High-Flying Texas Tech Hosts An Efficient UMass

Texas Tech Rushing

The Red Raider rushing attack continues to make big plays. Through three games, the offense has produced nine rushing TD’s after having a total of 18 in the entire 2007 season. All three of Tech’s RB’s are ultra talented and can cause problems for most any defense.

However, sophomore Baron Batch is beginning to emerge as the go-to guy. His explosive speed was on display during a dazzling 43-yard run last week against SMU and 13.1 yards per catch out of the backfield trails only Crabtree and Lewis. Big things are expected from the triumvirate and Batch is proving why.

Intangibles

Unfortunately for UMass, there is no rest for the weary.  The Minutemen were No. 3 last week but lost a heartbreaker to No. 7 James Madison. Now, going on the road to face a talented Texas Tech team may be a different chore altogether.

QB Coen needs to watch out for senior safety Daniel Charbonnet. The reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week appeared to be SMU QB Bo Levi Mitchell’s favorite target. Charbonnet picked off three passes to establish a new school record.

If Mike Leach’s admonishments to his offense pay dividends and Tech’s “Swarm” defense is on point like last week, it could be a long, long flight back to Amherst. UMass may score more than the SMU squad, but they are severely overmatched in this one.

Prediction:

Texas Tech: 62

UMass:       17

Soap Box Moment:

I’ve heard a lot of people bash Texas Tech’s schedule this season. Folks, take your anger out on the rest of the major college football programs. Mike Leach has the Red Raiders in the upper echelon of college football and he refuses to go play an opponent that doesn’t want to come to Lubbock.

Coach Leach will take his crew anywhere—as long as they’re willing to visit West Texas also. Gone are the days when Tech would visit Columbus, Ohio or Tallahassee, Florida for a paycheck (and usually a severe beating).

It’s a credit to Coach Leach that teams don’t want to visit Jones AT&T Stadium, but it also says something about the BCS affiliated teams outside the Big 12. Also, let us not forget that Kansas made their first BCS game last season with the nation's easiest schedule. 

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