NCAA Football FanHouse

Texas Tech Offensive Lineman Indicted for Aggravated Assault

Jeff Adams — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, NCAA FB Police Blotter, Texas Tech Football

Stephen Hamby, who was projected as the team's starting center this fall, was involved in an altercation on March 29. A Lubbock County grand jury has now indicted the Red Raider for aggravated assault for his alleged involvement in this brouhaha.

Hamby reportedly punched a man in the face twice before fleeing the scene. The victim was then treated for a fractured jaw. The severity of the victim's injuries likely led to the aggravated assault charge.

"I do know for a fact there was no weapon involved, so it had to be serious bodily injury for it to qualify as an aggravated assault,'' [Lubbock Police spokesman Capt. Greg] Stevens said.

Hamby started just two games in 2007. However, a strong spring propelled the 6-foot-3, 287-pound junior ahead of incumbent starter Shawn Byrnes. Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach was already aware of the incident involving Hamby and no changes have been made in Hamby's status with the team.

"His status is we'll see what the facts are and then address it based on the facts,'' Leach said. "We're not going to jump to any conclusions.''

Leach said he "was aware that there was an altercation.''

"But my understanding is that we addressed it, just like we address things internally,'' Leach said. "So if there's more facts that I don't know ... We're going to just wait and see what they are.''

Texas Tech Offensive Lineman Indicted for Aggravated Assault originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 12:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe Pushing for Fifth Year of Eligibility

Jeff Adams — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Kansas Football, Nebraska Football, Oklahoma Football, Oklahoma State Football, Texas Football, Big 12, Missouri Football, Texas A&M Football, Kansas State Football, Texas Tech Football, Baylor Football, Iowa State Football

The Big 12's annual meetings are currently taking place in Colorado Springs and league commissioner Dan Beebe has a lot on his plate. But one agenda item that he is pushing strongly is a fifth year of eligibility for football players. He hopes the proposed change will get some attention from the NCAA rules committee.

The proposal for a fifth year of eligibility would eliminate redshirting, instead giving college football players five years to compete on the field. Under current rules, players have a five-year window in which to complete four years of playing time. This isn't the first time this change has come up, but opponents have argued that eligibility rules need to standard across sports. Big 12 commissioner Beebe, disagrees.

Beebe, however, said he thinks football should be seen as unique because it has a high rate of redshirts and injuries.

"Injuries happen and coaches have players who could contribute, but they don't want to play someone on a limited basis and burn a redshirt year," Beebe said. "And you have kids during their redshirt year who are getting the heck beat out of them in practice every day with no hope of playing."

The rule change would certainly eliminate the need for coaches to agonize about redshirting decisions. In addition, it would seemingly end the need for athletes and schools to file medical hardships in the wake of injuries. Lastly, given that the average college football player takes around 4.7 years to graduate, the five-year eligibility window could help improve graduation rates.

Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe Pushing for Fifth Year of Eligibility originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 11:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Leach, Art Aficionado

Jeff Adams — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, NCAA FB Coaching, Texas Tech Football

My affinity for Mike Leach is never-ending. He's a blogger's dream come true and a darn fine coach. He's been the subject of at least one lengthy profile already, which is fine by me, given that he's a walking cornucopia of quotes. Most recently ESPN's Mark Schlabach spent some time with Leach in Lubbock and was able to gather even more about college football's most colorful head coach.

First we discover that Leach lives by his own schedule and has no love for naps:

Leach, 47, isn't like most of his colleagues in a profession dominated by millionaires and workaholics. He typically reports to the office around 10 a.m. and leaves before 9 p.m. Once Leach returns home, he often stays up until 2 a.m. or later, watching TV programs few others know exist.

"If you're getting to the office at 6 a.m. and getting home at midnight, well, then you're wasting a lot of time," Leach said. "That's just a failure to manage your time. What are you doing in the middle of the day? Are you having a siesta?"

But the highlight of the piece has to be the bizarre nature of Leach's fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants adventure to commission a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

"To begin to understand the man who put Texas Tech football back on the map, one must consider how Leach spent a Sunday afternoon a couple of years ago. While watching a TV documentary about South Texas tourist spots -- "with a Charles Kuralt kind of guy, who tells you the best chili in Texas is in this place and the biggest ball of string in Texas is here" -- Leach became enthralled by a painter who does replicas of Vincent van Gogh's classical works.

