Did any of you catch this on ESPNU?  It's actually a nice insight to the behind the scenes of the team.  I highly recommend DVR'ing this if possible.  In this tough stretch the team is going through, it's a good view for us as fans who want to dogcuss the coaching, scheme, philosophy, etc.  Players are working hard and coaches coaching each player to their potential.  Tubbs is very hands on and players seem to be open to his style. 

After watching this, why this does not translate on gameday baffles me.  Youth and inexperience is obviously the main point.  Anyways, love to see what you folks on DTN thought of this show if you were able to catch it. 

Finally caught Graham on the sideline during tonight's Packers/Falcons game!  How great is it for him to be learning from Aaron Rodgers and be apart of a solid organization like the Green Bay Packers.  Though he is 3rd string and will never see the field this season, it will be awesome if they go all the way to the Super Bowl and Harrell comes home to Dallas to earn a chance for a Super Bowl ring.  He might not be starting in the NFL but I hope this experience pays off for him and he learns the business of pro football. I also notice him sporting a bear and not so sure about that look.   Best wishes to Graham the rest of his pro career!

According to Chris Level on Twitter, defensive coordinator James Willis is leaving the program.  No further details but his guess is he's joining Will Muschamp at Florida.  I can't blame Willis for leaving to a top program like Florida, but I'd be ticked ifhe went to another Big 12 school.  I have been on the fence about Willis, but was excited to get a taste of the future.  I heard he was a helluva a recruiter as well--so he'll be sorely missed.  I'm hoping Tubs continues the same philosophy and bring in another young innovative defensive minded coach (who will most likely be from the SEC).  Anyways, feel free to share your thoughts on Willis.  I'll miss his intensity...

Hey All,

No surprise here...but here is an article about Craig James.  Poll results show 82% of fans disapprove of the job Craig James has done at ESPN.  Hopefully brains at ESPN sees this and gets rid of him soon.

http://www.thewizofodds.com/the_wiz_of_odds/2010/11/media-approval-ratings-craig-james.html

Wreck em!  Wreck em!
Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!Wreck em!

-Holed up deep, deep, deep in a bunker beneath Memorial Circle??

-Painting over the pirate on Mike Leach's parking spot?

-Working with a psychic to determine who will next be coach? 

-Street performing downtown to raise money to hire their private security?

-Sipping brandy and smoking cigars with Craig James?

-Trying to determine how else they can ruin the university and alienate thousands and thousands of fans?   

-Seeing how they can be the next guests on Oprah?

-Perfecting the secret good ol boy handshake?

Ok...I was on a roll there.  In all serious, Happy New Year DTN!  Maybe 2010 be a year of maintained success for our beloved Red Raiders!   The Three Stooges can go to Hell!!!

Now that the season has come to an end, I wanted to get your thoughts on Leach's coaching staff.  Since Leach's arrival to Tech, we have seen Leach bring in coaches who excel in their areas and then become head coaches or get promoted to assistants elsewhere i.e. Art Briles, Dana Hogerson.   Besides Ruffin, who the heck are these other guys?

1)  Do we have any up and coming coaches that could be plucked away by other staffs?  Besides Ruffin, they aren't necessarily household names.....but the team exceled under their leadership, so they're doing something right. 

2)  Our recruiting has been exceptional and I'm certainly really excited about the 2010 class.  We see Leach getting some good players from Florida and getting the Young kid from UNT. Do we have that mastermind recruiter behind the scenes making this all happen?  I'm assuming one of these assistants is dazzleing these kids. 

3)  I love that we have Strength Coach Bennie Wylie.  He's always on the sidelines firing up the players and you can't miss his energy.  He's someone we need to hang on greatly.  Eric Russell has been a great addition to our special teams. 

4)  Because of some of the past shakeup in staff, do you feel that has affected the consistency or chemistry of this team? That coach Seth Littrell leaving last year comes to mind. 

