Five Questions | Recapping Texas Tech's Big 12 Media Day

The run pass mix I counted in the spring game was 99 passes and 32 rushes. I think there may have been 3 – 4 bad exchanges as well. I recall 2 busted plays by the QB’s so those are rushes but they were intended to throw.
The folks who keep saying Tuberville won’t change his spots are not embracing the bigger picture of group dynamics in organizations.
1. See the picture/situation for what is – its a Pass oriented hurry up offense
2. Footbal is a copycat endeavor – whatever works is adapted over and over
3. The head coach got fired for being unable to outscore his opponents – now he has the scoring machine of the decade
4. The offensive coaches did not even change the terminology – they demonstrated the pass first at the spring game so what is mysterious or hard about not seeing minor change in game planning philosophy?
5. Rushing the ball is all about maximizing your weapons- that is what all coaches do – don’t stress about the subtleties

lot easier to avoid problems like what USC had and UNC and a few others are being investigated for if your player just don’t talk to agents at all until they complete their final year of eligibility. I like the idea of a bounty on the head of the agents, scummy bastards that they are.

I do think it was a good first step by CTT, especially to enhance his role as a mentor to the players. I think he had to acknowledge the roller coaster the team had been on rather than ignore it. So much of the game is mental, especially at the higher levels of competition. It probably also allowed CTT to assess who the actual leaders are on this team.

Sticks performs better on the field, and interviews better lol start ‘em coach! Why do I get the feeling from Sticks’ response about nasty notes in lockers that Potts may have been guilty of this at some point?

1. Is anyone else concerned about the pass to run ratio or are you more concerned that the national press doesn’t seem to get it (or is this a situation where I’m not getting it)?<

First of all, the national press does not get it. Second of all, I think we will see a reduction in passes thrown based, not on Tuberville’s track record at Auburn, but on Neil Brown’s track record at Troy.

Brown’s Troy offenses in 2008 and 2009 generated a 54/46 run/pass ratio. Under Leach, in both 2008 and 2009, Texas Tech’s run/pass ratio was 67/32.

Given that so much of our talent is concentrated in the backfield, I would expect Brown to lean more favorably toward the run, especially as we get to the meat of our schedule beginning with Texas in Week 3 and ending with Oklahoma in Week 10. Brown might be more aggressive with the pass against weaker opponents like SMU, New Mexico, Weber State and possibly Houston, but the real indicator of which approach Brown takes will be better understood, not against the likes of SMU or Weber State, but versus UT and Oklahoma.

How do you think Whitlock will fare in this new 3-4 defense?

No idea. I don’t know if nose guard’s statistics increase or decrease in a 3-4 scheme versus a 4-3 scheme. My initial reaction is that if the the nose-guard is lined up directly opposite of the center, as in a 3-4 scheme, he would be more limited in his initial movement, but would be further away from the opposing guard, making him more difficult to double team. In a 4-3 scheme the nose guard is lined up more in the gap between the center and the guard which gives him a little more initial mobility, but makes him easier to double team. I’m not sure which scheme plays to Whitlock’s strengths.

QB Controversy. Do you agree with Tuberville’s method? Would you change anything in terms of player evaluation?

This is a tough call, and very much depends on how much Potts has improved over the off season. If Potts improves and as a result wins the starting job, he must overcome his in-game decision making inconsitencies. Poor throws, bad reads, mental errors and interceptions plagued Potts throughout the season. Last season, when Potts was sputtering and Sheffield came on in relief, most notably against New Mexico, he provided Tech’s offense with a sorely needed shot in the arm. In this example, rotating quarterbacks, versus sticking with the incumbent, was a more successful strategy.

Maybe its just me, but Sheffield’s comments going back to lack season and reconfirmed in these interviews raise a few red flags. It is clear that Sheffield is a fierce competitor, badly wants to win the starting job and probably harbors a little of ‘chip on the shoulder’ animosity which is commonplace in all underdogs and overachievers.

My concern is whether or not that source of motivation can lead to some negative consequences if not properly channeled, If Sheffield loses the starting job, is he the type of guy to hold the clipboard and wave the towel, or is he the type of guy which lets his resentment get the best of him and infect the lockerroom? Right, now I tend to believe that the latter might be more likely, but again, maybe that’s just me.. I am less concerned about Potts’ reaction should he lose his starting spot. Potts will undoubtedly be disappointed, but he seems a bit more grounded and better suited to weathering that kind of setback. Maybe the players respond to Sheffield’s back-against-the-wall mentality better than they do to Potts’ more affable demeanor. Sheffield’s obvious intensity, which I absolutely love, seems like it might be a double edged sword.

