ESPN College Football

If it’s Tuesday, it must be a day for a reader’s mailbag.

Here are some of the better offerings from the last several days.

Victor Romero from Boulder, Colo., writes: Hey Tim, If Darrell Scott were to come back to the Buffs, I think the Boulder community would rejoice and might actually soften its "Fire Dan Hawkins" stance a little bit, as it could be seen as Hawk getting Scott into the program twice.

I still think the kid could be a special back, and if he's eligible next season should get 15-20 carries per game. The fact that he wasn't is the biggest reason he wanted to transfer. I think he sees Demetrius Sumler's transfer as the opportunity to get those carries that Hawkins kept from him. What do you think?

Tim Griffin: Victor, you raise a very interesting point. Obviously Rodney “Speedy” Stewart will be the Buffaloes’ No. 1 back coming into the season. But there are still a lot of carries for another back. Scott averaged 7. 9 carries in 2008 as a freshman and saw those numbers drop to 4.6 carries per game in an injury-riddled 2009 before he quit the team.

I agree that Scott could be a productive back if he’s healthy and used correctly. But I don’t see him as a player who could withstand 25 to 30 carries per game.

It will be interesting to see if he returns to the Colorado program. There has been limited interest from other schools. That might lead me to believe that the best place for him is Colorado -- if he and Hawkins can put their differences behind them.

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Brad Williamson of Killeen, Texas, writes: Tim, I claim to not get confused about things, but when I do become confused, I make it a point to do my research to find the answer myself. However, there have been a few blog postings you've put on here that I will freely admit I am at a loss on. You have mentioned how Eric Morris and Graham Harrell have been hired by Houston and (I believe) Oklahoma State as assistant coaches.

However, both of those players played last year and are currently still on the roster for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL. I bleed Red and Black and like to follow the pro careers of former Tech players, but I was wondering if you know how this works. Are both players still playing for Saskatchewan and on staff with the schools, or have they given up their roster spots? I know most people don't care about the CFL, but I was just curious, and it gives me an opportunity to type Saskatchewan a few times. Thanks for your blog!

Tim Griffin: Both Morris and Harrell have given up their professional football careers to start coaching careers with Oklahoma State and Houston.

Both had a chance to play a little in the CFL, but have decided that starting a coaching career is their best path to future employment. I think it's a wise choice for Morris and Harrell.

And I know all about Saskatchewan and Taylor Field. I was in Regina on a windy day back in 1995 when the Baltimore Stallions became the only American team to win the Grey Cup by beating Doug Flutie and the Calgary Stampeders. It remains one of the most vivid memories of my reporting career.

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Jon from Topeka, Kan., writes: Do you see more kids signing up and playing soccer in Nebraska than ever before, because of Ndamukong Suh? And where do you think Neb will finish out next season? Can they be a top 5 team?

Tim Griffin: Maybe those kids have seen the value of playing soccer because of Suh, or maybe the multipurpose kicking talents Alex Henery developed before beginning his football career. Both are role models for what soccer players can later accomplish if they decide to play football.

And as far as Nebraska next season, I think the Cornhuskers will be the team to beat in the Big 12 North, but top five might be a little optimistic. I’ll say they will be a top 12-15 team and finish up with a 10-2 record. That should be good enough to get them back in the Big 12 championship game for a second straight season.

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Josh Saunders from Tampa, Fla., writes: Tim, in last week’s mailbag, you stated that "Nebraska desperately needs those big-time receivers to consistently challenge Texas and Oklahoma." Correct me if I'm wrong, but Nebraska beat Oklahoma and had Texas beat until the officials (rightly or wrongly) put one second back on the clock. And they did this with an injury-plagued offense that was the worst statistically at NU in almost 40 years. What gives?

Tim Griffin: I hope you noticed that the key word in my answer is “consistently.” Before last season’s victory in Lincoln, the Sooners had won the last four games in the Nebraska series. Texas’ victory in the 2009 Big 12 championship game is the Longhorns’ fifth straight against Nebraska. During the Big 12 era, Texas has won eight of its last nine games against the Cornhuskers with the only loss coming in the 1999 Big 12 title game.

I still think the Cornhuskers need more offensive firepower to compete against the very best teams in the Big 12 -- which in the last decade has been Texas and Oklahoma. Both those teams have the offensive pop to make big plays on a consistent basis. The Cornhuskers need a couple of playmakers to get closer to both of them. That’s still the biggest deficiency I see in Nebraska as the Cornhuskers prepare for the 2010 season.

