Football Practice Report
September 08, 1999 | Football
Sept. 8, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech shifted the calendar as preparations continued for Saturday's non-conference game at Louisiana-Lafayette. The Red Raiders held a Tuesday practice on Wednesday as full attention shifted toward Saturday's non-conference game at Cajun Field.
A Monday night date at Arizona State forced the Texas Tech coaching staff to plan a typical Monday practice on Tuesday and a Tuesday practice on Wednesday. Head coach Spike Dykes said that due to the short week, the typical Wednesday drill would be skipped in order to get the Red Raiders back in game-week sync.
"It was a typical Tuesday on a Wednesday," Dykes said following a two-hour workout in shoulder pads and helmets on the grass practice fields. "We will skip what we normally do on Wednesday and go straight to Thursday, so we will have to be mentally sharp tomorrow and I believe we will."
Dykes said he has liked the team's response in the two days following a season-opening 31-13 loss at Arizona State. Louisiana Lafayette also comes into the game 0-1 after opening with a loss at Oklahoma State.
Saturday's game will not only be the second this week for Texas Tech, but will also be one of three in 13 days. The Red Raiders' home opener is Sept. 18 against North Texas State.
"Both practices this week have been good," Dykes said. "I think we have digested the loss and are starting to put it behind us. We have all our focus on Louisiana-Lafayette."
The Red Raiders could possibly travel to the Bayou short four offensive starters. Tailback Ricky Williams (knee) and right guard Jason May (knee) are out. Fullback Sammy Morris (shoulder) and right tackle Matt Heider (hamstring) are questionable.
Dan Martin and Paul Erickson would step in at guard and tackle, respectively. Either James Easterling or Ricky Hunter could get the nod at tailback, while Rudy Renda and Toby Shain will get work at fullback if Morris can't play.