Monday, September 25, 2006

fun Roosterbowl factoid

Last 10 A&M-Tech Games at Kyle
Year W-L, Score Notable
2004 W, 32-25 ot M.Bullitt bats down OT pass
2002 L, 48-47 ot 7 passing TDs for D. Long, J. Pierson missed PAT sends to OT
2000 W, 33-15 K.Kingsbury sacked 4 times
1998 W, 17-10 TT limited to 205 yards
1996 L, 13-10 S. Morris wheel route
1994 W, 23-17 A&M rallies from 10 down
1992 W, 19-17 T.Venetoulias hits FG winner
1990 W, 28-24 232 rushing for D. Lewis, R. Blackshear-kickoff returned for TD vs 12th Man
1988 W, 50-15 420 yards/69 rushes by A&M
1986 W, 45-8 A&M races to 45-0 lead

just got our tickets!


Section 136, Row 18, Seats 2-7

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Rooster week is here!!!!!!!!

It's finally here! Looks like it will be a great game too. I haven't seen the line yet, but I am sure it will be tighter than it was last year. A&M isn't great, but has definitely improved. Tech may have slipped a little, but seem to be working out some of the kinks, and just got their ineligible receiver back, which should help their offense improve.

A&M got a slow start yesterday, after the two-hour lightning delay at Kyle. Maybe someone told Les Koenning it was a 3-hour delay? Regardless, they did what they were supposed to do, in crushing La Tech. A&M needs to clean up their act on penalties though. The defense played well, but committed 2 more drive sustaining penalties, with a running into the punter, and another pass interference call. Fortunately, neither drive resulted in points.

Tech did what we knew they would do this week. The only surprise was the compassion of Mike Leach. He declined a penalty at the end of the first half that would have given them another shot at the end zone, and then put Chris Todd in at QB for the entire second half. He also decided not to start Filani and Johnson at QB, after referring to them as "a bunch of prima donna pretty boys prancing around like they thought they were too good to be there."

Also notable: to kick off Rooster week, Fletch will give birth to a baby boy on Tuesday morning. Congratulations Jeff and Erin!

Friday, September 22, 2006

Jarrett Hicks granted "waiver" by NCAA

This is confusing to me. Jarrett Hicks is ineligible for not meeting the NCAA's "progress towards degree" requirements. Texas Tech requested a waiver of this rule for Hicks, which was denied by the NCAA. Tech appealed, and today, the NCAA granted the waiver of the "progress towards degree" requirements. What has changed, besides the stagnation of Tech's offense?

Is Leach really that desperate now, that he feels the need to pressure the NCAA to reinstate a player who is not meeting academic requirements, then praise the decision for letting Jarrett "continue his track towards graduation"?

If this happened at A&M, Blake would be outraged, and the server at raiderpower.com would explode.

More From Leach

"I saw a bunch of prima donna pretty boys prancing around like they thought they were too good to be there," Leach said. "And then when we got hit in the mouth, they looked surprised and frustrated, like this isn't supposed to happen. Like didn't (Tech players') press agent talk to TCU and let them know how good they were and what they did last year? Then they got frustrated like they were too good to fight back. I mean, we didn't even fight back."

Have other teams caught on to Tech?

"It's a stupid question," Leach said. "I try to be polite and answer it, but it's very difficult to kind of not roll your eyes at the thing. There's nothing wrong with the scheme. How it's applied, how you play, how hard you try, yeah, that's infested with problems right now.

"If it's so easy to lead the nation in stuff, everybody would do that. But the thing is, I think we have an entitlement syndrome around here and think that everything's easy and don't understand that to get anything, you fight for it."

"The thing about it is, you don't get those games over," said Leach, whose team fell to 2-1 and out of both major polls. "We knew how important it was to win and chose, in my opinion, to ignore it. TCU was excited about the game, embraced the challenge, was thrilled to be there and thrilled to play well - and did.

"The cowardly thing is (to say), 'If we got to do it again ... . ' No, no. It was there at that time. That's when it'd been scheduled for quite some time. Everybody knew when to be there. TCU prevailed, so TCU deserves everything that goes along with that."

Knight Weighs in on Whiny OU

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Texas Tech basketball coach Bob Knight, whose Red Raiders lost to Oklahoma on a controversial call three years ago, said he knows how fans feel about wanting a forfeit after OU's loss to Oregon on Saturday.