Leach did what any other football coach would do: He loaded his family into the car and drove 330 miles to meet Ran Horn of Van Horn, Texas.

Leach had a replica of himself as Vincent Van Gogh done on a whim.

"The plan was hatched that morning and conceived that afternoon," Leach said.

After meeting Horn at his second-hand store, Leach persuaded the artist to paint a portrait of college football's most unique coach. Last month, more than two years after the initial meeting, Horn showed up at a Texas Tech practice, carrying a portrait of Leach wearing a large straw hat one might wear in the French countryside. The painting is now the centerpiece of the Red Raiders' war room.

There we have the eccentric bliss that is Mike Leach. He's impossible to ignore even while residing in the oasis that is Lubbock, Texas. Can you imagine if coached in L.A. or Miami (the latter wasn't too far-fetched)? I've got to think he'd be hosting his own variety show or at least doing the weather. Oh wait, he's already done that too.

via EDSBS.

Mike Leach, Art Aficionado originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 08 May 2008 16:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Leach Isn't Just a Handshaker

Brian Cook — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:48:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, NCAA FB Coaching, Texas Tech Football

Mike Leach, Pepperdine lawyer turned swashbuckling football coach and quote machine, on the recent trend towards offensive geniuses real and supposed giving up their play-calling duties:

"I'm younger than those guys," he said. " ... I got into coaching to coach. Otherwise, you're just a handshaker."

Oh snap. "Handshakers" referenced in the article but probably not in the question, but that's no fun so let's just ignore that downer reality why don't we: Ralph Friedgen, Steve Spurrier, and Charlie Weis. (Weis, at the least, is one hell of a handshaker.)

Do I hear celebrity deathmatch? Anyone? Bueller?

(Via the Wiz)

Mike Leach Isn't Just a Handshaker originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spring at a Glance: Big 12 Running Backs

Jeff Adams — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Nebraska Football, Oklahoma Football, Texas Football, Big 12, Texas Tech Football

We've already checked in on the quarterbacks, so why not delve into what's new with the running backs of the Big 12.

We'll start at Texas, where the biggest question mark of the spring is who will replace Jamaal Charles? Charles led the Big 12 in rushing in 2007 on the strength of a fantastic second half of the season. Three backs will fight it out over the starting running back gig in 2008.

Sophomore Vondrell McGee will get first shot at the starting job after serving as Charles' understudy a year ago. When Charles was having consistency problems at midseason in 2007, McGee actually got more playing time, specifically on short-yardage and goal-line plays. He gained 297 yards overall and scored eight touchdowns.

Redshirt freshman Fozzy Whittaker and McGee share the same, low-to-the-ground build. Both resemble miniature linebackers.

Whereas McGee prefers the I-formation, Whittaker is more comfortable running out of the shotgun. That's how he made his yardage at Pearland High School, where he finished with the sixth-best rushing total in Class 5A history.

The third member of the committee is Chris Ogbonnaya, a well-known offensive commodity. The Longhorns often turned to Ogbonnaya on third-down situations last fall because he was as adept at running pass routes as he was at picking up the blitz. He caught 21 passes a year ago. To prepare for this season, the fifth-year senior dropped 12 pounds to improve his speed. He's now at 215.

We'll look elsewhere in the Big 12 after the jump.At Texas Tech, a familiar name tries to work his way out of a familiar place - Mike Leach's doghouse. The familiar name is Shannon Woods, who finally appears to be on the right track. That's good news for the Red Raiders and for Woods, who found himself on the scout team in 2007. Woods will be trying to return to his 2006 form, in which he rushed for almost 1,500 yards. So far, so good.

"Everything. Everything,'' Littrell said. "He has 18 (spring-semester) hours, making As and Bs. He hasn't missed class one time. He's been up here. He's been respectful. He's done everything we've asked of him so far. He's just got to continue to work and do it.

"Shannon's a good kid. I mean, he really is. There's a lot of speculation with what goes wrong and our relationship. Some of it's speculation. With me, it's all going to stay in-house.

