High-Flying Texas Tech Hosts An Efficient UMass

Scribe Written on September 19, 2008

Introduction:

No. 11 Texas Tech hosts the Football Championship Subdivision No. 9 Massachusetts Minutemen Saturday at 6 PM in the Red Raiders’ final non-conference game before traveling to Kansas State on October 4.

Tech intercepted five passes last week against SMU and may need a similar effort against UMass considering QB Liam Coen’s 74 career touchdown passes trail only Graham Harrell’s 97.

UMass Passing

Senior QB Liam Coen directs the UMass offense. Coen has completed 61-95 attempts (64.2%) for 826 with nine TD’s and one INT. While the Minutemen won’t sling the ball like Texas Tech, they will utilize the passing game more than many Big 12 teams. Coen is accurate and smart so the Tech defense better be alert when he takes the snap.

UMass Receiving

Victor Cruz is the guy to remember here. He has 18 grabs for 351 yards (19.5 per catch) and two scores. Jeremy Horne (15 catches for 211 yards and three scores) and Julian Talley (six for 95 yards) are the other top targets for Coen.

UMass Rushing

Tony Nelson is the workhorse. He has 62 carries on the season for 362 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and five scores. QB Coen has UMass’ only other rushing score on 11 carries for 21 yards Korrey Davis has eight totes for 21 yards and Brandon White has three carries for seven yards.

Texas Tech Passing

Graham Harrell is coming off his best passing performance of the season. However, head coach Mike Leach isn’t happy with Harrell’s play. That is nothing but bad news for opposing defensive coordinators. Harrell has completed 93 of 152 passes (61%) for eight TD’s and three INT’s. Look for those numbers to improve this week.

Texas Tech Receiving

Michael Crabtree paces the Red Raiders in catches, yards and touchdowns. He has 24 catches for 395 yards (16.5 YPC) and 5 scores. Detron Lewis has 17 snags for 296 (17.4 YPC) with one score.

Eric Morris (16 catches for 197) and Tramain Swindall (12 catches for 130) are the only other receivers over 100 yards. Fans can expect more focus and effort from the receivers this week. Mike Leach wasn’t happy with some of the drops Tech had last week and made those feelings public.

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written on September 19, 2008 Preview/Prediction