Do you think that this is a real issue with the defense, i.e. that the defense did lack some sense of confidence?

I’m not sure how much I buy this.

Our teams in 2008 and 2009 featured NFL caliber players such as Brandon Williams, Darcell Macbath, Brandon Sharpe, Daniel Howard, Jamar Wall, returning All Big 12 players Brian Duncan, Colby Whitlock, and Big 12 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Cody Davis. That’s a pretty talented group, and I doubt any of them would tell you that they lacked confidence as players or as a unit.

Furthermore, this year’s team features 8 returning starters from last year, led by 4 seniors.

That said, this year’s defense features a new system along with presumably better coaches (at least in Tuberville’s case, he has the track record to back it up. In Willis’ case, he shows promise, but let’s not forget that this is Willis’ first season as a DC).

It is possible that the players’ natural confidence might a) be currently absorbed by learning a new system or b) completely fine, and Tuberville is just playing a little ’possum, or c) Tuberville could just be restating the facts here (i.e. over the past couple of years, despite sending 8-9 defensive players to the NFL versus 5-6 offensive players over the same period, all anyone talks about at Texas Tech is the offense).

Apology: Is an apology like this a good first step in building some trust within the players or is this more a reflection of the type of players on this team?

Absolutely a good first step. No question. The players were always collateral damage in this affair (well, except for one).

Bonus Question: Playoffs

Total bullshit. A 4 team playoff which otherwise preserves the bowl system would work fantastically well.

Bonus Unsolicited Comment

At what point does a guy like Beebe, stop drinking his own kool-aid? What a ……<——(insert derogatory comment here)

1. Pass ration will be fine, your correct its just a lazy story for the national media
2. Whitlock is the man, has been for quite a few years now. He will do great and take on the double team no matter where he lines up.
3. QB Evalution Tubbs is doing fine giving both guys a fair shake and will eventually start Sticks, with Potts repping 30-40 % in practice
4. Yes I think there was an issue with the defense, definitly second class under the captian! Look how happy these young men are for change, they are so excited they are going to squash a few ponies come Sept
5. The apolgy was a great move – Shows that Tubbs is concerned about the players as individuals and young men with pride in their own reputation. They didnt ask to be drug through the mess on ESPN

Sorry but I agree with Hancock, protecting the value of the regular season is very important. Thas why evey game is exciting, thats why this sport can turn on a Thursday night game in Provo, or Beaverton that excitment is rare in modern day sports. The playoff hype is largley greated by the TV networks trying to grow the gen pop fan base and basically turn our sport into Saturays NFL. The common fan doesnt want to set through the regualar season and watch every game, but sorry I do !

Hmm…was that intended?

1. Run/Pass ratio will be fine. Tuberville is probably tired of answering the question about as much as I am hearing it. The passing game will be just fine and most will not even notice the differences.
2. QB’s. This is a true competition and TT has played this thing very well by not being bias towards any one player. SS certainly seems like he keeps his game face on at all times and he’ll beat. In either case I just want what works best for this team as both these guys are great athletes.
3. Whitlock is NFL bound. This guy will play lights out this season no matter where he lines up. I picture him having a Zach Thomas mentality on the field.
4. Tech’s defense has always had issues. Ruffin made it work in the last 2 years but it always seemed like it was an after thought behind the offense. I like the idea of promoting this side of the ball under Willis and Tuberville. Tech needs a dual threat on the field and we can win games with a solid defense when we suffer offensive injuries such as last season. This side of the ball wasn’t completely neglected as we did pretty damn good under Ruffin but I expect a much greater sense of attacking the ball and forcing turnovers in this next chapter.
5. Apologizing for the meham that took place I completely agree with. Our school looked like a bunch of idiots between Leach’s contract and the shed. The drama that took place in the last 2 years would make an excellent movie. I just want an offseason that doesn’t involve major disruptions to this teams dynamics. Tuberville is a class act from all indications and I feel like we are in good hands. This guy has a great attitude and work ethic that will bring top shelf recruits to Lubbock.

0.(Beebe) I have say it still makes me sick to my stomach hearing Beebe talk about how unequal distribution has to do with fair market value. He’s trying to put logic to favoritism. I just want this league to collapse and for Tech to move on. I like playing rivals every year but I feel like we got screwed. If by chance we succeed I hope qualifying conferences come calling the next time this weak conference blows up. Tech is every bit as valuable as TAMU. Beebe is now working for UT and he looks like a fool and it will only get worse as this league moves along. The good thing is I believe in karma and we’ll see how this thing ends.

