I'm as disappointed as any other Tech fan for losing to Houston, but I also realize it's not the end of the world either. It's not like losing at home to North Texas, or on the road in Albuquerque. Coug High is a pretty good team. I really enjoyed watching its offensive execution. With that said, Tech definitely blew it, and unfortunately, as "trap" games go, there's usually controversy and a possible fallout when the end result is not what was expected.
Potts was subpar at best. I guess if I wanted to, I could suggest he was suffering from post-concussion syndrome (ala John Mackovic 1994...) from being hit helmet to helmet the week before, but I won't. He just isn't there yet. He hasn't had the experience, and he just made a lot of poor decisions, and unfortunately, those decisions did not do much to help the offense.
This reminds me of where Harrell was in 2006, his first year to start. I was at the Mizzou game, and he was awful. Back to back picks returned for TDs. There were a few boos when he walked off the field, so he decided to throw his helmet and flip off the crowd. He completely lost his cool, and was benched for a series. Todd steps in, and immediately leads the team down the field to score. Harrell returned, but really shouldn't have, in my opinion.
Potts was rattled much the same way. He was frustrated, and lost his cool after the failed 4th and goal. It was obvious. Near the end of the game when the Coogs were about to score, the cameras caught him standing on the sideline with that deer in the headlights look. In fact, another player had to grab him to get him to go find his coach to prepare for the final drive. I knew after that camera shot, it was over. It seemed to me that Potts had already conceded - like they were down 20 points instead of just 1.
Harrell would have been at Leach's side already - chomping at the bit. Not the Harrell of 2006; the Harrell of 2007-08.
Key words here: maturity as a player.
This was only Potts' 4th game to "play" in quite a few years - 4 to be exact. This level is much faster, and adversity can come at any time, and against any foe. He's learning how to respond every single week. He'll get better - in fact, I truly believe he'll be better than Harrell once he settles in. Unfortunately, we're 1/3 into the season, and there's not really any time left for error. These next 8 games are crucial.
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all good points, and I'm glad to see you're not jumping off the ship like all the rats on RaiderPower.
I still dispute your notion that this was a "trap game" for TECH. If this was a trap game, by traditional definition, then it was a trap for UH, which they got by.
Depends on which side of the fence you're on. Being on the scarlet/black side, and based upon the fall-out after the game, it was, without a doubt, the true definition of a trap game.
BTW: only the weak bail on their family.
oh, so when you redefine "trap game", then it was a trap game for Tech. Kind of like when Leach redefined "balanced offense" so that he could refer to his offense as "balanced". I get it now.
Check out the big brain on aggy!!!
Blake,
Upon reading your email, I almost shed a tear for you. Quite palpable that you're distraught with the realization that this loss might just be the beginning of the end for Mike Leach's status as a "genius".
A few years ago, Leach could dazzle young recruits with the allure of ridiculous stats and offensive wizardry. Nowadays, pretty much every 2nd class program in Texas runs the same run n shoot offense as Leach. See SMU, North Texas, Baylor, and Houston.
Hats off to Leach, he inspired a lot of copycats. Unfortunately, it back-fired. More teams running this offense means more teams actually take the time to scheme against it. The end result, it isn't that tough to defend anymore for good teams.
Don't get me wrong, Tech will continue to pound small double directional schools by 50. However, it is very clear they have plateaued. The novelty has worn off, as has silly notion that running this type of offense can get you noticed in the Pros. This will ultimately dismantle Leaches recruiting efforts.
For your sake, I hope the magical run isn't over.
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