Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Preps For Nebraska's Improved Offense
October 06, 2005 | Football
Oct. 5, 2005
DENVER (AP) - Texas Tech coach Mike Leach has been expecting Nebraska to break out of its offensive slump.
"I think they're going to be really good," Leach said.
No. 15 Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0 Big 12), which leads the nation with 57.25 points per game, takes on Nebraska (4-0, 1-0) on Saturday. Nebraska's West Coast offense rang up a season-high 467 total yards in the Cornhuskers' 27-20 double-overtime win over Iowa State last weekend.
Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor broke school records with 431 passing yards and 36 completions and tied a record with 55 attempts. He was named the Big 12 offensive player of the week Monday for his performance.
It was a big change from the Cornhuskers' previous three games, when the offense - despite winning - struggled against lesser opponents.
"I think they're starting to do some good things now and are emerging quickly," Leach said.
The Red Raiders, meanwhile, proved Saturday they could win even when their offense struggles. They forced three turnovers, including a fumble that led to a touchdown, in a 30-17 victory over Kansas at home.
Nebraska coach Bill Callahan praised the Red Raiders' explosive offense but said their defense is often overlooked. Texas Tech can generate a pass rush from a number of positions and confuse opponents on the line, he said.
"I don't think (defensive coordinator) Lyle Setencich gets enough credit for what they've done," Callahan said.
Texas Tech's defense played a huge role in the Red Raiders' 70-10 victory over the Cornhuskers last season, forcing seven turnovers in the worst loss in Nebraska's history.
Callahan said he hasn't thought about that game recently, except to compare turnovers with this year's squad.
After four games last year, the Cornhuskers had given up the ball 16 times. This year, they have had only four turnovers.
"That's huge," Callahan said.