1. This site has been talking about run/pass ratio from the moment the OC was named, we are going to see maybe 5 or 6 more runs per game. Going to the specific comments most recently ‘quoted’ from the HC in which a phrase was taken from the paragraph of words that consituted his reply-read his reply…it finished with words to the effect that we would throw a hundred if we are playing a team that does not defend the pass…but let’s be sure to wring our hands again at the next ‘quote.’

2. QB position is pretty important to an offense. But so is center, or guard, etc. Every spot has guys vying to play. Coaches will decide and fans and media will talk about it, second guess it, find ways to justify a preference. I think it mostly much ado about little. We are soooo deep at qb. Regarding the controversy, it is media driven. Create the thought, interview the people involved, pick out words that support the idea….yawn. Having more than one player vy for a spot is football.

3. I think Whitlock is more a natural NT, he has the nice wrestly/leverage background to go with his quickness and strength. I think he is going to like it…and we will also.

4. That the HC chose to enlist the support of the players first when he came on campus is astute…very smart and indeed even genius in a humble kind of way. He speaks often of this being their team, the player’s team, the fan’s team, almost anyone’s but his-I believe because he wants the focus on the team more than himself…he knows he is going to get more than enough focus. Again it ties in with being valued and validated as contributors to a team effort. Using an apology is a way to convey the thought, that is clever, it gives an opportunity to exhibit sincerity and humility to a bunch of people who had been pushed aside when they should have been the focus. I had read this earlier, don’t remember when or where.

5. The prespective being offered by the HC is dead on the mark regarding lifiting the esteem of the defense. Prior coach often spoke to all sides of the ball, but he rarely spoke to the defense in the same manner in which he did the offense. That is pretty significant if you are a defensive coach or player in a team sport…everyone wants to be valued and validated as a contributor. IMHO, the concept of speaking to both or to the team as such is more the balance that I hear the HC referencing in some of his words.

Bonus: I really do not give ten cents for any deragatory comment towards Beebe from me. What is he supposed to say ? I think he is playing his role, his part in a badly written drama. As far as 10 team vs 12 team, I like the PR (and pay off) that comes with a play-off game. I have zero value for a 16 team conference that is spread to either coast and does make it more difficult for alumni and families to travel to see the players…zero value. I think it would hurt TTU’s recruiting, or any team’s other than the top 10% programs.

My Bonus Question: Anyone noticing that the qb’s like the new coaching with all the detail on what they are being evaluated against in the light of a prior comment by either Potts or Sheffield, I think it was Potts, from an earlier interview in which the qb was quoted saying something like…it was more us coaching ourselves?

Because my eyes saw the worst qb effort at tech in 15 years against Baylor? Fine, I can live with that. Potts is a tough kid, but never recovered after ut and Houston. If he is our starter, tubs seat will be hot quickly.
I saw sticks have a ho hum game for him in Lincoln, but one that would have been a major nailbiter had Potts been playing. Sticks evaded suh and company with ease until the injury. Passion level on this point for me is 10 out of 10.

Great discussions from the fan base on who should be the starter based on last year’s performances……LAST YEAR…..

A lot has, uh, happend since THEN…..let all just hide, watch and pull for the guy who gets the ball from center, while forever holding one’s breath.

I just want TECH to beat the fuck outta Texas.

I know they are in the end zone, but will I need a Sherpa or oxygen? I am seriously thinking about these, as I have promised my son going to the UT game and it is the same price to get a UT ticket or these season tickets.

is the reason we cant have a civil debate on The Stache vs. Sticks…

• Stache supporters acknowledge his shortcomings
• Sticks supporters think Sticks can do no wrong
• Stache supporters allow for Sticks’ injury in the Neb & OSU game
• Sticks supporters dont make any such acommodations for the massive concussion Potts suffered (he had to be rescued from a concussion. way to go guys)
• Stache supporters look to to his good games and the numbers he put up in them
• Sticks supporters cling to etherial criteria like “teams playing for him”, etc.
• Stache supporters have not bashed the other guy in any way
• Sticks supporters sound like broken records, “Potts throws off his back foot”, blah blah blah
• Stache supporters will support the qb that gets the nod from Katfish Jesus
• Sticks supporters will rend their clothes and wail unconsolably if their guy doesnt win the job

1. Not this year…the ratio will be reduced next year and more so the third year if Tubbs is still at Tech.
2. One thing I notice in all the videos was more smiles on the face of Sticks and less so with Taylor. Many of the shots showed a Potts clearly uncomfortable with his role. Having said that, I agree with Tuberville’s approach that the qb that wins the evaluation will start. Tubbs also stated that he won’t alternate qbs, but will make a change to up-tempo the offense if the need exists.
3. I am not sure. He has two gap responsibility and it depends on how the inside lb’s back him up.
4. I believe under Leach, the defense was expected to "hold its own" and the offense was expected to excel. Under Tubbs the defense expectations are higher. I think the D.C. Willis will have a great impact. The question will the players step up.
5. I believe as a new hire, he apologized to the players on the behalf of the college which I think is a class act

After reading everything, I’m not sure I’ve reached a conclusion, but I think there are some interesting things in play here.