"But he's done a good job. He's doing everything we've asked him to do.''

Nebraska appears to have its starting running back in Marlon Lucky who passed up the NFL Draft and is the top returnee in 2008 in terms of rushing yardage in the Big 12. Behind Lucky, however, the picture is less clear.

Cody Glenn who's shown flashes when healthy (a rare occurrence) recently made the move to linebacker.

"I don't know much. I know a little bit, still trying to learn and get things done," said Glenn, who got minimal reps. "It's hard to really do anything when you're thinking as much as I'm trying to think, getting everything down."

"It all comes down to me just trying to help the team out, wanting to win. I can't say we've won a lot of games since I've been here. So really, this is my senior year. Basically I just want to win. Whatever it takes, that's what I want to do."

The move is interesting given the fact that Glenn is a senior and seems unlikely to redshirt. He'll have the spring to learn some things, but better be ready to go by August if he hopes to see the field on the defensive side of the ball. Nebraska will be replacing all three of its starters at linebacker from 2007, so Glenn could get a chance to contribute.

Part of the reason behind Glenn's move could be the emergence of sophomore running back Roy Helu. Helu might be the most complete back on the team, and looks to have grabbed the backup RB spot with a strong spring.

Finally, Oklahoma has the their own concerns at running back, but they will likely be short-lived. The Sooners are missing their top two running backs - DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown - who are sitting out the spring with knee injuries. That has opened the door for guys like sophomore Mossis Madu.

"He's a guy not everybody has really had a chance to see a lot of. I made this comment to a lot of people: Mossis Madu can play for a lot of people," running backs coach Cale Gundy said. "I'm fortunate to be a coach at a position that has a lot of depth. It's good for him to get a chance to go through the spring with the No. 1 offense and show people what he can do."

Spring at a Glance: Big 12 Running Backs originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Texas Tech's Experience Reshuffle Big 12 South?

Jeff Adams — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas Tech Football

Spring football is always a time of hope, optimism and rampant hyperbole. This year in the Big 12 is no different. But one can't help but take notice of the increased expectations as spring practice opens in Lubbock, Texas. Both local and national media outlets are already touting the Red Raiders as one to watch in the Big 12's southern division.

Much of the talk centers on the fact that Texas Tech returns 18 starters from a team that finished 9-4 in 2007. Given that they also return the nation's most prolific receiver in Michael Crabtree, a talented quarterback in Graham Harrell (pictured at right) and their entire offensive line, this could truly be the year that Mike Leach's squad crests the proverbial hump.

"We've had two of the most exciting bowl games for two straight years," [head coach Mike] Leach said. "... And we expect to keep improving and that there will be more to come in the future."

The fate of the Red Raiders will likely rest on the play of their defense...again. This is troubling given that Tech has finished in the Top 30 in total defense just once in the last five years. But this year fans are pinning their hopes on defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, who enters his first full season at that position. McNeill served as interim defensive coordinator after Lyle Setencich "stepped down" following the fourth game of the season. McNeill's impact was sudden and significant in 2007.

"Under McNeill, Tech led the Big 12 in total defense over the regular season's final eight games. Overall, the Red Raiders finished third in the conference in total defense, their highest finish during Leach's eight-year tenure."

Clearly Tech fan has a reason to smile this spring. But whether Oklahoma, Texas and the rest of the Big 12 South has reason for concern has yet to be seen.

Could Texas Tech's Experience Reshuffle Big 12 South? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anatomy of an Implosion: Virginia Blows It Big Time

Ian Cohen — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Football, ACC, Big 12, BCS, Bowl Games, Texas Tech Football

Five times this year, Virginia won games by two points or less. Karmic payback's a bitch. UVA fans that made resolutions to curb their drinking were seriously put to the test today as the Cavaliers allowed 17 points in three and a half minutes, losing to Texas Tech 31-28 after a field goal with two seconds remaining.

- The only thing more relentless than Chris Long is the use of "relentless" to describe his play.

- Texas Tech is looking to bring back 18 of their starters next season. This could very well be the year that the Red Raiders manage to make a big impact in the Big XII South, and perhaps with Tim Tebow's 2007, an indication that Graham Harrell might be taken seriously as a Heisman contender.

