Hairdressers of Lubbock......
All flocking to get Neal Brown’s number so they can change his bowl haircut. He looks like he is part of that Jack in the Box commercial or a really big fan of dumb and dumber (greatness).
I can’t critique this guy in football terms yet, because he is undefeated……but if we do the Prairie Dog offense, I will reserve the right to unleash the curse of Johnny Mack on him.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 11:30 AM CST reply actions
I was thinking it would be hard to run the offense even faster than we have been (his words) and do the prairie dog at the same time.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
Really?
Id love to see us NOT do the Meerkat Manor offense.
The Lyle Leong Bandwagon will Continue to Roll!!!
Respect Everyone....Fear No One!
Wreck 'em, Tech!
by Tortilla Pirate on Jan 15, 2010 11:58 AM CST up reply actions
crap....
Now I can’t watch any offense look to the sideline without thinking about meerkats, the prairie dog reference is funny, but the meercat reference is dead on.
by Guns Up Finn on Jan 15, 2010 12:06 PM CST up reply actions
He looks like that Simon the “drawrings” kid Mike Myers played on SNL
The Lyle Leong Bandwagon will Continue to Roll!!!
Respect Everyone....Fear No One!
Wreck 'em, Tech!
by Tortilla Pirate on Jan 15, 2010 12:02 PM CST up reply actions
Dress Codes
If we’re going to play football like it’s 1966 we may as well dress like its 1966. I do hope this 1966 football can compete with the 2010 football being played at other Big 12 schools. If not, Hell at least we’ll look good losing.
(still bitter obviously. I’m working on that)
Coach Dickey tried dress codes.........
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
Ruff staying with Tech????
It appears that Hance has offered Ruffin McNeill a job. Didn’t see this posted or linked to so I thought I would post it. Sorry if it has, this job thing really interferers with my analyzing, over analyzing and obsessing with TTU football.
http://www.redraiders.com/2010/01/14/hance-mcneill-has-job-at-tech-if-he-wants-it/
I find the offer a little interesting. I think Ruff is a great guy, but can’t help but wondering if Hance wants Ruff on TTU’s payroll in regards to the lawsuit or if my conspiracy theory portion of my brain is working too hard… off to hunt UFOs and bigfoot, oh wait I have that job thing to do…
Never mind - it is posted in fan shot
I really should quit my job and dedicate more time reading this board – sorry.
by Guns Up Finn on Jan 15, 2010 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
I think what is unique about the Air Raid is that everyone needs to be accounted for on every play. The offense attempts to distribute the ball evenly so the defense can not just key on certain players. I think that is the drawback to what Brown is saying. He wants to get the ball to the best players. Obviously. But what happens when they are taken away by the defense? Do you keep trying to force the ball to them? Or do you then fall back on players who are not getting as many touches and therefore not as prepeared? Also being a pass first offense forces linebackers to become defensive backs. This becomes a mismatch and plays in favor of the offense.
Here are the differences between Tech’s “Air Raid” and any other so-called “Air Raid” offense that other people claim they can coach.
1.) Tech’s offensive playbook is written on a napkin. No other team in college football does this. And I highly doubt Coach Tuberville or any other coach in the nation could compete (let alone survive) coaching any team with such a small playbook. Only Mike Leach can pull that off.
2.) Distribution distribution distribution. Name me one other team who was capable of throwing to 11 different receivers in one game. I don’t think anyone can.
3.) I’ll point out the Michael Crabtree last second TD against UT last season. I’d really like to see Coach Tuberville pull that one off. I highly doubt he could. In fact, I think he would simply give up and call a stupid play that is very risky like run the ball and try to lateral it 7 times into the endzone. That is NOT the Tech “Air Raid”.
4.) Tech finds it’s “Air Raid” recruits anywhere they can. Hell, if a player lived in a cardboard box it wouldn’t surprise me that a coach like Mike Leach could turn him into a star player. Need I remind you that we found our field goal kicker from a “Kick for Rent” contest. That is how desperate our team is when finding recruits. That too is a part of our offense.
Overall, Tech is known for producing outstanding Wide Receivers and Offensive Lineman. Before the “Leach Era” about the only good players we created came out of Zac Thomas and Donny Anderson. That being said, I think it is safe to say that Leach has produced more NFL quality athletes than all of the other TTU football coaches in the past combined. That too is a part of the Tech “Air Raid” offense we cherish so deeply and want to keep.
