Red Raiders Enter 2008 with Texas-Sized Expectations

The Texas Tech Red Raiders enter the 2008 season with great expectations. Tech returns 10 starters from last year’s Gator Bowl winning team on offense and defense. Starting senior quarterback Graham Harrell is up for at least three awards including Heisman.

In addition, Harrell can break former Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan’s record for most career touchdowns at 131. Michael Crabtree had an amazing freshman season winning the Fred Biletnikoff award for best wide receiver. The defense should be stronger in Ruffin McNeil’s second full season as the defense coordinator.

The Red Raiders should breeze through the non-conference schedule with three of four games at home. Tech opens the season with Eastern Washington on Aug. 30. Then the Red Raiders go on the road and face Nevada before coming back to Lubbock to host SMU and Massachusetts.

October will be the test for the Red Raiders as three of four games will be at Big 12 opponents. Tech goes to Kansas State after a bye then return home to play Nebraska. For the only time during the season, the Red Raiders will play back-to-back road games at Texas A&M and Kansas.

Tech closes the season with three of four games at home. The Red Raiders will look to get their first victory against Texas since 2002 on November 1^st. The following week Tech hosts Oklahoma State in what could be the last game played at someone’s home turf.

There is still talk of the Tech-Oklahoma State game being played in Dallas as early as 2009. After a week off Tech plays their last road game at Oklahoma before closing out the season at home against Baylor.

Senior quarterback Graham Harrell returns with high expectations. Tech’s senior quarterback is listed as a candidate for Unitas and Davey O’Brien awards. In addition, Harrell is a hopeful for the prestigious Heisman trophy. Taylor Potts, Stefan Loucks, Steven Sheffield and Seth Doege will look to step up when they get playing time. As they will compete to be the starter in 2009.

Texas Tech will have options at running back. Senior Shannon Woods showed some improvements during the off season and looks to regain the starter role after being demoted to scout team last season.

Baron Batch showed he can make plays in his freshman season but the question will be whether he can be consistent. Aaron Crawford emerged as the starter at the end of the season with a great game at Baylor. The running backs could be an open competition for Tech.

Harrell will have another strong cast of wide receivers to throw the ball to. After putting up phenomenal numbers during his freshman season Michael Crabtree will gain more attention from opposing defenses. That will open up the other receivers.

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