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Ryan S. Williams of Keller, Texas, writes: Hey Tim, thanks for the updates in this college football downtime. I'm a longtime Kansas fan and I'm hoping you could give your opinion on the KU running game this upcoming season. Do you think Toben Opurum will be the lead back with a few doses of Brandon Bourbon or do you think it will be a legitimate two-back system?

Personally I feel like KU should use a lot more of a ground game this season. Thanks for your input and keep it coming.

Tim Griffin: I look for the Jayhawks to run more of a balanced offense this season, along the lines of the one that Chuck Long ran when he was at Oklahoma and at San Diego State. In both situations, Long tried to run the ball to set up the pass.

I know Jake Sharp will be gone from next season’s team, but the Jayhawks return all five starting offensive linemen and their starting tight end. I think a running game also would relieve some of the pressure on the Kansas quarterback -- whether it’s Kale Pick or Quinn Mecham -- as they try to get acclimated to running Long’s offense.

Look for Opurum to get the first shot at becoming the Jayhawks’ featured back. But it wouldn’t surprise me to see Bourbon get more and more carries as the season progresses.

Thanks again for the consistently good questions. I appreciate them all.

Former Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury was promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterback coach and former Tech wide receiver Eric Morris has been added as a quality control assistant on Kevin Sumlin's staff at Houston.

Kingsbury has been a member of Sumlin's staff for the last two seasons. During that time, he has been instrumental in the development of record-breaking Houston quarterback Case Keenum.

"Kliff was a tremendous player as a quarterback and has been in the background with our offensive staff for the past two years," Sumlin said. "This will give him an opportunity to continue the progress and development in the level of quarterback play."

Morris, a four-year letterman at Tech from 2005-08, will be the newest member of Sumlin's offensive group.

The additions will only make the Nov. 27 game in Lubbock against the Red Raiders that much more emotional for both of them.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

High Plains Drama: Crabtree's grab stuns No. 1 Texas

Date: Nov. 1, 2008
Place: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
Score: Texas Tech 39, Texas 33

	AP Photo/LM Otero
	Michael Crabtree's game-winning 28-yard catch against Texas was arguably the play of year last season in college football.

It was one of the wildest plays in Big 12 history, the kind of play that still resonates after thousands have watched on You Tube.

Michael Crabtree's game-winning 28-yard catch from Graham Harrell did more than merely wrap up the biggest victory in Texas Tech history. It was also a national coming-out party for the Tech program,  pushing them to the highest ranking in school history.

To get there, they needed a miraculous play by Crabtree and a strong throw from quarterback Harrell. The Red Raiders got both on the game's last play from scrimmage.

Crabtree admitted he was guilty of daydreaming after Vondrell McGee's 4-yard touchdown run had given Texas a 33-32 lead with 1:29 left. Tech then took over after Jamar Wall returned the ensuing kickoff to the Tech 38.

The Red Raiders dodged a bullet on the play immediately before Crabtree's touchdown. Texas freshman safety Blake Gideon dropped a potential game-clinching interception on a ball that was tipped by Tech's Edward Britton.

On the next play, Crabtree snagged the long pass from Harrell deep along the right sideline before breaking the tackle of Curtis Brown. Crabtree then kept his balance, stayed in bounds and streaked into the end zone for the dramatic score.

Matt Williams added the extra point, but the game wasn't over. Because thousands of Tech fans had streamed onto the field after Crabtree's touchdown, the Red Raiders were forced to kick from their own 7½ yard line.

But Texas couldn't match miracles with the Red Raiders. D.J. Monroe's fumbled return was recovered by Daniel Charbonnet to put away the upset over the No. 1 Longhorns.

Tech had outplayed Texas for most of the game, setting the tone by scoring their first points defensively when Colby Whitlock tackled Chris Ogbonnaya for a safety. They pushed the lead to 19-0 midway through the second quarter when Harrell hooked up with Eric Morris on an 18-yard scoring toss.

But Texas charged back, trimming to Tech's halftime lead to 22-6 on Hunter Lawrence's 25-yard field goal on the final play of the first half.

Jordan Shipley provided a big play early in the third quarter when he returned a punt 45 yards for a touchdown to trim Tech's lead to 22-13. But Charbonnet returned an interception from McCoy 18 yards for a touchdown less than three minutes later to boost Tech back into a 29-13 advantage.

That's when McCoy went to work. Despite battling the effects of a bloody lip, he provided two huge touchdown passes to Malcolm Williams in a span of barely four minutes to pull Texas back into the game.