Anyways, love to hear your thoughts  on this.  I don't think we talk about this all much given that the Head Pirate does most of the talking. 

Hey All,

I posted this comment on another thread, but wanted to see what your thoughts were on this.  I think it's a good topic and wants to hear from DTN:

The Heisman trophy now is a joke. It no longer is ran by an organization that believes in rewarding college football’s best athlete, but is a political organization influenced by campus lobbyist and big dollar alumni. The Downtown Athletic Club is a classless organization and all former trophy winners should return their awards until something is changed. Leach is right—it is a popularity contest and a lifetime achievement award, not a single season award. For them to tout Graham last year as a candidate and ESPN showing his clips, BUT NOT TO INVITE HIM, has baffled me as of today! We know he was not going to win after the OU game, but invite the freaking kid for heaven’s sake!!!!! They invited Tebow,Bradford, and McCoy and that’s it! This year they invite 5. A few years ago they invited that kid from Hawaii who was a “system quarterback”!

I'm a little biased because this happened to Graham, but more upset about the inconsistencies of this bogus award. College football puts this award on the pedestal for what reason?? All the winners do nothing in the NFL (Eric Crouch, Gino Toretta).It seems like they just want to award a player from a big time program.  They have their head coach politicking all year for the award. 

It’s a popularity contest and if Colt wins this after that bad performance Saturday, this will confirm the politics and lobbying that is now invading college football. THe NCAA (National Communist Athletic Association) will not do anything and will continue to let this organized crime continue.

Hi All,

Does anyone know if the Tech vs. OSU game will be televised or not? For selfish reasons, it's my birthday and wanted to start planning something.    I figure the networks might not pick it up because of last year's blowout, but this could be another shootout like 2007.  After watching OSU vs. Texas, I actually think we have a shot especially with Dez and Hunter both out.  I'm hoping the team responds better with Potts back at QB--it sounds like Sticks might be out even for the season.  Maybe the Pirate goes to a two QB system??

GO TECH!

Hey All,

I just saw this link today--it stinks we will not be able to watch Tech beat the Ags in our own living rooms.  Are they trying to sell the seats in order to make the air?  I don't think it's a sellout yet.  The game that is scheduled for showing is Colorado vs. K-state--yuck!

http://www.redraiders.com/2009/10/12/tech-am-not-slated-for-tv/

Go Tech!  Go Tech! Go Tech! Go Tech! Go Tech

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?page=hotread2/crabtree

Good read--I found it somewhat ironic that Leach chimed in at the end of the article.  As bad as that went, I still think Crab signs with the Niners and beomes that next great receiver. 

Go Tech Beat UH!  Go Tech Beat UH! Go Tech Beat UH! Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!Go Tech Beat UH!

Hey All,

Did you see this?  Crabtree was selected to be  one of the covers of EA Sports NCAA 2010 covers:

http://ncaafootball.easports.com/cover.action

How awesome is this!?  Though Mark Sanchez, Orakpo, and Brian Johnson are the other covers, Crabtree is the most dynamic, electrifying athlete that has graced the cover since Reggie Bush.  The exposure this guy will give us over draft weekend and the launch of the game will be nothing but positive for the Tech program.  Guns Up!!

Does Texas Tech make a move and go after him?  I have to admit, I am one of those hardcore Tech football fans, but lukewarm when it comes to basketball.   I do not know what direction our program is heading with Pat Knight.  I like the guy personally and he and his father have done much for the basketball program.  However, Gillespie had so much success at TAMU and recruited well in Basketball.  I am not sure how much loyalty Gerald has for Pat Knight, but I think Tech has to at least consider this if Billy is gone at Kentucky.  I would like to hear what you guys think. 

From ESPN.com.

Maybe Harrell can get Myers and Leach together to actually sign the darn extension!  They are all at one place together.  How hard would this be?

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3758162

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3758162

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3758162

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3758162

 http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3758162

According to ESPN Joe Schad, USC Offensive Coordinator will be named Washington Head Coach. 