Knight called for Oklahoma to forfeit its basketball game with Tech on Jan. 20, 2003, when the Sooners won 69-64 in overtime at Norman after two clock controversies in the final seconds of regulation. Video replay later showed the game clock started late after OU in-bounded the ball on the game-tying drive.

"Maybe now those people at Oklahoma understand what I was talking about," Knight told The Oklahoman.

Officals review a call in the second half during last Saturday's Oklahoma vs. Oregon college football game. Oregon rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Oklahoma, 34-33.

"Had Oklahoma forfeited that game against us like I suggested, they would have gotten far more positive publicity out of that than if they had gone to the Final Four that year."

Now I guess the 'duck' is swimming in the other pond."

Oregon scored two touchdowns late to beat Oklahoma 34-33, including the game-winner that came after the Ducks recovered an onside kick. Video replay showed Oregon touched the ball before it went the required 10 yards, but the replay official did not overturn the call.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Great Leach quote

The media asked him about Jarrett Hicks. His answer was:
"Some people like to watch baseball, some like to watch Desperate Housewives,
and some like to watch the Jarret Hicks saga. I watch Desperate Housewives"

I just love Mike Leach!


Monday, September 18, 2006

RoosterNews

Kickoff has been changed from 6 pm to 2:30 pm, to accommodate the ABC regional telecast.

LINK

week 3

It's quiet around here after week 3, after the Tech offense got figured out by TCU, and A&M almost coughed one up to Army.

I was at the Army/A&M game in San Antonio, and I have to say, it really doesn't cause me that much concern. I know I had the same feeling after the Texas State game last year, and my feeling turned out to be off base, since the Ags went 5-6. This is really just an observation from a guy who is admittedly high on maroon kool-aid.

A&M seemed committed to run the ball Saturday. The game plan was so conservative, it made me think something was just off. The San Antonio paper suggested that A&M went with an option-heavy attack to confuse gameplanning by Tech. I personally don't think our coaching staff even thought it that far out. This is something that could probably not be observed on TV, but I think A&M gameplanned conservatively so as not to embarrass our opponent.

Army was the home team Saturday, so there was a great deal of pomp and circumstance around West Point, the military, and their tradition, etc. During the 1st quarter, they were even stopping play to induct recruits into the Army, and promote soldiers in rank. A&M changed one of their yells, so as to make sure they got no bad PR by saying "Beat the Hell Outta Army". I think it was just another PR move to make sure not to beat Army by 4 touchdowns, when some these guys are going overseas to fight in a matter of months. This PR move obviously backfired, as Army came to play, and capitalized on every mistake A&M made, and almost won the damn thing.

The good news is, the Aggies escaped with a W, and hopefully learned something from it.

What the hell happened to Tech? I don't know, and don't feel qualified to comment, since I didn't watch the game. According to Gary Patterson, it's "speed baby".

Saturday, September 16, 2006

...one more

on my way to San Antonio for the A&M/Army game.

Here's another good pic from last year.............

Thursday, September 14, 2006

...more (vague) RoosterBowl memories

so many pictures it was hard to choose. I will put some more up tomorrow....

Fletch!

Tech chicks :-)
Texan Lounge-2000

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Monday, September 11, 2006

A Little Late....

Sat., Sep 2
Southern Methodist
W 35-3

I think we all predicted a win here.

Sat., Sep 9
@UTEP
W 38-35 (OT)

Although I assumed a win, I must admit that I didn't think it would be this close. Price has a very good offensive unit with three players that could play just about anywhere they choose. Tech's special teams very unspecial - no surprise there. Oh well; good teams find a way to win these types of games on the road in sold-out stadiums.