- All year, I've been saying that Al Groh may have made a mistake by alienating Kevin McCabe in 2006 and causing his transfer. Backup QB play has been pretty unreliable all season, to the point where Groh burned Peter Lalich's redshirt in the first game. After Jameel Sewell went out with a leg injury, Lalich rode Mikell Simpson to a scoring drive that put Virginia up 28-14, but after that the offense was greatly limited, even moreso than it was under the cautious gameplan instituted for Sewell. Lalich has regressed pretty badly over the course of the season and he often looked lost, particularly when he was sacked and coughed up the fumble that led to the tying score. Shades of Anthony Martinez...

- Even though Sewell got the job done to a certain extent in the first three quarters, Virginia was pretty much useless on third and long. Al Groh seriously needs to find more options at wide receiver because he hasn't had one that's been a scare going deep since Billy McMullen and he'd better hope Kevin Ogletree finds his way back on the field 100% next season. During the last drive where an injured Sewell was limited, they looked like a team that knew they weren't scoring. Virginia's leading non-RB, non-TE receiver in 2007 was Maurice Covington and he finished with 20 catches.

- Not to make light of Rylan Reed's scary injury, but you get the feeling that once that extra point was kicked, you knew pretty darn well that Virginia wasn't going to mount any sort of comeback.

- Considering that it's supposedly one of the more bureaucratically difficult jobs in the country, you have to wonder how Mike Leach would've done at UCLA. Love the onside kick call that began the second half as well as his insistence on sticking with his gameplan (69 tosses for Harrell) and never panicking.

- Let's just say that Virginia didn't do much to counter their rep as a wine and cheese crowd that doesn't travel well. I'm amazed how many blimp shots CBS allowed.

Anatomy of an Implosion: Virginia Blows It Big Time originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gator Bowl At The Half: UVA 21 Texas Tech 7

Ian Cohen — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:38:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Football, ACC, Big 12, BCS, Texas Tech Football

Quick thoughts...

- Texas Tech seems like the least likely team to possibly have a safety go against them considering their passing game relies on quick passes and they've only been sacked 16 times thus far. And you figure the "let 'em play" style of bowl games would dictate that an intentional grounding call wouldn't happen that often. So it requires a cocked eyebrow to see that UVA has managed to procure TWO intentional grounding safeties in the FIRST HALF. I'm pretty sure that's a first.

- I understand that you need a certain amount of speed to even get a 96-yard rushing TD, but I'll be damned if Mikell Simpson's wasn't among the slowest ones I've ever seen. You know, considering all the 96-yard rushing TD's I've seen.

- Ras-I Dowling is completely shutting down Michael Crabtree at this point. One catch for a handful of yards at the half. Graham Harrell doesn't appear to have much rhythm going either. Any penalty these guys get seem to shut them down completely.

- Jameel Sewell has completed 12 passes for 68 yards thus far. I would say that the deep ball isn't exactly UVA's forte, which can also be culled from the fact that they send two tight ends wide in their version of the spread. One of Sewell's darts was to guard Branden Albert for two yards. Virginia fans can only hope he's not trying to pad his resume for the NFL draft.

- So to recap, UVA's 21 points: two TDs, two safeties and a FG.

- Mike Leach ... easily one of your more outstanding halftime interviews. Among the quotables- "we played like garbage." Also something about playing 8 on 11, which I didn't quite understand. Every bit as bitter as one can expect from a law school grad (albeit a Pepperdine Law grad).

Gator Bowl At The Half: UVA 21 Texas Tech 7 originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Posse On Bowl-way: Virginia

Ian Cohen — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:21:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Football, ACC, Big 12, Bowl Games, Texas Tech Football

Happy To Be Here?

Well, if ticket sales are any indication, apparently not. But in terms of the team itself, it's not even a question. Virginia often played poorly in 2006, but by the end of the season, the defense had solidified and they had become far more competitive on their way to a 5-7 record. And by the way, if you ever want to quantify just how easy it is to get to a bowl game, consider the fact that if Virginia managed to pull one of their close losses out, they would have been eligible last year. This season, Al Groh copped ACC coach of the year honors by bringing his team to the precipice of the conference championship game and their first New Year's Day bowl in seemingly forever. One can question if Virginia's suspect schedule might have played a part in all of this or whether all of their close wins were more a matter of luck than talent, but once again, this team seemed to find its center late in the season thanks to the improvement of Jameel Sewell at QB and the discovery of Mikell Simpson as possibly the best run/catch threat at UVA since Tiki Barber.

