Texas Tech University Athletics
One, Not Such A Lonely Number
October 13, 2004 | Football
Oct. 13, 2004
By Jenna Sampson, Texas Tech Media Relations
Red Raider quarterback Sonny Cumbie and receiver Jarrett Hicks have no qualms about being the number one passer and number one receiver in the nation. Cumbie leads the nation with an average of 420.1 passing yards per game, while Hicks tops the chart by averaging 137.2 receiving yards per game.
But despite the accolades, winning is the foremost thought in their minds. Both have diffused Heisman talk by the media with a smile and references to team goals.
"That's not for me to talk about. The biggest thing is getting a victory. Right now we're just trying to win the Big 12," said Hicks.
Hicks and Cumbie have packed a one-two punch every game this season, including an 80-yard touchdown against Nebraska to give them each their longest play. The touchdown pass was also the longest of the Mike Leach era at Texas Tech.
"He (Cumbie) had confidence in me to go out there and make plays. He did a great job of putting it out there. Probably his best game this year. It was a credit to Sonny to go out there and be a warrior. It was definitely the best game so far," Hicks added.
Cumbie has demonstrated a commanding presence on the field despite just six career starts under his belt. The fifth year senior has thrown for 2,521 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, including a career-high 5 touchdown passes against Nebraska. Cumbie was 44-of-56 with 436 passing yards during Saturday's tumble over the Cornhuskers, his best all-around performance of the season. Cumbie agreed.
"Things got rolling early and we capitalized on opportunities we had. Coach Leach made great calls and we just executed plays that we've practiced over and over," he said.
Those play calls include giving Cumbie the reigns to call audibles at the line of scrimmage. He made several successful play changes, including a touchdown handoff to running back Johnnie Mack with 2:03 remaining in the third quarter.
 Jarrett Hicks has been Tech's go-to guy in 2004 and is averaging 137.2 yards per game (best in the nation).  | |
Hicks is a popular check during Cumbie's read progressions. The quarterback has connected with Hicks 42 times this season for a total of 823 yards and six touchdowns. He is the first player in school history to log four-straight games of 100-plus yards receiving, making Saturday was his fifth overall.
Cumbie repeatedly refers to the sophomore's outstanding ability to run routes and consistently log receptions. Hicks routinely breaks tackles following a reception, as witnessed during Saturday's 80-yard sprint into the end zone.
Both players claim that playing in front of a hometown crowd is invaluable. The Jones was packed out with a homecoming crowd of 52,954, the eighth largest in Texas Tech history.
"When they come out and they're making a lot of noise it means a lot to the players," said Cumbie.
"We played more relaxed here at home in front of our own fans. Once the crowd gets behind us and gets rowdy, I don't think anyone can stop us once they get behind us," Hicks remarked.
Fans can't ask for more exciting home games than this season's pair of 70-point wins. The Red Raiders have a bye this week, but already have their sights on Texas.
"It's gonna be a good game, 70 points, that would be great to put on them," said Hicks.
Cumbie and Hicks look to continue their offensive assault on the Longhorns next Saturday (Oct. 23) at Jones SBC stadium.