Tech’s “Air Raid” also created players who knew how to swing their sword. The only thing Tuberville knows how to do is how to put a tie and suit on. The average rural West Texan in Lubbock, TX related more with Mike Leach than they could ever hope to relate to a “businessman” like Tommy Tuberville.
All of that being said, I don’t care what type of results Tommy Tuberville makes for Tech. Even if he does manage to get Tech to a BCS bowl game and wins a National Championship, it’s not the way I wanted Tech to win it. I wanted Tech to win it with an “underdog” coach with “underdog” players with an “underdog” fan base.
Now we have an “elite” at Coach similar to Bob Stoops and it makes me sick to my stomach that Tech might end up being just as controversial win their big wins like Bob Stoops is @ OU or Mack Brown is @ UT every time they manage to walk into a National Championship game. To me those coaches are full of themselves and that’s the way I look at Tommy Tuberville as well.
I simply don’t like it. Tommy Tuberville is a typical “elite” coach and does not carry any special attribute like Mike Leach carried. Tuberville is not an “innovator” and no where near being called a “Mad Scientist” of college football. He’s used to recruits walking into his program and I’m sorry but even comparing Tech to Auburn…I think it is safe to say that Tech has a harder time recruiting than Auburn could ever have simply because hardly anyone knows where Lubbock, TX is on a map.
Tech’s “Air Raid” was so good that it forced the rest of our conference to follow suit because they knew they weren’t smart enough to create such a clever offensive scheme that worked and was highly successful.
We’re not a national powerhouse. We’re not a perennial champion. It will still be special if we win a national championship, and we’ll still be underdogs.
Yeah, I wanted our unorthodox coach and our unorthodox offense that spit in the eye of every aging football genius to win it all too. But I’ll also take an underdog team that is concerned with discipline, professionalism, and consistency.
When Leach does win a national championship with another school, I’ll still feel really good about it.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me...
TTubs may not be the things you have described..........
but according to football coaches (not football bloggers), Neil Brown IS an innovator, IS a “mad scientist”, and his record setting accension within the ranks of offensive college coaches is something even Leach cannot claim.
I don’t expect Tubs to be a pioneering X’s & O’s guy (although on defense you could say he is), I do expect him to surround himself with “innovators”, and it would be hard to argue he hasn’t done just that.
His record setting ascension that even Leach cannot claim?
Wasn’t Leach about the same age as Brown when he decided to try coaching football? It looks like Brown has risen pretty quickly, but let’s not completely discount Leach’s rise and the way he changed college football. Name 10 schools that don’t run some variation of the spread/air raid? 10 years ago it was Oklahoma and Texas Tech…
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jan 15, 2010 2:30 PM CST up reply actions
Not discounting....just stating the facts...
Borwn is the youngest OC in the country. Leach never had that honor. But let’s not let the fact get in the way of a good romance.
TTUMAR- I am impressed with your ability to adapt
Here is a summary of where I think you stand after reading your posts the last few weeks:
You love Leach and want Leach to remain as coach but…
if he isn’t, Ruffin is qualified to be our new Mack Brown CEO but…
if Ruff loses out to Tubs, keeping Riley is more paramount than keeping Ruff but…
Brown is the new innovator mad scientist. Lincoln who?
So, the question is- if you are stranded on a desert island and can only choose between Mike Leach and his offense or Brown and his, which would you choose?
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jan 15, 2010 3:09 PM CST up reply actions
Leach's.....until Brown's wins more games.
But in fairness, to some degree your right. I would like to think I am entitled to both change my mind, admit when I’m worng, or in this case simply adapt to things out of my control.
I do love Leach, would have liked him to stay. The fact that he didn’t is out of my control.
At the time of the post you are butchering, Ruffin was appeared to be the best chance for us to continue recruiting class and culture. They didn’t choose Ruffin, we kept the recruits anyway (thus far), and we are keeping the offensive culture. All things out of my control, and are not contradictory.
As you stated, IF Tuberville was chosen through no control of mine, I still believe Riley was most important as do many others.
In the end, this appears to be a comment meant to paint my posts as wishy-washy, however as you can see, I have done what you sarcastically accused me of doing, which is to addapt to things out of my control. That very same abilty to adapt, and find ways to support this team and new staff would be valuable for you as well IMHO.