The first scoring toss covered 37 yards, trimming Tech's lead to 29-19. And on the second one, Williams got behind the Tech secondary on a 91-yard scoring toss to pull the Longhorns within 29-26.

Tech kicker Donnie Carona, who had been relegated to the bench earlier in the season after a persistent slump, tacked on a 42-yard field goal with 5:45 left to cap a 13-play, 55-yard scoring drive.

But Tech's 32-26 lead didn't appear to be enough. And it wasn't as McCoy coolly led the Longhorns on an 80-yard drive capped by McGee's touchdown run.

Crabtree had been hobbled earlier in the game with a gimpy ankle and twice was removed from action in the first quarter. But he was ready on his only catch of the final drive.

Before then, Harrell completed his first four passes to start the game-winning drive.

And after Gideon's drop, the Red Raiders still might have had a chance to win the game on a field goal.

But Crabtree didn't want to leave anything to chance, setting the stage for 2008's most memorable play by charging to the end zone.

They said it, part I: "On the sideline, I kind of dreamed that I would catch a pass and go in the end zone for a game-winning score. I do that in every game, but this time it happened. It kind of shocked me," Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, on his game-winning reception.

They said it, part II: "It was definitely a good win. But, I coached a 13-year-old all star team and we beat Cheyenne one time and I thought that was a bigger win," Tech coach Mike Leach on the Red Raiders' improbable victory.

They said it, part III: "Play 60 minutes. You may have a second to spare," Leach, on his team's resiliency.

They said it, part IV: "All we needed was a field goal, but a touchdown was even sweeter. If you're a quarterback and don't want to be in that situation, you should probably change positions," Tech quarterback Graham Harrell on the comeback victory.

They said it, part V: "They played harder than us. They never quit. They kept fighting," Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, who was gunning for his 10th come-from-behind victory before Crabtree's heroics.

They said it, part VI: "We had a lot of problems. But to their credit they kept fighting back. All we did was score too quickly at the end. We should have taken more time off the clock," Texas coach Mack Brown, on his team's comeback from an early 19-point deficit.

Factoids: After punting after their first drive, Tech took control by scoring on their next three possessions and four of their first six in the first half. But Texas climbed back in by scoring touchdowns on three straight drives before their game-ending fumble ... Harrell completed 36-of-53 passes for 474 yards, including completions to nine different receivers. Crabtree produced a game-high 10 grabs for 127 yards, while Edward Britton added seven catches for 139 yards ... Texas wide receiver Malcolm Williams, forced into the game because of an early injury to starting wide receiver Quan Cosby, produced four catches for a game-high 182 yards ... It was Tech's first victory in school history against a No. 1 team ... The late loss kept Texas from navigating a difficult four-game gauntlet after earlier beating No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 11 Missouri and No. 7 Oklahoma State in the previous three weeks. Tech was ranked No. 6 coming into the game ... Tech kicker Matt Williams, who was plucked from the student section earlier in the season, converted field goals of 29 and 31 yards, but was pulled in favor of Donnie Carona after he had a kick blocked in the second half ... Harrell finished by passing for 167 yards in the fourth quarter alone.

The upshot: Crabtree's heroics set up the wildest Big 12 South Division race in history. In the end, Texas, Oklahoma and Tech all finished with 7-1 conference records. The Sooners advanced to the championship game by winning out on the fifth tiebreaker, despite losing to the Longhorns earlier during the regular season.

Oklahoma finished a single point ahead of Texas in the USA Today coaches' poll and six points behind them in the Harris poll. That left it to the computer ratings, where the Sooners came out ahead in four of the six elements of the poll.

Tech's South Division hopes were quashed three weeks later when they were blown out in a 65-21 loss at Oklahoma as the Sooners erupted for 625 yards of total offense.

That loss dropped them to the Cotton Bowl where they squandered an early 14-0 lead in a 47-34 loss to Mississippi. That defeat dropped them to 11-2 and 12th in the final Associated Press poll -- their highest end-of-season finish in 35 years.

Texas went on to win their final four games of the season, capping it with a dramatic 24-21 triumph over Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. The Longhorns finished 12-1 and No. 4 in the final AP poll, and arguably only one second from a perfect record. It was their highest end-of-season finish since winning the national championship in 2005. 