Sat., Sep 16
@TCU

Wow. Before the UTEP game, I thought Tech should run away with this one, but you never kn ow. TC-Who couldn't even put 25K in the stands last week, which is pretty piss-poor for a top 25 team. This week, half the stadium will be wearing red, which will help. Although I wish for a blow out, I think just getting out of Foat Wuff with a W will do just fine. Looks like another high-scoring game: Tech 42 Frogs 27

Sat., Sep 23
Southeastern Louisiana

Just what the Dr. ordered before the big game in the Land of Collie - a scrimmage against the JV. Hopefully this game will allow Tech to work out whatever hasn't worked the last 2 weeks, and will also be a good walk-through for the biggest road game yet. Tech 65 SELa 14

Sat., Sep 30
@Texas A&M

2 undefeated teams? Traditionally a tough place for Tech to get a win, my hope is that this year's early road tests prepare Tech to run away with this one in the second half. In Tech's third sell-out road game of the year, Tech wins big over the Ags after a tough first half: 42-24

Sat., Oct 7
Missouri

Avoiding the letdown after a big road win is crucial this week. Then again, this game isn't in Stoolwater, and it is Tech's homecoming. Still undefeated. Tech 35 Mizzou 17

Sat., Oct 14
@Colorado

Tech has never won in Boulder. CU sucks, but Tech will have to play well to win this one. A solid win here will give me confidence that this years team is really good. Tech 24 Buffs 7

Sat., Oct 21
@Iowa State

Another tough road game. At this point in the season, however, it doesn't matter. Although not a cake walk, if Tech plays well it should win. Even a cold, windy atmosphere shouldn't be a factor. This one could be another shoot-out: Tech 35 ISU 24

Sat., Oct 28
Texas

Well, Tech seems to beat UT about every 4 years it seems, so it's definitely time. With that said, who knows which Tech team will show up. The one one that was so full of itself 2 years ago, and was actaully favored to win, or the one that has grown up since then. I think Tech finally wins at home: 28-24

Sat., Nov 4
Baylor

Hopefully no let-down against the Brazos Bears. It has certain key elements of a huge upset, but I think Tech is mature enough to squash them in the HUB: 56-17

Sat., Nov 11
@Oklahoma

I would love for Tech to win this one, but beating both UT and OU in the same year is unlikely. Since I pick Tech to beat the Cows, I guess this means Tech drops this one on the road in Mobilehoma. Maybe there will be a meth epidemic that hits the Sooners the week of the game....OU 24 Tech 21

Sat., Nov 18
Oklahoma State

It's a contest until the Cowboys yellow school bus rolls into town. Tech 70 OSU 10

Joe's Aggie predictions

At this very moment, I can see my corneas are beginning to morph to a familiar shade of maroon. The Ags have so far, done what is expected of them, and have shown great improvement from week one to week two.

They will continue to dominate their weak conference schedule, and heading into the RoosterBowl, will boast an average margin of victory of over 30 points.

Sept 16--vs. Army
Blowout. McGee will be pulled early in the 3rd quarter again.

Sept 23--vs. LA Tech
This one will be closer than the others, and will be a nice test for the improving Aggie secondary, which they will pass. Ags win 36-13.

Sept 30--RoosterBowl IX vs Tech
Ags win 38-24. This will still not earn the Aggies any respect, as people will be beginning to question if Tech has returned to their old ways.

Oct 7--@ Kansas
Aggies first game outside of Texas this year doesn't slow them down. Jorvorskie Lane dominates in Lawrence, with a 200+ yard performance.

Oct 14-- vs. Missouri
Home field will play a big part in this Aggie victory. By this point in the season, The Wrecking Crew moniker will be back in full effect, and Chase Daniel will have his worst outing of the season for Mizzou. Aggies 24, Missouri 6.

Oct 21--@ Okie State
Which Woods brothers are still on this team? I don't know, but it won't matter. Ags clean house in Stillwater, 31-10.

Oct 28--@ Baylor
No upset on the Brazos this year, but those pesky Bears are getting better every week, and give A&M their best shot. Ags 39, Baylor 31.

Nov 4--vs. Nebraska
Nebraska has some success on offense today, but the "Blackshirts" turn pink in this embarrassing loss at Kyle Field. Ags 47, Huskers 38.

Nov 11--vs. Oklahoma
The Aggies always give OU a great game at Kyle Field. This one will be no different. A&M uses a punishing running game and stacks the box against Peterson, daring Stoops to put the ball in the air. The Ags capitalize on turnovers to squeak out a victory 31-30.

Nov 24-- @ Texas
The undefeated Aggies roll into Austin having already clinched the Big 12 South, as Texas has losses to OU and Tech. 2006 is the year that the Aggies begin a long winning streak against the horns, and turn the balance of power in the Big 12 for years to come. Aggies 42, Longhorns 12.