Sarcastic yes, but you are entitled to any opinion you have
Of course I was being sarcastic but I really do admire those that have been able to get excited about these new changes. For various reasons it has been tough for me to buy in (yet).
BTW- the correct answer was the Gay Pirate Fish.
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jan 15, 2010 3:28 PM CST up reply actions
excuse me, Gay Priate Sweedish Fist
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
I firmly believe that had the Gy Pirate Sweedish Fish been present....
when they asked Leach to sign those admissions of guilt, this all could have been avoided.
I would add.....
and no offense to you, I loved Mike too. But the notion that the only acceptable way to win a NC, Big 12C, or go to a BCS game is to do so as an “underdog” or by being “controversial” is really, really ridiculous. The fact of ther matter is being “controversial” is NOT what Texas Tech is about, it’s just been a facet of our LONG history for all of about 5 years. In the grand scheme of Raider history, a blip on the screen. I can’t help but think of words like short-sighted, as I read your post, and I think you are going to find your self in lonely company if you are not able to enjoy our future success because we did not do it “YOUR” way. As for this Red Raider, I’ll take a national championship any way they hand it out.
There is just too much nonsense in here to give you a free pass......
Mike leach (as much as I loved the guy), was anything but “relatable to West Texans”. Mike is a West coast guy through and through. He went to school in Malibu! His favorite home is in UTAH! His favorite “suit”? Try cargo shorts and flip flops, even in Dec. What about the hard working, disciplined, farmers and business owners of West Texas do you think Mike appealed to? He was a good coach, who did good things, and now he is gone. Don’t make him into something he wasn’t.
he appealed to me
and I’m about as west TX as you can get. Spent 33 years getting my credentials.
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jan 15, 2010 2:23 PM CST up reply actions
West Texans are compassionate
and whinced when he would run up the score against anyone. But they didn’t have to guess what he was thinking, and that makes him very relatable to West Texans.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 2:25 PM CST up reply actions
I used the wrong word there, I think he "appeals" to alot of people.....
SkyBlade used ther word “relates”. I live in West texas, my clients are farmers, teachers, business owners. No doubt we loved us some Leach, but no way do we “relate” to where Mike came from and who he is. People in Muleshoe don’t “relate” to people in Post, and native West Texnas sure as heck don’t “relate” to lawyers from Callfornia. But it doens’t mean we didn’t love him.
One way we relate to him...
Is, he is an individual…
He stands up for what he thinks and believes… (as we would say, “come hell or high water”)
He couldn’t be pigeon-holed into something that everyone else thinks he ought to be…
That’s old school West Texas pioneer spirit…
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 2:49 PM CST up reply actions
He also stood of for something HE believed in....
to the point it got his entire staff fired. Now their families are scrambling to find jobs, put food on the table, take care of young children. Do you think Leach asked what they thought about standing up for what Leached believes in? Is that an attitude West texans relate to?
Mike Leach got everyone fired!
First he fired himself then he fired all the coaches he’d given jobs to previously. Later on he touched my dog inappropriately and listened to satanic rites.
The aftermath and fallout all stem from the decision to fire Leach...
I don’t think ML asked or wanted to be fired, and therefore, didn’t intend for anyone else to be in the situation they’re in…
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 3:14 PM CST up reply actions
I agree with that....
But Mike was an individual. he was attacked, he made a stand. I don’t think it’s far fetched to say these other 100 or so people may not have been top of mind.
I think he thought he was going to win...
I don’t think he realized that he wasn’t until it was done…
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 3:31 PM CST up reply actions
He may still win.....in fact I think he will based on LondonRaider's analysis..
but his staff lost, no two ways about it.
That's not a win...
He lost big time… That’s a “try to get a little something back”…
Only way he ends up winning is to land somewhere else and accomplish more than what he was going to do here…
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
Colorado is my bet
if they don’t improve next year. He’ll probably go there for $1.
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jan 15, 2010 3:39 PM CST up reply actions
Someone else, maybe Seth speculated as much.
As if our unexplainable losses to them every two years aren’t demoralizing enough.
Leach got everybody fired?
