Football Practice Report
September 27, 1999 | Football
Sept. 27, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - A crisp evening and three days off translated into a spirited, up-tempo practice as game-week preparations began for Texas Tech's Big 12 Conference football opener Saturday against 5th-ranked Texas A&M.
Texas Tech (1-2) worked for just over an hour in shoulder pads and helmets in a closed practice session at Jones Stadium. The Red Raiders opened the practice in individual position groups before breaking into team segments to work on Texas A&M (3-0) schemes.
"The three days off was definitely good for us," head coach Spike Dykes said. "We had a little spring in our step and looked like we are ready to go.
"It's been a while since we played, so it's good to be back in game-week preparations," Dykes said following the first practice after an open date last week. "I know this is a really good Texas A&M football team coming in here this weekend, so we have a great challenge and a great opportunity."
Under Dykes, the dean of Big 12 coaches in his 13th season at Tech, the Red Raiders are 12-4-1 in games following an open date. Saturday's game will be the 57th in a series that has been decided by seven points or less in the last five meetings.
All-America tailback Ricky Williams practiced Monday after coming back from a knee sprain suffered in the season opener at Arizona State. Dykes said a decision on whether Williams would play Saturday would not be made until late this week. Fullback Sammy Morris, also out since the Arizona State game with a bruised shoulder, was full go in Monday's drill.
Texas Tech officials expect an overflow Jones Stadium crowd Saturday in addition to a national television audience. The game will be carried by FOX Sports Net and will kick off at 6:08 p.m.