Ok, let’s hit it running. It’s far too hot to play around today in the Hubbaplex. Here’s our first half thoughts, half baked, but fully overcooked though they may be. Pardon the grammar and we welcome the comments.
First off, I love the uniforms. Those who say Tech doesn’t have a traditional uniform are ignorant of history. The Red over white are great. Now, if we can just get rid of the bass boat finish on the helmet and get the old Double T back on the helmet we’re in business. ( 3-d double T can’t be seen on TV or in stadium ).
Now, on to the game.
Taylor Potts was about as good as you’d want in game one with 226 yards, 3 TD’s and NO picks. He was crisp, got the ball away in good time and didn’t waste time in the huddle. That’s one reason we say Neal Brown’s offense is faster than Mike Leach’s. With NASCAR OFFENSE, you get to the line quicker and snap it quicker. That was one of the big reason’s SMU gave up that last drive of 7 plays and 80 yards in just more than sixty seconds. . . they were gassed.
Potts is stepping into throws better but he also seems to have a clarity at the line that comes from not having to overthink the situation. Credit Brown for taking away the responsibilty of having to call the perfect play and letting QB’s call a good play and go!
Lyle Leon gets “it”.
As for the defense, like what I saw mostly. It was cool to see Tech go to press coverage on play 3 of the game. That’s something we haven’t seen in a coon’s age around here. They did a good job jumping routes and being aggressve and keeping Kyle Padron from knowing where to go. I can live without the stunts on the Dline int he second half. They dont’ work against June Jones offense. Takes too long to develop. Would rather see Tech jam the A gap or overload any other are with a straight rush aka Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl from a few years ago agaisnt Harrell.
One thing I must say from hearing Tech fans talk today….gotta get over the idea of “style points” when it comes to winning. Just win. 14 points lead at the half are fine against anyone. 28 point wins are fine. Wins are what matters, not how you get there. I’d like to think myWest Texas brethren haven’t become so soft as to disdain hard-nosed, grind-it-out football when it comes to winning. Then again… I heard some folks around the parking lots today that made me wonder if they’d just discovered football a few years ago . . .
Oh, one more thing, Raider Walk was way legit. Several thousand on hand. My boy, all of 4, was a little intimidated by the defensive players as they got off the bus, so that must be a good thing—right?
See you after the game and be sure and call into Fan Feedback right after the final gun on Sports Radio 1340 The Fan at 1-866-984-5326 and let everyone know what you thought about the game no matter whether you’re in the parking lot or Dallas or where ever!
Hyatt
Nice to see the running game! Controversial opinion I’m sure, but I love seeing a “balanced” offense and good defense. Novel concept in the plains these last 10 years.
I’ll always take substance over style anyday. It’s what sustainable programs are built upon. Flash only gets you in highlight reels. I’m extremely happy with what I’m seeing today. This team is much more emotionally mature than what I’ve seen in the past. They’re not getting ruffled and are in control (for the most part) of the game. Some work is needed on special teams. I also think the running game needs some help. But overall, good stuff to work with.
Am also thrilled with the dramatic reduction in yards given up due to penalties. Used to drive me nuts how many yards we gave up due to idiotic things like facemasks.
On a side note, the University is looking good for national TV. The new spots look professional and project a credible institution. The students look like good sports. Pom pom squad/cheerleaders look repectable. All in all a good showing on a national network.
Color me skepitical. I asked the question of several supposedly “in the know” friends earlier this week……”‘if Tubbs gets a lead, will he take his foot off of the throttle. ? “…….was assured he would NOT……apparently they were WRONG. Unimpressed,….. Unless SMU ends up in top 10, which is pretty DOUBTFUL.
/s/ Sick of the Kool-Aid
No offense, but Neal Brown didn’t take his foot off the throttle. Just because they didn’t score doesn’t mean they weren’t trying to. Hell, I hated the decision to go for it late on 4th down…what does that make me??? Kool Aid drinker?