Next thing you’ll be blaming European jews for the holocaust. The man was minding his own business coaching his football team when some nitwitted members of the Board of Regents got Hance to railroad him out of town. Those are people who are responsible for the staff members all being out of work.
people, good people, young and old....
are cleaning out their offices in Luboock this week, and don’t know what to tell their wives ands husbands. They did their job, they won games, but now they are unemployed. Do you think the Captian asks these folks if it was ok to take a moral stand and tell his boss to F-off?
the rub is.....
the Tech admin’s treacherous actions have made it impossible to get contracts with Syphilis, and Brain Cancer, which both have HC openings.
I never accused the Captain....
of satanic rituals or presidential assisinations. I did question whether he was a little self serving in all this. Smells just like when Marsha left. She got this awesome golden parachute, landed on feet. Not one of her staff was retained, no job interviews, no letters of rec, no six months severance.
TTUMAR, son, get a grip
take a postion, don’t just wander all over the place.
Spike once said (probably came out of the coaches manual circa 1965) “as coaches, we learn not to plant trees, cause we will never get to watch ’em grow”
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
Come on Blackbeard....
Every ones forgeting that SkyBlade just posted that he doesn’t care if we win championships if we don’t do it leach’s way! That Leach sent more players to the NFL than all others combined! That he cured cancer. I can’t say enough how much I loved the guy, but he, like I, also had faults, and this nonsense about hwe can do no wrong isjust like the idiots who could never move on after Spike.
FAIL:
Number of NFL Players MIke Leach sent to NFL: 12
Number of NFL Playres all other Tech coaches sent to NFL: 94
SkyBlade’s claim that Leach sent more players to NFL than all other coaches combined: FAIL
http://www.databasefootball.com/players/bycollege.htm?sch=Texas+Tech+University
Not to disagree with your reply
but your link does not include some of Leach’s players – still not even close however
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
The linked list....
also anyone who was drafted in the NFL, yet never played… (and they used to have 8 rounds in the draft)
However, the statement in SkyBlade’s post is still false…
But I can see how he might think that was the case… because even though we used to have a fairly steady trickle of players into the NFL, not one really noticed… I imagine many people would be surprised to know we had several players (especially defensive backs) go to the NFL back in the late 70’s and early 80’s… We had a pretty good defense in that era… but nobody knows because we rarely ever won…
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 3:25 PM CST up reply actions
courtesy of one Carlos Mainord
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
And one more....
“’ll point out the Michael Crabtree last second TD against UT last season. I’d really like to see Coach Tuberville pull that one off. I highly doubt he could. In fact, I think he would simply give up and call a stupid play that is very risky like run the ball and try to lateral it 7 times into the endzone. That is NOT the Tech "Air Raid".”
-SkyBlade
Buddy did you watch that play? Nothing happened in that play, and I mean nothing, that can be attributed to Mike Leach. Crabs was at best the 2nd read, Graham had to throw accross the fieldmafter rolling slightly left, and Crabtree’s ability to beat a double team, stay in bounds, and get in the end zone were the ONLY reasons that play worked. Leach was nothing more than a spectator, just like the rest of us.
Mike Leach’s legacy as the greatest coach to thus far grace Texas Tech, is only tarnished by this ridiculous romanticising. let coach be who he was, we all remember him, always will.
Wreck’em
So,
graham harrell and crabtree were self taught? “I just looked up and saw crab in single
coverage and no one can go man up on crab”. Graham Harrell after the game. you do make a good point however.
"I saw it .......in my head"
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
If you really watch the play carefully.......
You will see that it wasn’t crabtree that caught the pass, it was really
craig james.
Completely disagree...
And actually this is my answer to Seth’s question about what is the "Air Raid " to you…..?
To me, that drive against tu was the epitome of the “Air Raid”….
We’re behind by less than a touchdown to the number 1 team in the country with 1:38 left…
…and EVERYONE on our team KNOWS we can win the game by JUST RUNNING OUR OFFENSE!!!
No trick plays… no panic… no desparation… just do what we do… execute… do your job…
That’s the Air Raid…
Aside from that… it’s good protection from wide splits… precise routes… finding the open spaces…someone is always open…good reads on the field… distributing the ball… accurate throws… catching the ball (is anyone else amazed how many passes are dropped by other teams?)… getting a block… getting YAC… making plays… scoring…
(it doesn’t require everyone to look to the sideline to find out what to do…)
We’re going to throw the ball and you can’t stop us… We are the Air Raid!