1. There is so much that goes into making a decision about a player, in particular a quarterback. We really don’t know what these guys are like, but what if Sheffield just goofed off for three years and didn’t really put any time into being a good quarterback? Circumstances changed and he got his opportunity. I firmly believe that there’s a really good reason that Leach chose Potts last year and went back to that well so many times. We may not know ever know those reasons, but he did. That’s not to say that it don’t think that Leach didn’t get fed up with Potts (see the game that Doege started), but he went back to Potts for a reason.

2. I find it interesting how people have different perceptions about how the players acted in interviews. Completely fascinating that my initial perception is completely different that someone else’s perceptions. I think that’s a good thing for DTN.

3. Ultimately, I still think that both Potts and Sheffield will play this year and I hope like hell we cheer them both. I think that those that are defending Potts and I’ve defended him before as well is that although Sheffield played lights out, those sorts of numbers typically don’t hold up for an entire season. Even for C. McCoy, who had an unbelievable 2008 (76% completion; 34 TD’s 8 INT’s). I remember the guys at Football Outsiders saying that this was a statistical anomaly and that he would come back down to earth in 2009 (70%; 27 TD’s 12 INT’s) and he did. I think Sheffield, as awesome as he was, just doesn’t keep up at the pace that he did (177 QB Rating). It was a terrific pace, but he’s likely to come back down to earth. Even Harrell had to progress over his three years (145 QB Rating; 157 QB Rating; 160 QB Rating) and as good as he was, he was never going to get there.

4. I too get tired of the argument that Potts throws too much off his back foot. Harrell threw off his back foot and if you were to carefully look at every quarterback, pitcher, or any other athlete, they’re going to have flaws in their games. I thought that Sheffield’s comments about how the prior staff maybe wasn’t as technical with the finer points of playing the position. Perhaps Leach was more about how to read defenses and less about having the correct mechanics. Maybe OC Brown will do both. What if some minor adjustment helps Potts solve that issue of throwing off his back foot when under pressure? Honestly, I don’t know and this will be the most interesting thing about the spring practices, is who wins this battle.

As stated above, I hope the best man wins because as much as I may cheer for a certain player, I still cheer for the laundry and whoever is on the field.

I still cheer for the laundry

1. Run or pass, we will see a lot of points against most everyone.

2. There seems to be a lot of bickering going on here about who should be or will be the best QB for Tech this year. I leave it up to the coaches who see them every day and get a feel as to whom is better qualified to be the leader come September. Both can motivate the team, just in a different way. So, let Tubs, Brown & co. do the choosing and let us all cheer on the one who is placed at the helm of what could be a very good offense this year.

3. Whitlock will be the most solid defender again. He will have his share of tackles and sacks, but he is in the middle, so his numbers may not jump out at anyone.

4. I don’t think the defense had an inferiority complex. They knew the emphasis was on offense under Leach, so they knew they had to perform to allow that offense to shine its brightest. Ruff wanted to make some changes but just did not have the type talent he needed. We may still not have it, but I am sure Willis will do well with what he has by making (already made) the needed moves to get the best athletes where he needs them.

5. Apologizing for the previous happenings may or may not have been necessary, but it is done. I personally don’t see where it could have gotten him much since he had nothing to do with any of the happenings. What was needed, and was given, was a direction: “We are going to win a championship.” (or something like that) With that statement, this regime made it clear what they want and I think the team, after all it had been through, was ready to go down that road.

Bonus.
A. Sheffield was right on: different coaches, different philosophies.
B. Playoffs or not: Pros & cons on both sides, BUT every other sports entity, high school, college or pro, has a successful playoff system where a clear cut champion is crowned. I don’t care who wins, they are the champs, period.
C. Big-XII (soon-to-be-X): Beebe is not seeing the hole picture. I guess those blinders Dodds gave him are working. I do hope the conference survives and strengthens, somehow, but to totally ignore the inequities is not very intelligent. He knows who will get the dough now and for the foreseeable future, and he also knows how debilitating a UT network can prevent the rest of the conference from matching them in competition for just about everything. I hate to think what will happen, but it is kind of like passing: there are three things that can happen, and two are bad.

That was a lot to read.

Good debate everybody.