The countdown:

3. Superman's leap. Roy Williams' tipped pass provides OU's game-clinching TD over Texas.
4. Davison's dramatic grab keeps Cornhuskers' national title hopes alive.
5. Bamboozled again and again and again. Boise State's gadget plays doom Oklahoma.
6. Yes, Sirr. Parker's' dramatic catches lead A&M to first Big 12 title
7. Crouch's TD catch cements Heisman bid, helps beats Oklahoma
8. Sproles and Roberson stun top-ranked OU, leading KSU to its first Big 12 title.
9. Emotional A&M victory brings closure after Bonfire tragedy.
10. Roll left: James Brown guarantees victory and then backs it up.
11. When BCS meant "Boo Chris Simms" in Colorado's first Big 12 title.
12. A Buffalo stampede: Six Chris Brown TDs lead CU to first Big 12 title game.
13. Run, Ricky, run. Ricky Williams breaks NCAA career rushing record.
14. Wild game, wilder post-game rants when Gundy and Leach meet in 2007.
15. Rout 66: No, that score wasn't a typo.
16. KSU finally slays the Cornhuskers.
17. Kingsbury and Long hook up in a passing duel for the ages.
18. Henery and Suh make Colorado blue.
19. Stunning OSU rally leads to Stoops' first home loss.
20. It's never over for Texas Tech until it's over.
21. Reesing to Meier. Again and again.
22. A Texas-sized comeback -- Texas over Oklahoma State in 2004.
23. A Border War unlike any of the rest -- Missouri over Kansas in 2007.
24. Seneca Wallace's wild TD run vs. Texas Tech in 2001.
25. Baylor's "So Much for Taking a Knee" against UNLV in 1999.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Some Big 12 position groups are clearly above others as far as raw talent and athleticism. Here's a look at some of the most dominant in the conference.

Oklahoma's front seven: The Sooners go two-deep in talent in the defensive line and linebackers. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy anchors the defensive front and is an Outland Trophy candidate. Adrian Taylor and Cordero Moore also are capable players. The Sooners have the best collection of defensive ends in college football with Frank Alexander, Jeremy Beal, R.J. Washington and Auston English. Travis Lewis could develop into one of the finest linebackers in Oklahoma history and Mike Balogun, Brandon Crow and Keenan Clayton all are expected to contribute. If heady team leader Ryan Reynolds comes back from his knee injury, this group could rival any in the country -- if it doesn't already.

Texas' secondary: After producing only six interceptions last season, Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp ratcheted up competition among defensive backs. The results were seen in the spring, when the group was the best defensive backfield group I saw in the conference. Aaron Williams and Chykie Brown have emerged as starters at the corners with Curtis Brown and Deon Beasley providing backup. Safeties Blake Gideon and Christian Scott both are emerging, but the key player might be sophomore safety Earl Thomas, who played the nickel position with tenacity and abandon. It's not a stretch to say that two Thorpe Award winners could emerge out of this group in the next several years.

Colorado's running backs: The Buffaloes seemingly have a back for every situation with the deepest backfield in the conference. Darrell Scott appears intent on making a comeback after a disappointing freshman season. Rodney Stewart looks recovered from a broken leg sustained last season that kept him from rushing for 1,000 yards. Sophomore Brian Lockridge appears to be the fastest back and 215-pound Demetrius Sumler is the biggest back with the best inside running ability among the group. This group will serve as the backbone for the Buffaloes' hopes of returning to a bowl game and perhaps their dark horse challenge for the Big 12 North title.

Kansas' wide receivers: Dezmon Briscoe missed all of spring practice for an undisclosed violation of team rules, but is back to serve as one of the nation's most explosive deep talents. Coach Mark Mangino hopes to be able to permanently switch Kerry Meier to receiver for his senior season after a breakout season in 2008. Meier and Briscoe were two of the nation's top-15 receivers last season when they combined for 189 catches, 2,452 yards and 23 touchdown grabs. And Wilson emerged as quarterback Todd Reesing's go-to receiver in the spring when Briscoe was gone, notching six catches in the spring game. Add Rod Harris, Tertavian Ingram and Raimond Pendleton and it might be among the most potent pass-catching groups in the nation.

Nebraska's running backs: With unproven Zac Lee starting at quarterback, look for Shawn Watson to lean heavily on a pair of talented returning backs. Quentin Castille trimmed about 20 pounds to get into better shape and leading returning rusher Roy Helu Jr. boosted his weight by 24 pounds to become a more powerful rusher between the tackles. Together, it wouldn't be a stretch that the two backs could combine for 2,000 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns if both can stay healthy.