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 5:11 PM CST up reply actions
yeah, about the dropped passes
I couldn’t believe how idiotic the NC announcers seemed by pointing out that the receivers were having a hard time catching the ball because it wasn’t thrown by Colt. They probably take throws throughout the season from half a dozen different players/coaches/trainers.
by kevinkinsler on Jan 15, 2010 6:09 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not gonna lie to ya
Immediately following TT’s initial press conference I was in a panic. Statements like “I like to run the ball” and “I like ball control” brought me visions of the triple option. Then the replacement of virtually the whole offensive coaching staff brought back the fear. But now that I have heard the plans and seen the link to some footage of Troy I’m excited! I liked Sheffield last year for one primary reason, he had better tempo. He made his read and got the play off, none of the stand back try to make the read, lick your fingers 20 times and think of snapping the ball. If Tempo is what they’re looking for sticks should be the choice. Leach and his hard head would have most likely stayed with Nick no matter how bad that choice played out.
I am sad to see Ruffin go, but I think the emphasis on D that has been afterthought with Leach will be a priority with TT. I am excited about spring ball and the 2010 season!
Wreck’em
by RaiderGiant on Jan 15, 2010 12:40 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Negative Nancy's
around here. Shit. I agree with merrik that we aren’t a national powerhouse and we will always be underdogs. We sure as hell won’t be if we keep the same “Air Raid” or defense in tact. Subtle changes probably needed to be made. We should embrace it. It appears the players are. Who the hell are we to say the system is already broken when we haven’t seen the product?
I’m going to be optimistic. These guys (Tub and Brown) aren’t going to take the offense and turn it into a USC. I also like what Coach Brown said he is going to get the ball into the hands of the best players. And if that means giving the ball more to Batch, Jeffers, or Stevens vs. Potts…I’m quite ok with that.
But bw1ttu, what about the “Air Raid”? What about it? It’s a cheesy name for a great offense that has mimicked by every conference, division, and professional football. Mike Leach took a simple and ingenious concept and perfected it. Other coaches and coordinators are too, but in different ways. And as for the “Gopher”? I believe we all watched the 2008 OU game when the “Gopher” beat the shit out of Tech in every fashion. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t these guys get paid plenty to find a way to correct a problem. If not, then we bitch. I’ll be first one.
Last thing, Sheffield’s quote above just shows the type of kid he is. This was apparent to me after watching him walk up down the sideline during the Alamo Bowl slapping should pads (this was all game), giving encouragement to every player. Even red shirts. He wants everyone to succeed and the football team feeds off his energy. I hope this kid gets the ball in his hands next season.
+!
You are right on top of it, my friend …
"Fearless champions ever be; Stand on heights of victory"
by Let's Go Tech! on Jan 15, 2010 1:50 PM CST up reply actions
While I agree with some points....
Namely that Sticks needs to be the man and over doing the love for the name Air Raid or Pirate garb. Having said that, I have two major issues:
1) Please don’t trivialize the progress made my Leach….not even to win a point in an argument (not directed just at you). The subtle changes in his offense were happening year to year and as each season progressed. People did mimick the offense, but Leach’s version clicks.
2) The argument that the players have moved on or feel this way so you should to. Oh yeah….the players wanted Ruff. Now they love Tubbs.
They are 100% behind James because he’s a teammate right now….when he transfers to TWU on a field hockey scholarship you will then hear what they really think. Players will give the company line if someone is their coach or teammate…bottom line.
I like processing the different vantage points, but also want to be challenged when I am not doing some critical thinking.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 2:02 PM CST up reply actions
I am by no means
trivializing what Leach has done. I love that guy and wanted him to retire in Lubbock. The fact it has been mimicked is why the “air raid” is (was) so successful. I posted an earlier comment stating he (Leach) found a way to utilize space, not just running routes. If you have good players, i.e. Batch, I would like to see him with the ball more.
2. I am not suggesting the players have moved on. Nor should we, but they appear to be excited and are embracing what unknown future holds for them this season. Just as they are 100% behind James, they are (from the outside) 100% behind the new staff.
3. By TWU, if you mean Texas Wesleyan, I might go watch just heckle him (James) because I’m currently in the nurse anesthesia program. It would be a nice stress relief where my critical thinking skills aren’t challenged for a few hours….and I haven’t yelled in a while.
C'mon....
TWU is Texas Women’s University…..where he belongs and would probably be competitive athletically.
