Texas Tech University Athletics
Raiders Down But Not Out
October 07, 2006 | Football
Oct. 7, 2006
by Trey Shipman, Texas Tech Media Relations
As the final seconds ticked off the clock in No. 24 Texas Tech's 38-21 loss to No. 25 Missouri, players coaches and fans a like had the look of a boxer who'd just received a blow to the midsection. While the loss to the Tigers was deflating, the Raiders want one thing known - it wasn't the knock out punch.
"I do think we are a team that is a bit distracted," coach Mike Leach said. "I think there is a mentality with our group that, and I think it starts with the coaches, worries about what might happen instead of what we are going to make happen. It leads to a level of inconsistency because we have these brilliant spurts, then we have bad ones."
The plan now for a group that still has dreams of a Big 12 title, is to focus on those `brilliant spurts,' and learn from the `bad ones.'
"The only people that can stop our offense is ourselves, we've just got to be more consistent and play a full 60 minutes," senior tackle Gabe Hall said. "The defense played a good game; we (the offense) just can't put them in the situations that we put them in. You can't give any team the kind of spot we gave them."
Sophomore quarterback Graham Harrell struggled in his sixth career start for the Raiders, throwing two interceptions that were returned for a touchdown in the second quarter. However, Harrell did finish the game with 342 passing yards and three touchdowns, in what he felt was a performance he doesn't anticipate having again.
"I just didn't come out and play well tonight," Harrell said. "I turned the ball over too much and wasn't clear-headed. I've got to get better, I was just frustrated." According to Leach, trying too hard might have contributed to his quarterback's uncharacteristic performance.
"He went out there over-analytical," he said. "It's not complicated but sometimes as you are trying to do well and play well, a lot runs through your mind. Being clear-minded is one of the most critical things."
Frustration was the common feeling throughout the entire Raider squad, but with a date with Colorado in Boulder on tap for next Saturday, Tech knows they don't have time to dwell.
"We've got to practice hard and it starts tomorrow (Sunday). We don't win games on Saturday, we win them Sunday, Monday through Friday."