Come Here Often?

Before their still-mindblowing win over Miami this season, Virginia had literally never won a game in the state of Flordia EVAR. Among those games was the Cavaliers' last Gator Bowl bid, a tilt with Oklahoma in 1991 that, uh, didn't work out so well.
Why Care?

You would think that Texas Tech in a technically meaningless game would be constitute its own sales pitch. More accurately, you can see a matchup of the two teams that pretty much caused Minnesota's Glen Mason to get fired; peep the Golden Gophers' last two bowl games and how they managed to lose them- blowing a 31 point third quarter lead to the Red Raiders in last year's Insight Bowl and blowing a 21-10 halftime lead to Virginia in 2005's Music City Bowl. Either way, it's not like you've got anything better to do.

And The Winner Is...

Most previews I've seen of this game has called it a battle of offensive chicanery vs. stout defense, mostly because that's what Texas Tech does year after year and Chris Long is probably the only player on Virginia that most national pundits have heard of. It's not that simple; while Virginia does happen to have a defense that's rather remarkable in terms of statistics, there's one little problem that I should bring up. All those close games UVA has managed to come out on top of (5 by 2 pts. or less) often were the result of teams (such as Maryland, Wake and UConn) failing to test the verrrrry shaky Cavalier defensive backfield, instead trying to power through the strength of the Hoos' 3-4 defense. Somehow I don't think this will apply to Texas Tech, and worse yet, rumor has it that Virginia's best corner, Chris Cook, has been declared ineligible for the game. Just check the stats from UVA's three losses in 2007- guys like Karsten Sween and Sean Glennon, accurate but physically unexceptional, went to town on these dudes. And while there is a precedent for a shaky UVA pass defense shutting down an all-world WR in a bowl (see: the 2003 Continental Tire Bowl against Larry Fitzgerald), there's also a more concerning precedent in regards to their last trip to Florida: a 63-21 dismantling at the hands of Kurt Kittner-led Illinois in the 1999 Micronpc.com Bowl.

Then again, as my fiancee has told me many a time since the bids were announced, Texas Tech is a stone cold lock to drop three or four games every single year despite their offensive mastery. Something to do with the fact that their offense eventually has to get off the field. Another precedent UVA can rely on is their last bowl bid, considering that many fans came into their matchup with Minnesota thinking that there was no way possible that they could stop the run. It's quite possible that a similar outcome could occur- Virginia can establish an offensive identity against a sketchy defense by relying on their running game and tight ends to keep Graham Harrell off the field and perhaps shorten the game. But as much as I'd like to see that, this was probably the worst matchup possible for Virginia and the score could reflect that.

Texas Tech 42 Virginia 27

Posse On Bowl-way: Virginia originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three Make UCLA Short List

Scott Olin Schmidt — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: UNC Football, Pac 10, Boise State Football, NCAA FB Coaching, Los Angeles, Texas Tech Football

Spurning the advances of former Bruin Rick Neuheisel, UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero has narrowed his list of candidates for the football head coaching job to three.

According to both local papers, the next football coach in Westwood will be Boise State's Chris Petersen, Texas Tech's Mike Leach or the NFL Network's Steve Mariucci. Petersen is said to be the favorite, but the notoriously stingy University may opt for Mariucci, as he has no contract that needs to be bought out.

There's only one little problem: Guerrero has yet to dump current head coach Karl Dorrell. In fact, Dorrell is quoted in the University's official press release regarding the Las Vegas Bowl, saying, "UCLA is extremely happy to be playing in the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl." I guess he has a point, because the way this season went, Dorrell should be happy to be in a bowl at all!

Given his 5-1 record against Dorrell, it should come as little surprise that USC coach Pete Carroll is coming across as Karl's greatest fan, imploring fans and the University to, "Give him a friggin' break."