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3746240

This makes me think a few things:

1)  Leach used the trip to Washington as leverage for a bigger deal as advised by his agent.  My other thought on the trip to Washington was to see Seattle with his wife all on their dime. 

2)  Leach withdrew his name today because he knew he was not getting the job.  This way he saves his face and by him withdrawing, it was on his terms. 

On a way off note, I like Pete Carroll and what he has done at USC.  I have followed him since his days with the Patriots.  I wonder how losing Sarkisian might change his offense--he will have lost 3 offensive coordinators in 4 years:  Norm Chow, Lane Kiffin, and Sarkisian is Schad is correct.  I still think his team in 2005 was one of the best college teams ever:  if only Lendale White got the first down on the 4th and 2 with 4 minutes left. 

Ok....Let's hope the Leach extension gets done Friday so I can enjoy my weekend. 

Have you guys seen this website?  It's a reminder to Texas and all College Football  fans of the score on the day of November 1st.  I think it's brilliant.

Also, a group of 20 Tech alums hired a plane to fly a banner during the OU-OSU game....Banner will read:  39-33.  I believe Texas fans arranged the same thing with their score over OU:  45-35. 

Let the politicking begin....

http://www.39-33.com/

http://www.39-33.com/

http://www.39-33.com/

http://www.39-33.com/

According to ESPN.com, Lane Kiffin will be announced University of Tennessee's Head Coach on Monday.  Hopefully this will end speculation of Captain Leach leaving to the SEC.

It's funny, I told our friends at Rockytop's boards that Kiffin would be the best fit and they laughed at my suggestion. 

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3731656

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3731656

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3731656

Hey,

I notice Flag Over Raiderland is hosted by a blogger name Zebbie L.  Is this Zebbie Lethridge, former Tech QB, that is hosting the site or just a blogger needing to use a cute name?  Anyone know? 

I think you guys all should know Zebbie.  Great athlete, but not used as well by Spike at the time.  He was a smaller version of Vince Young:  fast, descent arm, good running ability.  During his tenure, he had Byron Hanspard to hand off to so Spike just ran right, ran left, and ran up the middle--the ol boring days of the Tech offense.  I think Lloyd Hill was the #1 receiver then.  The OC then was Spike's son (not Sonny) and Dick Winder, who left to join John Blake's staff at OU.  New Tech fans should be glad you did not have to suffer to watch that.

Wreck EM!! Destroy ZerO-U.

Interesting read from CNNSI about Tech and its athletic program's budget.  This goes to show it gives Leach more reason to stay and continue to build his program, rather than start all over with new players and fans. 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/andy_staples/11/18/spending/1.html

 http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/andy_staples/11/18/spending/1.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/andy_staples/11/18/spending/1.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/andy_staples/11/18/spending/1.html

This was reported by the Texas Homer/Tech Hater Chuck Carleton at the Dallas Morning News (on his blog)

http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/nov/08/davis-is-leading-candidate-to-replace-fulmer/?partner=RSS

By the way, Carleton has picked our opposition ever since the Nebraska game.  For some reason though, his articles seem to have a Tech bandwagon stamp.  Maybe this is the only reason why his articles can make front page on the sports section.

Did you all know about this website hosted by a local radio station?  Not sure if it's a gimmick, but there are quite a few names that have signed it.  If you get a chance, get on the site and let Captain Leach we need him to stay!!

Wreck EM!

http://keepleachattech.com/sign.php#http://keepleachattech.com/sign.php

http://keepleachattech.com/sign.php#http://keepleachattech.com/sign.php

http://keepleachattech.com/sign.php#http://keepleachattech.com/sign.php

http://keepleachattech.com/sign.php#http://keepleachattech.com/sign.php

Is it just me or are you all not really feeling the same buzz as last week?  I feel we are still bathing in the glory of the Texas win and far from thinking about OSU.  The Lubbock paper is still talking about the Texas win, our websites have Horns stuff plastered still, no talk about Raiderville, etc.  I can care less about the media attention and College GameDay, but OSU is the real deal.  They were an interception from taking Texas to the wire in Austin and they are the complete team:  Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.  This team should not be taken lightly and I hope our team is focused.  This team has responded well all season and I strongly feel this is where it all begins....

