Football Practice Report
September 14, 1999 | Football
Sept. 14, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech's preparations for Saturday's football home opener against North Texas accelerated into high gear with a two-hour practice in shells Tuesday afternoon, and to say the Red Raiders are ready to play in front of the home crowd would be a huge understatement.
"You betcha," head coach Spike Dykes responded when asked if would be good to finally play at Jones Stadium. "It's great to finally be home to play in front of the best student body in the Big 12. They are an unbelievable bunch who really get into the game and give us a lift."
Defender and kick return specialist John Norman was even more to the point, matter-of-factly stating, "I'm tired of playing on the road, it's time to see our people in the seats."
Texas Tech is 1-1 after beginning the season with a Labor Day loss at Arizona State and a win last Saturday at Louisiana-Lafayette. North Texas comes into the game 0-2.
Dykes and his staff put the Red Raiders through their paces Tuesday on the playing surface at Jones Stadium, working mainly on recognition of North Texas schemes against the scout teams. Brief pass skeleton and pass protection drills pitted the Red Raider offense and defense against one another.
With a great deal of focus lately on injured players, Dykes chose instead to praise players who he said have gotten off to solid starts this season. The dean of Big 12 coaches singled out defensive end Taurus Rucker, linebacker Kyle Shipley, safety Kevin Curtis, along with tight end Kyle Allamon, quarterback Rob Peters and tailback James Easterling.
Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 6 p.m. There will be no television, but tickets are available by calling 1-888-GO-BIG12.
For Additional Information, Please Contact: Kent Partridge (806) 742-2770