Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Don Williams on the issue with USC breaking off negotiations to play in a non-conference game with Texas Tech and where Texas Tech stands:
“It’s tight. It’s uncomfortable, right?” Botros said. “You want to keep yourself open to providing a matchup that puts you in the best possible spot as it relates to vying for a playoff spot, also bringing a matchup that brings excitement to the fans and provides for the opportunity for great viewership.
“But at the same time, there’s very, very limited opportunities at this point. The overwhelming majority of schools have a full slate. I’ve been texting with a few ADs this morning, and between (their) already having a Power Four opponent or having a full schedule, you get to a point where there’s just not a lot of options, so the timing, really, has been challenging for us.”
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Don Williams on the possibility of a jersey patch:
“If you talk about schools that signed deals early this year or even last year and the value they got,” Botros said, “versus the values we’ve seen just in the past two or three weeks schools have signed, they’re significant deals — even to the point where some of them are parting ways with current partners in that same category, to be able to provide an exclusive opportunity to a bank or to some other category that wants to have a jersey patch.
ESPN has enemies of every Power Four conference team and it’s difficult to argue with this one for Texas Tech:
Tommy Tuberville. The future U.S. senator for Alabama took over Texas Tech after the controversial firing of legendary coach Mike Leach and went 20-17 over three up-and-down seasons. He’d later say in a radio interview that Lubbock “looked like Iraq,” which is one of those lines West Texans don’t forget. They also don’t easily forgive a stunning departure like the one Tuberville made for the Cincinnati job at the end of the 2012 season. Tuberville has denied the infamous claim that he bailed during a recruiting dinner, calling it “fake news.” In fairness, the longtime SEC coach was ultimately the wrong fit at the wrong time, both for a divided post-Leach fanbase and as a defensive-minded coach combating unstoppable Big 12 offenses. He preceded a more natural hire in Kliff Kingsbury. — Olson
ESPN with Big 12 freshmen to watch:
2. LaDamion Guyton, Edge, Texas Tech: The Red Raiders need to replace the production of two early-round NFL draft picks in David Bailey and Romello Height, who helped tie a school record with 41 sacks last year. Guyton now steps in as a five-star edge with a ceiling that rivals Bailey’s. Even though he’s young after reclassifying from 2027, Guyton has game-changing burst off the edge.
9. Felix Ojo, OT, Texas Tech: Ojo was a five-star offensive tackle who ranked No. 28 on the SC Next 300, so there’s massive upside thanks to his physical tools at 6-6, 295. Though fellow five-star LaDamion Guyton has a clear path to playing time as the Red Raiders replenish their losses on defense, Ojo will need to navigate a murkier depth chart after Texas Tech restocked from the portal along the offensive line.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Don Williams with 5 freshmen that the coaches are raving about. Here’s just 1 of them:
Maddox Quiller, 6-foot, 205 pounds, safety
Tech signed six defensive backs last winter, several of whom have already gotten some praise. Quiller got it during the first couple of practices.
On Thursday, in a discussion of safeties, McGuire said, “The young guy that has really shown up at those positions is Maddox.”
The Pflugerville Hendrickson graduate had 74 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles last year.
Have not watched, but this is the Big 12 preview of Texas Tech.