Even NFL players will circle the wagons for teammates and then you learn the truty afterwards……we shall see, I’m just not putting weight behind this player loves Tubbs or Ruff or whomever.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 3:49 PM CST up reply actions
Can't say that the "gopher" does not work - never have
it’s just that if I want to watch prarie dogs, I’ll go to McKenzie. If I have a desire to watch MerrKats, I’ll turn on Animal Planet. I just don’t like it.
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
As long as we win
I really don’t care what the offense looks like. I have faith that Tuberville will keep this offense around for a long time but if he can introduce new plays/formations I say go for it. The Air Raid is what made tech successful no doubt but we can also build upon that to become a better more diverse offense. The dual threat of running and passing is something we are going to need to be competitive moving forward. Plenty of games this past season were won or could have been won by a run game. The notion the just because Leach is gone so is the Air Raid is silly. Coaches all around the country run similar offenses with their brand of football. The offense will be fine and the high flying passing game won’t go way. A good running game to complement that will only make Tech more effective and harder to stop.
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
I am ok with Brown as OC and excited about Willis as DC
We have needed a defensive upgrade for over 10 years (pre-Leach). IMO, when Leach let Settincich (sp) go he should have upgraded then. No disrepect to McNeil, but he would not have been my first choice. Since that move was made mid-season, it made it more difficult to get away with getting someone with proven experience in. So I am very good with Willis at this point.
Brown’s pedigree seems like it will be a good fit. Having been a Leach product, I think (hope) he understands the absolute imperative of massive repitition to increae the comfort zones of these kids. I think he understands the advantage ball distribution to all eligible players.
It worries me to hear tt say we will run the ball more. To make that kind of statement tells me he really does not get the spread offensive scheme. In a real “Air Raid” you distribute the ball to the most open man by whatever means possible. You can hand it or throw it. Throwing it, widens the field and will from time to time “create” gaps in which to run. It kinda goes back to what McNeil said about his defense, if the guys are thinking, they are not moving. Thats what a TRUE spread offense does, it makes the defense have to think and then react which slows them down. Why do you think screens work, or counters? same thing.
Now, if tt was saying that not unlike what our QB’s this past year discovered that a check down to a run is an ok call given that the defense is bailing, then ok, but to just come out and say we will run more worries me.
Hey, I’ve moved on as far as the team goes. I have moved on with the new coaches. Just wish I could say the same about the old belltower bunch. I will be there at the R&B and next fall on the 50 (but I reserve the right to continue to wear my black visor with the pirate on it for reasons I will not share)
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
Interesting note on 'Air Raid'
Watched a show last night documenting the old AFL. The SD Chargers revolutionized the air attack under their HC Sid Gillman. How does this relate to the ‘Air Raid’? He was quoted on the show stating
We play on a field that is 100 yrds long and 53 2/3rd yrds wide. Our approach is we are going to use every single inch of that field to force the defense to cover multiple areas and spread them out.
Sound familiar? This is how I see the Air Raid. Using all of your options and spreading the ball around to force the defense to defend multiple players and areas of the field.
Personally I like what I heard from coach Brown on the news clips. He acknowledged things “ain’t broke” here at Tech. I also like his approach of getting the ball in the hands of the best players.
We’re going to be fine and I optimistic we will be successful.
IMWTx
i was actually most excited about the word choice
hearing “ain’t broke” makes me warm on the inside
by kevinkinsler on Jan 15, 2010 2:26 PM CST up reply actions
Good to hear from your coach....
not from your doctor. Just sayin
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 2:28 PM CST up reply actions
it's better to hear from your doctor
than “it is broke”
by kevinkinsler on Jan 15, 2010 2:38 PM CST up reply actions
Breaking news
As Boone Pickens State continues it’s unabashed plagiarization of everything texas tech, the latest news is that Dana Holgorsen has been hired as OC of okie lite (or BSU) and Kliff Kingsbury will be it’s QB coach…
I mentioned this in random musings in a fanpost.....
This feels like getting racked in the boys really hard. Can we outbid them for KK….he will be one hell of a HC some day.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 3:46 PM CST up reply actions
I keep hearing that about Kliff...
Funny though, all I can remember is when the defense would get in the back field, he would run straight backwards for like 15 yards and take a sack. Or was that Potts?