Hopefully the distractions (Tennessee courting Leach,  BCS talk, awards, etc) all die down after Election Day and this team goes back into their routine.  Living here in Dallas, there definitely is a lot more Red & Black Red Raider gear around town and (FINALLY) at retail stores.....

Guns UP!  Wreck Em....Go Tech!!

Hey, I missed ESPN Gameday....does anyone have the link to the pics?  I particularly are looking for the clip of Corso picking Tech, putting on Raider Red headgear, and shooting off the guns while Herbstreit soils himself.

Guns UP!!!  Tech is #2 in the latest AP behind the overrated Alabama Crimson Tide. 

 Guns UP!!!  Tech is #2 in the latest AP behind the overrated Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Guns UP!!!  Tech is #2 in the latest AP behind the overrated Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Guns UP!!!  Tech is #2 in the latest AP behind the overrated Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Espn Joe Schad is reporting the following candidates for the open University of Washington job:

Lane Kiffin

Will Muschamp

Chris Peterson (Boise State)

Gary Pinckel (or his offensive coordinator)

No mention of Leach's name.  Gerald Meyers better get ready to pony up to keep our favorite Pirate.  I hope Leach realizes the empire he had built and we as fans need to appreciate the innovative coach we have. 

Go Tech...Beat the hell out of TU!!

This is from Don Williams.  This is the last time I'll post on this--but I have to agree with the guy (especially since I'll be at home watching the game on TV).  When I was at Tech, 92-96, it was rare to see anyone wearing red.  Frat guys had their gear, Dorm guys wore what they woke up in, the ladies are dolled up....now in the Leach era, it's amazing to see the Red.   Let's keep it going and show up at GameDay proving the world we are the best fans in college football.  Go Tech...Beat TU!!!

STOMP OUT THE THE BLACKOUT

This thing is getting out of control as well. If you want to look like Oklahoma State and copy a fad that has run its course, go ahead, do the blackout thing with you and your sheeple friends. This thing got started years ago in the Big 10 in basketball and spread to football with such examples as the White Out at Penn. State over the past few years. Texas A&M has been doing a version of this for almost a decade. In all the above mentioned examples they have always been sponsored, endorsed and encouraged by the school and athletic department, with shirts provided in most cases. That isn’t the case at Tech right now and for the life of me I don’t understand why no one from the department of the University hasn’t stood up and said they aren’t affiliated with it.

For years Tech officials have struggled to get fans to where Red and this game should be no different. Texas Tech even rolled out the Raider Power campaign last year with part of its bedrock principles being for Tech fans to wear Red. Texas Tech’s official merchandise outlet sells and encourages Red. Tech officials should step-up this week and say, “wear Red”.

Not only is Red right, Red will look much better at night on TV against Texas. The Georgia black-out not only looked horrible but fired up Alabama as well. Really want to add fuel to the Texas fire this week? Last but not least, the blackout is in no small part being pushed by a local store that has had legal problems with Texas Tech in the past and stands to benefit from selling the shirts. Not exactly organic, huh?

So, do the right thing, go to ESPN’s Game Day wearing Red and keep it on for the actual game.

This is probably the best story in all of college football this year!  A kid literally picked from the stands and goes 9 for 9 in extra points.  Though we realize he is just a kicker, but he is playing on the road against a tough division opponent in front of a 80,000 homecoming crowd.  He hit them all solidly and could make some huge payoffs for us down the road.  Way to go Leach for once again pushing the envelopes...all the talking heads on ESPN, talk radio, Fox Sports thought this idea was ridiculous....who is eating crow now? 

Go Tech!  Beat TU!!!!