Three Make UCLA Short List originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas Tech Smokes #4 Oklahoma

Brian Grummell — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:19:00 EST

Filed under: Oklahoma Football, Big 12, Texas Tech Football, The Word

This is definitely one of those "not as close as the score indicated" type game. Texas Tech held a 34-13 lead for much of the second half after sprinting out to a 27-10 halftime lead. Oklahoma actually scored a defensive touchdown very early in this game for one of their rare touchdowns. It later added another seven in the game's last minute but let's be honest here they got whipped no matter what the 34-27 final score says.

Like Oregon two nights before, Oklahoma's offense fell flat once their superb starting quarterback went down. For the Sooners it was an early concussion to Sam Bradford as backup Joey Halzle was ineffective until late in the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma's previously slim chances of playing in the BCS Championship Game are shot. They must now hold on next week against Oklahoma State in order to even make the Big 12 Championship Game and play spoiler to the winner of next week's much-hyped Missouri - Kansas tilt.

Red Raider quarterback Graham Harrell set an NCAA record with his 10th 400-yard game this season. For a while he was on pace to eclise Drew Brees' NCAA record for pass attempts in a game (83) but settled down as Texas Tech ran the ball to nurse its lead and finished with a still-staggering 72 attempts.

For one night at least, the pirate beat the Sooner. Arrrrrr!

Texas Tech Smokes #4 Oklahoma originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sam Bradford Is Concussed

Brian Grummell — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 23:12:00 EST

Filed under: Oklahoma Football, Big 12, NCAA FB Injuries, Texas Tech Football, The Word

Yeh so there's a reason the Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has been held out of this game.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops told ESPN sideline reporter Bonnie Bernstein at halftime that Bradford would not play in the second half. Texas Tech led 27-10 at intermission.
"He's got somewhat of a concussion. They're checking him out right now," Stoops said.
Bradford came out with the Sooners up 7-3 after their second possession of the game. It appeared from television replays that he took a hard hit as he tried to make a tackle after teammate Allen Patrick fumbled on OU's first play from scrimmage. Bradford got up slowly.

Bradford was definitely wearing that "not all there" look as he sat for a few minutes on the sidelines. He was mouth breathing and red in the face, staring in different directions and generally looking like he was a bit spaced out. See the picture at right for further proof - kid doesn't look alright. Hope he gets well soon.

Oklahoma continues to fight for its life tonight against Texas Tech (trails 34-13 in the third quarter) and clearly misses Bradford. Oklahoma faces Oklahoma State next week and potentially plays in the Big 12 Championship Game thereafter and could dearly use Bradford's services. As for Bradford, he's not much of a Heisman Trophy candidate but any more missed time and he's probably out of the running for the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award.

Sam Bradford Is Concussed originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 23:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halftime: Oklahoma's in Trouble

Brian Grummell — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 22:04:00 EST

Filed under: Oklahoma Football, Big 12, Texas Tech Football

Top five Oklahoma is in some kind of trouble this evening, trailing Texas Tech in Lubbock 27 to 10.

Notable: Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford is out of this game (for the time being) after making a "tackle" of a Red Raider defender who had recovered a Sooner fumble. Bradford basically got flattened under a pile of bodies but prevented the immediate score. He limped off and has been seen on the sidelines red in the face, looking a little lost and doing that whole mouth breathing thing that suggests he's suffered a concussion.

Also notable: Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree is amazing. His production has slowed of late, but he had a scintillating 60-yard near-touchdown that was ruled down at the one. He later added a 13-yard score for what should have been his second touchdown. At kickoff, he was just 297 yards away from a 2,000 yard season which is incredible production for a receiver. He already has 10 catches for 153 yards, putting him on pace to eclipse the 2,000 yard mark sometime tonight.

All that said, be warned: Texas Tech has dropped games like this before. Facing Texas at home last year, the Red Raiders held a 24-7 first half lead before falling 35-31 as Texas steadily and thoroughly rallied. Oklahoma's offense has been woeful so far, with just 107 total yards and one very late field goal. The touchdown actually came on an interception return.

One final note: Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell has attempted 47 passes in the first half. He's well on pace to surpass Drew Brees' NCAA record 83 pass attempts.