You definitely need to get the Ginko Biloba going.....
Take Pott’s toughness (unquestioned) and add some mobility and a big arm….then take Sticks’ savvy on field decision making and that’s KK. He beat OU in Spike’s last game, and then sveltly transitioned to Mike’s system with ease. I watched him get his brains bashed in Lincoln and we got hosed in a very close game. He was flinging the ball like we do poo around here….its all about poo distribution.
KK did all of this with a group of leftover run blockers, tight ends and Spike’s guys. He’s my favorite Tech QB, as he ushered in the pass happy era.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 3:55 PM CST up reply actions
1st TD for the Mike Leach era......KK to Ricky Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8vfkSVx4GA
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 3:59 PM CST up reply actions
No, my friend....
it was a 24-3 win
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 4:12 PM CST up reply actions
People.....not sure who....but people...
say it’s all about ball bearings. But’s it not damn it. It’s just like you said. It’s about the poo……..and of course your abilty to fling it. I was in school for Zebbie and Kliff, he was my first Air Raid QB, so I too will have a special place for him……and his 20 yard sacks.
Slinging poo...
So that’s what happened when that manure spreader jack-knifed on the Santa Anna… whew…
C’mon TTUMAR.. it’s all ball bearings these days….
by Houston Raider on Jan 15, 2010 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
What's he doin up there
Some stunt flying or something?
True story, Burton Gilliam (the actor that played that guy and blazing saddles and many other) lives on the street next to me. His dog crapped in my front yard and I asked if he had gauze pads and WD 40.
I might have to invite you fletch fans over and we can go pay homage to him.
Epilogue- he then flung his dog’s poo at me.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 15, 2010 5:38 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I don't think he's been doin' any singin' with the Tabernacle choir...
That guy was hilarious… I don’t think I could meet him without cracking up…
by Houston Raider on Jan 16, 2010 12:03 PM CST up reply actions
Love me some Fletch
I’d be happy to meet him.
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
yep
would love to meet that guy. Tabernacle choir was one of my favorite lines.
IMWTx
by imisswesttexas on Jan 18, 2010 9:53 AM CST up reply actions
Some turmoil ahead
Apparently those jerks haven’t even told the existing OC about it yet, and he doesn’t want to leave, yet Kliff and Dana are headed to Stalewater. Looks like Gundy doesn’t call any shots in that program, it’s Boone Pickens written all over it. The man likes to take risks in sports just as he does in business, as the mounting losses in his hedge fund indicates.
yes, i blame the entire economy on Pickens undisciplined investing
i hope it doesn’t affect his playcalling
by kevinkinsler on Jan 15, 2010 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
Neal Brown has promised that the brand of football at TTU won't change...
“/>”/>
…but what about the football brand?
Press Junket: The is a clear improvement in PR from the HC spot. It is really great to see it…I think this type of media time will help the program.
Everyone Is Worried About the Offense: I am no more concerned that this point than I was 3 weeks ago. I am impressed with the interviews of the OC and of the player’s responses to him, especially the qb’s.
The Air Raid is that form of spread offense that comes from the Hal Mumme, Mike Leach (and their mentees’) school of thought around three main principles: 1. Utilizing space on the field (horizontally and vertically) 2. Play balance across all 5 offensive skill positions, and 3. Creating complexity by mixing formations on top of a manageable number of plays that can be practiced and executed with great consistency. The plays, formations, schemes and the balance may change somewhat year to year depending on personnel and opposing defenses.
Scotty Young is being smart about being careful at this point and needs to make sure he wants to work with Neal Brown, as do any number of recruits who are thinking about their commits. At the end of the day we need players who want to be at TTU…same concept applies to defense recruits. I am confident that this will be a good recruiting class.
Funny
As a former player, I think this whole situation is funny. No one really ever talked about the “air raid” when Leach was here. When you pass effectively and score points for 10 years, you get a reputation. A reputation that ambitious coaches want to inherit. After ten years of lobbying, Briles and Scovell and Sowell and Fuller and White made it possible for a new regime to come in and take us to “the next level.” They will. We will go to the next level. I just hope that everyone here is comfortable with what comes with the next level. Saban is.
Recruit visits this weekend
Where can we find the list of recruits that are visiting campus this weekend?
This is a huge opportunity for the new staff to make the same kind of first impression on ALL recruits that they did with the players this week.
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