Texas Tech University Athletics
Through the Smoke: Ownership
October 02, 2019 | Football
Pair of Red Raider captains leading by example.
All eyes are on a Texas Tech football team to see how it will respond to its first adversity of the Matt Wells era.
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After a 2-0 start, the Red Raiders are coming off consecutive road losses at Arizona and No. 6 Oklahoma. The schedule doesn't get any easier with No. 21 Oklahoma State coming to Lubbock this Saturday and undefeated Baylor on the horizon.
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But before the team runs out of the tunnel Saturday morning to provide their response, a pair of captains took it upon themselves this week to issue ownership.
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Ownership that not only reflects on their character, but on the culture and leadership that is expected under their first-year leader.
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The first act came Saturday evening as the Red Raiders were boarding their return flight in Oklahoma City. Junior defensive end Eli Howard, who was flagged during for an illegal block during an interception return, issued an apology to Oklahoma's Kennedy Brooks for the illegal hit, as well as to his head coach and Director of Athletics.
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Then on Tuesday, while addressing the media, senior offensive lineman Travis Bruffy opened up about the team's slow start against the Sooners. He stated that he was at fault as a leader for not having the team juiced up and ready.
If Bruffy has his say, expect a more inspired start from the Red Raiders against the Pokes, a team they blitzed 41-17 last season in Stillwater, Okla.
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After a 2-0 start, the Red Raiders are coming off consecutive road losses at Arizona and No. 6 Oklahoma. The schedule doesn't get any easier with No. 21 Oklahoma State coming to Lubbock this Saturday and undefeated Baylor on the horizon.
Â
But before the team runs out of the tunnel Saturday morning to provide their response, a pair of captains took it upon themselves this week to issue ownership.
Â
Ownership that not only reflects on their character, but on the culture and leadership that is expected under their first-year leader.
Â
The first act came Saturday evening as the Red Raiders were boarding their return flight in Oklahoma City. Junior defensive end Eli Howard, who was flagged during for an illegal block during an interception return, issued an apology to Oklahoma's Kennedy Brooks for the illegal hit, as well as to his head coach and Director of Athletics.
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My deepest apologizes to @TTUCoachWells @kirbyhocutt for my illegal hit. It is a terrible look for TTU. Also, sorry to @kennedyBrooks26 I hope there is no serious harm done. pic.twitter.com/oL8pftsldh
— Eli Howard V (@EliHoward5) September 28, 2019
Then on Tuesday, while addressing the media, senior offensive lineman Travis Bruffy opened up about the team's slow start against the Sooners. He stated that he was at fault as a leader for not having the team juiced up and ready.
Travis Bruffy did not hold back when evaluating Texas Tech's performance against Oklahoma.
— Eric Kelly (@EricKellyTV) October 1, 2019
"I take full responsibility for not having everyone ready...We felt like we embarrassed the Double T, we embarrassed the university and people were ashamed." pic.twitter.com/vhQYumYvNJ
If Bruffy has his say, expect a more inspired start from the Red Raiders against the Pokes, a team they blitzed 41-17 last season in Stillwater, Okla.
Players Mentioned
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