Iowa State's running backs: With new offensive coordinator Tom Herman taking over with a spread offensive attack, a talented array of running backs still will have frequent opportunities to contribute. Leading returning rusher Alexander Robinson could be poised to become one of the most underrated rusher/receiver combination backs in the conference. But Robinson will have to fight for playing time with a stacked group that also includes bruising redshirt freshman Jeremiah Schwartz and heralded University of Florida transfer Bo Williams. Herman will be able to utilize all three backs in a variety of roles.

Missouri's defensive ends: The Tigers appeared loaded before spring practice with Brian Coulter and Jacquies Smith back, but redshirt freshman Aldon Smith has developed into an immediate contributor. Converted offensive tackle Brad Madison and redshirt Marcus Marlbrough also had strong springs, leading Gary Pinkel to say it was his best group of defensive ends he's ever had at Missouri.

Texas Tech's wide receivers: Even after losing two-time Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree and Eric Morris, the Red Raiders developed several potential playmakers during the spring. Edward Britton appeared to have crawled out of Mike Leach's doghouse with strong late production. New quarterback Taylor Potts should have many productive targets including Detron Lewis, Tramain Swindall, Lyle Leong, walk-on flanker Adam Torres, 6-foot-7 Adrian Reese and redshirt freshmen Austin Zouzalik and Eric Ward. The Red Raiders won't have two players grab the majority of balls like Crabtree and Morris did in recent seasons. Instead, they will feature a more balanced attack featuring eight to 10 receivers capable of thriving in a tag-team approach.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Sometimes the spring provides a chance for personnel holes to be filled. Sometimes it doesn't.

Here are some of the notable positions around the Big 12 that picked up some assistance during the spring.

Baylor: The quick development of defensive tackle Phil Taylor, a heralded transfer from Penn State, should turn a traditional position of weakness for the Bears into a strength. Joining him at the position will be Jason Lamb, who showed some promise after moving over from defensive end before spring practice.

Colorado: The emergence of hulking 260-pound middle linebacker Marcus Burton and B.J. Beatty at outside linebacker have helped transform the Buffaloes' defense. Burton led the team in tackles and was a prime playmaker in the spring game with eight tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. He had eight tackles in 10 games last season.

Iowa State: Redshirt freshman quarterback Jerome Tiller outplayed starter Austen Arnaud in the spring game, passing for 210 yards and getting free for a 65-yard touchdown run. I'm not sure that Tiller will be starting come September, but he'll make Arnaud work harder to earn his job.

Kansas: The Jayhawks had questions in the defensive line before the spring, even with the return of all-Big 12 honorable mention selections Caleb Blakesley and Jake Laptad and late season starting defensive tackles Richard Johnson and Jamal Greene. The development of tackle Darius Parish and end Max Onyegbule should add to the depth. And that doesn't even account for the arrival of heralded junior college transfer Quintin Woods, who originally signed with Michigan out of high school before heading to Bakersfield (Cal.) Community College to get his grades in order.

Kansas State: The emergence of linebackers like Alex Hrebec, Ulla Pomele and John Houlik has helped turn the position into the strength of the defense, even as the Wildcats are transforming to a 4-2-5 alignment. Hrebec, a former walk-on, contributed 19 tackles in the spring game and Houlik is a huge hitter despite his 5-foot-11, 219-pound size.

Missouri: Redshirt freshman Aldon Smith has only added to the Tigers' depth at defensive end, which already featured Brian Coulter and Jacquies Smith in front of him. Smith was voted as the team's most improved player in the spring. Throw in converted offensive tackle Brad Madison and redshirt freshman Marcus Marlbrough and you'll see why Gary Pinkel considers it his best collection of defensive ends at Missouri.

Nebraska: The Cornhuskers had serious questions at quarterback, particularly after the departure of projected starting challenger Patrick Witt before spring practice and Kody Spano's knee injury. But the strong spring by Zac Lee and the surprising development of converted linebacker LaTravis Washington eased some of offensive coordinator Shawn Watson's concerns. Their strong spring work also should mean that heralded freshman Cody Green likely won't be thrown into action perhaps as quickly as Watson might have feared before the spring.

Oklahoma: After losing starters Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes, safety was the only position without returning starters for the Sooners on defense. Quinton Carter nailed down one starting position and Sam Proctor and Joseph Ibiloye are poised to fight for the other job beside him. Emmanuel Jones and Desmond Jackson also had strong spring efforts to challenge for playing time.

