Posted: Thursday, October 7, 2004 7:00 pm
Tech's scoring average of 33 points per game ranks 25th in NCAA Division I-A, which would be quite acceptable if not for the fact the Red Raiders rank No. 4 in total offense at 516.2 yards.
One reason why they're not scoring more is because of some inconsistencies within the Red Zone (the opponent's 20-yard line on in). Tech has scored on 20 of 27 possession that reached that part of the field (16 TDs, four field goals), which is just ninth best among Big 12 teams. The Red Raiders have given up the ball three times on downs, turned it over twice, missed a field goal and had the clock run out another time.
"Any time you don't score (from there) it's frustrating," said receiver Trey Haverty. "You can look back on games you lose and say What if?' But that is part of football.
It's good we are at home. Better things happen when we are at home. Hopefully, come Saturday, you will see the results change."
During last week's 28-13 loss to Oklahoma, the Red Raiders had to settle for two field goals after driving into the Red Zone, and they also had another possession end on downs at the OU 15. Tech's lone touchdown came with 4:50 to play.
"I go out there and keep plugging away. It is like my career here things didn't happen for me right away," said fifth-year senior quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who in his first season as the starter leads the nation in passing. "Sure, we'd like to score more down there. It was different this week than it has been in the past. You have to give credit to OU. They have a good defense. We need to keep calling the plays we were calling and execute them better."
THE NO-BACK OFFENSE: Tech's top five career reception leaders have all played during coach Mike Leach's five seasons in Lubbock. Conversely, the Red Raiders have had just two 200-yard rushing efforts during that span (240 against Iowa State last season and 207 against North Carolina State in 2002).
LIGHTING UP THE BOARD: The Red Raiders have scored in 85 straight games, which marks the second-longest streak in school history. The last time they were shutout was against Nebraska (29-0 in 1997). Tech's all-time longest streak was 98 games from 1987-96. That one ended in the 1996 Alamo Bowl (27-0 to Iowa).
CONSISTENCY: Since the Big 12 was formed in 1996, Tech is the only league member to have had a winning season every year.
Curt McKeever