Bowl time is lastly on us in Major 12 place and what far better way to kick off the conference bowl season than a excellent Massive 12/SEC matchup. If that isn’t ample to get you psyched how about the match we had for the Liberty Bowl that showcased Texas Tech heading head-to-head with previous head coach Mike Leach? It doesn’t get a lot much better than that and right here are my five thoughts on Texas Tech’s huge Liberty Bowl acquire about Mississippi State.
1. The Operate Video game Was Functioning
By no indicates was Texas Tech’s dashing assault unstoppable this season. The Purple Raiders averaged 150.7 dashing yards per recreation this time and they were capable to run all about Mississippi State’s defense on Tuesday night. Tech ran for a whopping 260 yards towards a Bulldogs protection that was enabling just 101.2 yards and had the third very best run defense in the SEC. Tahj Brooks and SaRodorick Thompson led the way for the Red Raiders and both equally players averaged above 5 yards for each have. I also will have to give credit to the Tech offensive line for paving the way.
2. How About that Texas Tech Protection?
I have been quite open up about my issues with Texas Tech defensive coordinator Keith Patterson in excess of the many years. On the other hand, tonight he manufactured me shut my mouth simply because his protection played lights out against a good Mississippi State offense. They got some force on quarterback Will Rodgers and were equipped to get some turnovers as very well. Unbelievably Texas Tech held a Mike Leach coached offense to their least expensive level overall of the entire period as they held them to just seven factors. Only one particular other team this period was equipped to hold Mississippi State’s offense to under 20 factors this yr which was Alabama.
3. Donovan Smith Confirmed Assure
Smith has had his ups and downs this season, but I thought he played a thoroughly clean sport in the Liberty Bowl. He felt his way as a result of the initially half and there were plenty of situations exactly where acquired pressured. Nevertheless, in the next 50 % he arrived out throwing the ball downfield and it labored. On Tech’s next travel of the 3rd quarter, Donovan led the offense to an remarkable 95-yard touchdown travel in just 4 performs. I know Tyler Shough will be the man next year, but…