Football Practice Report
September 28, 1999 | Football
Sept. 28, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - A chilly North wind and 53-degree temperatures punctuated Tuesday?s practice as Texas Tech continued preparations for Saturday?s Big 12 Conference opener against Texas A&M.
The Red Raiders (1-2) worked for just under two hours in shoulder pads and helmets on the turf at Jones Stadium, the site of Saturday night?s matchup with the 5th-ranked Aggies (3-0). The game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports Net at 6 p.m.
With the exception of early work in position groups and late work on the kicking game, the remainder of the practice was devoted to Saturday?s game plan and working against A&M schemes. Head coach Spike Dykes was pleased with his team?s attitude and work ethic coming off an open date.
?This is football weather and it showed in our zip,? Dykes said. ?It was a good, spirited practice and I believe we got a lot accomplished.?
Quarterback Rob Peters returned to practice Tuesday after suffering a bruised hand in the North Texas game Sept. 18. Dykes said Peters had a ?good practice coming back after a day off.?
Saturday?s game is a hard sellout and an overflow crowd is expected. Texas Tech has sold tickets to the grassy hill area behind the North endzone and has also brought in temporary bleachers for that endzone, as well as the Northwest and Northeast corners.
?The fact that we?re sold out is exciting, and most of all, a tremendous credit to Texas Tech fans,? Dykes said. ?Other teams hate to come here and play because our fans provide such a great home field advantage. I expect a great atmosphere Saturday night.?
Saturday?s game marks the first time Texas Tech and Texas A&M have opened Big 12 play against each other. The Aggies lead the series 32-24-1, but the Red Raiders have won three of the last four meetings.