Halftime: Oklahoma's in Trouble originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 22:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Leach, Meet Mark Cuban

Brian Grummell — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas Tech Football, The Word

You two might have something in common.

Like, having fines levied against you for talking tough about officiating. That stuff never flies with superiors.

The Big 12 fined Texas Tech coach Mike Leach $10,000, the largest fine in conference history, for comments he made about officiating Saturday.

The fine was twice the previous high and announced Tuesday.

After No. 12 Texas beat the Red Raiders 59-43 Saturday, Leach condemned the officiating crew in Austin, calling their work during the game "a complete travesty.

So here's to you, tough-talking eccentric Texans. Mark Cuban can have (expen$ive)his run-ins with NBA Commissioner David Stern and Donald Trump while Mike Leach can have the Big 12 and its conference officials to bicker with. Sometimes a pirate can beat a soldier. But sometimes the pirate can't beat a bureaucrat.

Arrrrrrrrgh.

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Mike Leach, Meet Mark Cuban originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Leach is Not Afraid of Fines

Jeff Adams — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, NCAA FB Coaching, Texas Tech Football

Mike Leach has never been one to shy away from a microphone and speaking his mind. Saturday night Leach brought the hammer down on Big 12 officiating and a perceived bias toward Texas because they are "higher bowl-wise."

"Last year in this incidence, I bit my tongue and I regret it," Leach said. "This whole, 'Do everything status quo' and 'Oh my gosh, the conference might fine you' - you know, sometimes it's just the right thing to do. Sometimes nothing's going to get changed until someone steps up and says something."

"I don't know if this will impact anything or not. I want to make sure that I do my part to impact it the best I can. I've got players out there - we work hard, we try hard for years, days, weeks. There's no defense if somebody doesn't stand up and say something. People have to know. People have to be aware, and people have to quit being afraid of fines. People have to say something."

Leach was less than amused by the fact that the game's referee Randy Christal, is an Austin resident. Leach seemed to imply that Christal's presence might have influenced a series of calls that went against the Red Raiders.

"Leach was upset about a drive in the third quarter in which a pass deep in Texas territory to Michael Crabtree of Carter was ruled incomplete. That ruling was upheld after a review on a coach's challenge by Leach.

Three plays later in that drive, officials ruled on the field that Graham Harrell had completed an 18-yard touchdown pass to Edward Britton. A touchdown would have cut into Texas' 35-20 lead. But the catch was ruled incomplete after an official review. Replays appeared to show the ball hit the ground before Britton secured it.

Two plays later, a 13-yard touchdown pass to Danny Amendola was negated by a holding penalty called on Louis Vasquez. Leach said Harrell was roughed on the play and didn't draw a flag. After the penalty, Leach went for it on fourth-and-15 instead of attempting a 40-yard field goal. The pass fell incomplete."

I saw the game, and thought the plays were close, but wasn't particularly surprised by any of the final rulings. But at the same time, as a Nebraska fan, I'm fully on board with Leach's sentiment that since it's inception the Big 12 has favored the Longhorns both on and off the field. Of course I have no proof of this, but Mike Leach can't be wrong...he likes pirates

Mike Leach is Not Afraid of Fines originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 11 Nov 2007 12:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yeah... Those "Vick 'Em" Shirts? Banned

Brian Cook — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, NCAA FB Fans, Texas A&M Football, Texas Tech Football

Adventures in stupid college dudes, part MMCCXII.

The shirt at right, designed for this weekend's Texas Tech-Texas A&M rivalry was first brought to the light of the blogosphere by Burnt Orange Nation and quickly got a lot of attention because it's awful. I mean, obviously: it depicts Michael Vick hanging Texas A&M's collie mascot Reveille. Tasteless doesn't quite cover it.

Texas Tech has gotten wind of this shirt, however, and did the obvious thing:

Texas Tech has banned the sale of a T-shirt featuring a drawing of a football player dangling Texas A&M's dog mascot by her leash.

The meatheads who put them together are chastened:

Geoffrey Candia, the creator of the shirts, told The Associated Press he and his Theta Chi fraternity were taking full responsibility and would sell no more of the shirts.

"We realize the shirts shouldn't have been printed," he said.

