I have always been intrigued with Mike Leach and Texas Tech in past seasons, and I have tried to catch their games when I could, being that I reside on the West Coast.

However, after Texas Tech's victory over Virginia in the Gator Bowl last season, I began to look into what kind of team the Red Raiders would field in '08 and what I found had me startled to say the least.

The statistic I came across that peaked my interest was this: In a study conducted by the Univ. of Temple last season, Texas Tech's football team was ranked as the second youngest team out of all Division I-A teams in 2007. I thought to myself, "the second youngest team in America finished 9-4 and ranked 22nd in the nation.”

Being for the most part like other followers of college football, the first thing that came to mind when I began looking into the Red Raiders in 2008 was the offensive side of the football. It was when looking at their offense that lead me to my first conclusion.

Forget about Heisman hopefuls Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell, as well as the completely intact offensive line returning in 2008. Everyone knows that Texas Tech will put up Playstation-like numbers on the offensive side of the ball next season. It's staggering to think what the nation's No. 2 offense from a year ago will be able to accomplish with 10 returning starters.

But all that is irrelevant when judging how good this team is going to be this season. Now let me ask you a question: "What would be the one area that if improved upon would make Texas Tech scary?"

I'm sure your thinking of the same thing I am, "a good defense."

An unknown statistic by many is that last season Texas Tech actually lead the Big 12 in total defense the last eight games. This began after a defensive debacle against Oklahoma State in which they lost, and head coach Mike Leach replaced then-defensive coordinator Lyle Setenich with assistant coach Ruffin McNeill.

Among players at Texas Tech coach Ruffin McNeill was the most favored and beloved coach on Leach's staff. Ironically, he was also the team's motivator. Before each game the newly appointed defensive coordinator would lead the charge for his young and undersized defensive unit as it took the field. This must have been a sight to behold, considering Ruffin is a 300-pound man.

That young defensive unit went on to lead the Big 12 in total defense from that point on, and although the Red Raiders still had their problems against the run from time to time, a shift had taken place in Texas Tech's mentality.

No longer was the defense feeling as though they were just the practicing dummies for the nation's best offense. The defense now had their Mike Leach on their side of the ball and this turnaround was evident by their steady improvement after McNeill's hiring.

Their psyche hasn't changed since, and in the annual spring game Ruffin McNeill's defense dominated by blitzing aggressively and registering nine sacks on the day. They limited Graham Harrell to one lone touchdown, to who else but Michael Crabtree.

This aggravated offensive mastermind Mike Leach so much he rescheduled a second spring game closed to the public. Reportedly the defense won this game as well.

Now with the interim removed from his title, newly appointed defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill has eight starters returning on his defense this upcoming season.

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