Dec 2-- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
This rematch with Nebraska fares no better for the Cornholers. The Aggies are so strong now that they are virtually unbeatable. Ags roll in KC and make a big statement heading into Tempe.


January 4-- Fiesta Bowl, Tempe, AZ
On this day, the Texas Aggies will do what the Longhorns could not do yesterday........the 21-20 victory over Ohio State will bring the national championship back to our beloved school, after a long, 67 year drought.

Aggie linebacker Mark Dodge

....as profiled on ESPN GameDay:

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Madi on gameday in Austin


Madi on gameday in Austin
Originally uploaded by Terry's in Texas.

She's coming around!

Gig Em Aggies. Beat the Hell outta ULaLa!

Friday, September 08, 2006

Joe's Tech predictions

Well, I guess it's time for each of us to put up our game by game predictions for each team. I am going to start with my projections for the Red Raiders.

Sept 2--no surprise that Tech abused SMU. the only disappointment here was, according to Mike Leach, that the new clock rules did not allow him to score more on the overmatched Mustangs.

Sept 9--@ UTEP
This one may end up being a shocker. I am sure Tech fans think the 7 point line will be an easy cover, and are loading up with every bookie they know. The reality is, the bookies are liking this. UTEP is a good team, and Mike Price is a great coach. Tech will have a scare here, and I am predicting an early loss for the Red Raiders in El Paso del Norte.

Sept 16--@ TCU
This will be another tough one for Tech, but the overwhelming home field advantage for the Red Raiders will play a role in FW. That's right, I said home field advantage.....@ TCU. TCU fans are pitiful, and the stadium will be overwhelmed with drunken Red Raiders. Tech squeaks by for a W in Cowtown.

Sept 23--SE Louisiana
Tech mops up at home. Graham Harrell sets a single game passing record for the Big 12, contributing to the overconfidence factor heading to College Station.

Sept 30--@ Texas A&M
This will be one of the most exciting games of the year, but for the first time since 2000, these teams will not go to overtime at Kyle. The Aggie defense will come of age today, with double digit sacks and forcing at least 4 turnovers. Texas Aggies 38, Texas Tech 24.

Oct 7--Missouri
Am I too bold to predict a loss in Lubbock this early in the season? Nope. Missouri is too much for Tech to handle, as Chase Daniel will really be hitting stride at this point in the season. Missouri comes in as a favorite, and goes home with a 10-point victory.

Oct 14--@ Colorado
Tech bounces back in Boulder against the weakest CU team we have seen in many years. Tech offense explodes for 70 points.

Oct 21--@ Iowa State
Another Big 12 loss for the Red Raiders. Tech fans are suicidal, and blame officials for double digit loss in Ames.

Oct 28--Texas Longhorns
Tech always gives the horns a game in Lubbock, and 2006 is no exception. Leach uses pirate metaphors all week to avoid a mutiny, and motivate his team to steal a victory from the longhorns.

Nov 4--Baylor Bears
Baylor is getting better every week, but they can't beat Tech in Lubbock. They keep it close, but Tech scores 3 late touchdowns to make it a blowout.

Nov 11--@ OU
"Revenge in Norman"----Taurean wasn't in last year, but this year, Adrian gets in early and often, with a 350 yard, 6 TD performance, launching himself back into the Heisman race. To add insult to injury, Tech can't get in the end zone all day: OU 56, Tech 6

Nov 18--Okie State
Another week for revenge, but this time it's Tech getting even for last year's upset, and taking out the frustrations of their season on the hapless orange aggies. Tech finishes off the season with a 77-3 win in Lubbock.

Overall, this puts Tech's record at a bowl eligible 7-5, and the Red Raiders are squarely back in their comfort zone, with a date to the Independence Bowl in Shreveport.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Who's your Rooster?


....Or should I say, "Where's your Rooster"?

After intense search, I finally secured our spot for this year's festivities. Roosterbowl IX Central Command will be in space 12 of the Olsen Field RV lot. This is significant, because it puts us close to Kyle Field, there is grass for Raider to run and play, and there is access to water and power to fill and run the hot tub!!!!! This location also represents a return to CENTCOM for Roosterbowl III.