Which is nice. I mean, who could know that these things were tasteless without a nationwide outrage?%Gallery-3384%

Yeah... Those "Vick 'Em" Shirts? Banned originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas Tech Linebacker Arrested For Pot Possession

Jeff Adams — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:21:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, NCAA FB Police Blotter, Texas Tech Football

Texas Tech linebacker Kellen Tillman was arrested late Monday for possession of marijuana.

"According to police, an officer walked up to one of two cars stopped in the center turn lane of a street and saw what he believed to be marijuana. Tillman, the only person in the car, was arrested at the scene, Lubbock police Lt. Scott Hudgens said.

It appeared the two cars had been involved in a minor traffic accident, Hudgens said."

Tillman had been a starter this season, but was suspended by head coach Mike Leach for the Red Raiders' game last weekend. Mike Leach did not specify why Tillman had been suspended. Tillman had 21 tackles and one sack on the year.

The loss of Tillman is not being mourned by Tech blog Double T Nation. Instead the site notes:

"He takes bad angles on tackles, misses tackles, and is the classic "piler-on" (i.e. he jumps on the pile after the tackle is made to appear that he was involved in the tackle)."

Man, I hate those "piler-ons." Double T Nation also points out that Tillman is better known for having already earned five(!) rings from bowl games. Wait, how is that even possible? This guy must be on the Carlos Huerta endless-eligibility scholarship. I wonder if you lose that for drug arrests?

Texas Tech Linebacker Arrested For Pot Possession originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Won't Someone Please Notice Michael Crabtree?

Jeff Adams — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas Tech Football

Normally when we see a player putting up huge numbers down in Lubbock, the lack of respect is normally attributed to the player being a system quarterback. There's no excuse, however, for people not noticing and admiring the amazing season that Michael Crabtree is putting together for the Red Raiders.

Through five games Crabtree, a redshirt freshman, has 60 receptions for 920 yards and 14 touchdowns. Yes, 14(!) touchdowns. His 14th TD on Saturday broke the school single season record for touchdown receptions and the season isn't even half over. He's also tied the national record for TD receptions for a freshman .... in five games.

As it stands right now, Crabtree is on pace for 144 catches, 2208 yards and 34 touchdowns. Those numbers would shatter the NCAA season records held by Houston's Manny Hazard (142 catches in 1989), Nevada's Trevor Insley (2,060 yards in 1999) and Louisiana Tech's Troy Edwards (27 TDs in 1998).

All of this and Crabtree somehow manages to fly under the radar nationally. What does he have to do get a little respect and perhaps even some Heisman hype? If this guy played in L.A. or even Austin for that matter the media machine would be working in overdrive. Instead, he's just another pirate in Mike Leach's record shattering system.

Oh well, at least some of us were on the Michael Crabtree bandwagon long ago.

Won't Someone Please Notice Michael Crabtree? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas Tech Defensive Coordinator Resigns

Jeff Adams — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 19:18:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, NCAA FB Coaching, Texas Tech Football

Mike Gundy's post-game tirade wasn't the only fallout from the Texas Tech - Oklahoma State shootout. News broke this afternoon that Texas Tech defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich has resigned for personal reasons.

I'm not suggesting Mike Leach forced Setencich to walk the plank, but I'm guessing his "personal reasons" might have had something to do with the 610 yards the Red Raiders gave up on Saturday.

According the university, Ruffin McNeill has been named interim defensive coordinator at Texas Tech.

"We appreciate Lyle and the work he did for our program," Leach said. "We wish him and his family the best."

Not much of a parting statement, but with Setencich on his way out and Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove feeling the heat, things just got really interesting in the Big 12.

Texas Tech Defensive Coordinator Resigns originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 23 Sep 2007 19:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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YouTubesDay: The Big 12 Probably Deserves This

Jeff Adams — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST

I'm not even sure exactly what this is, but it did make me laugh. Let's face it kicking the Big 12 when they're down is always funny.

We've got the Willie the Wildcat hitting up a rave and the Missouri Tiger strung out on smack. Herbie Husker posing in a Speedo and the Red Raider Mascot making a visit to the Jerry Springer Show. Hard times for the Big 12 indeed.

Just sit back and enjoy.

YouTubesDay: The Big 12 Probably Deserves This originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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