Football Practice Report
September 30, 1999 | Football
Sept. 30, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - Preparations for Saturday?s Big 12 conference opener against 5th-ranked Texas A&M took a step closer to conclusion with a spirited practice Thursday afternoon at Jones Stadium.
Texas Tech (1-2) worked for just under two hours in shoulder pads and head gear, polishing the game plan and working against Texas A&M (3-0) schemes. The workout ended with extended work on all phases of the kicking game, which is the normal conclusion to a Thursday practice.
?We?ve worked really hard this week. The intensity and concentration has been good,? head coach Spike Dykes said. ?From here on out it?s mostly just spit and polish. The hay is just about in the barn at this point.?
The Red Raiders will hold a brief walk-through Friday at Jones Stadium before total focus turns to Saturday?s 6:08 p.m. kickoff. The game marks the first time Tech and the Aggies have opened Big 12 play against each other.
?We get to start a fresh season this week with conference play,? Dykes said. ?One of our goals from the get-go has been to try to win the conference championship and that is still attainable. It don?t get much tougher than starting with the Aggies, though.?
A standing room only crowd is expected Saturday. Temporary bleachers have been added to endzone concourses and the Texas Tech Ticket Office has also sold out the grassy hill behind the North endzone.
The game will be broadcast to a national cable audience on FOX Sports Net. Ron Thulin, Artie Gigantino and Eric Clemons will handle the announcing duties for FOX.