Oklahoma State: Defensive tackle was enough of a question that new coordinator Bill Young moved Derek Burton inside from defensive end to help bolster depth at the position. Burton and Swanson Miller appear to have won starting jobs with redshirt freshman Nigel Nicholas and junior Chris Donaldson providing strong depth. Their strong play helped the Cowboys rack up seven sacks in the spring game - more than half of their 2008 season total of 13.

Texas: The Longhorns were concerned about defensive end after the departure of NFL draft picks Brian Orakpo and Henry Melton from last season. Those fears appear to be assuaged after the seamless transition of Sergio Kindle to the position from linebacker and the quick assimilation by freshman Alex Okafor. Toss in Sam Acho and Russell Carter and the return injured pass-rushing threat Eddie Jones and the Longhorns appear stacked at the position.

Texas A&M: Safety was a question mark before spring camp after the loss of Devin Gregg and Alton Dixon and the move of 2008 starting free safety Jordan Peterson to cornerback. But the strong return to safety by converted cornerback Jordan Pugh and the noticeable development by Trent Hunter helped solidify the position during the spring. And the Aggies' depth at the position was improved after the move of wide receiver Chris Caflisch to the position along with strong play from DeMaurier Thompson.

Texas Tech: The departure of two-time Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree and underrated Eric Morris was supposed to cripple the Red Raiders' receiving corps. Mike Leach appears to have found several serviceable replacements after Tramain Swindall, Lyle Leong, Detron Lewis and walk-on flanker Adam Torres all emerged during the spring. And that doesn't include Edward Britton, who was in Leach's doghouse much of the spring after falling behind in the classroom but still is perhaps their most athletic force on the field.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Football careers can sometimes turn on a fortunate break.

	Michael Strong Photography
	Alex Torres has some big shoes to fill in taking over Michael Crabtree's flanker position.

Texas Tech walk-on wide receiver Alex Torres knows all about that, as his opportunity to play with the Red Raiders was boosted by a break that proved to be more literal than figurative.

Specifically, a broken hand that Torres sustained while in basic training to join the Air Force Academy two summers ago snuffed out any hopes he had of joining the Falcons.

But when that dream ended another one materialized. After sitting out of football for a year, Torres has walked on with the Red Raiders, sending him from a program that ranks among the least friendly for wide receivers to one of the nation's most prolific aerial teams.

In the mindset of a receiver, it was like going from a barren desert to a rain forest.

"There's a huge difference in the programs," Torres said. "It's a receiver's dream to play at this school. I'm very excited and happy how it all turned out. I couldn't feel more fortunate."

Torres has made the most of his opportunity as a walk-on with the Red Raiders this spring, emerging from relative obscurity before spring practice to claiming a starting job on Tech's depth chart after spring practice ended.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Heading into spring practice, several players across the Big 12 appear they might ready to blossom and become key contributors for their teams. Here are some of the most notable as spring practice approaches.

Missouri DE Brian Coulter -- After arriving from Florida State last summer, Coulter brashly predicted he would develop into an All-Big 12 player. He didn't do it last season, but might be ready this season as new Missouri defensive coordinator Dave Steckel rebuilds the defensive front after losing three starters.

Colorado WR Markques Simas -- After redshirting as a true freshman in 2007, Simas was academically ineligible last season. During that period, he tore it up on the Buffaloes' scout team. That performance has provided coach Dan Hawkins with hope that Simas can develop into a consistent producer with regular playing time.

Texas Tech WR Edward Britton -- Despite the presence of receivers like Michael Crabtree and Eric Morris in the Red Raiders' rotation last season, Britton produced a team-best average of 16.5 yards per catch on his 35 receptions and produced six TD grabs. With new quarterback Taylor Potts throwing, Britton might have a chance to emerge as his featured receiver without Crabtree and Morris returning.

Texas A&M DE Von Miller -- He's been known primarily for a late hit on Graham Harrell two seasons ago and his controversial horse-collar tackle that caused a broken leg for Colorado's Rodney Stewart last season. But Miller may be ready to become one of the conference's top pass-rushing threats for the Aggies after producing 3.5 sacks last season.

Oklahoma State DT Derek Burton -- A prime contributor as a starter last season at defensive end, Burton could blossom after moving inside. Developing his run-stuffing abilities will be critical as the Cowboys compensate after the loss of starters Tonga Tea and Jeray Chatham from last season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Graham Harrell had a few early jitters. But he didn't have the meltdown that many observers expected.

His early fumble and the resulting Oklahoma State touchdown sparked a few groans about how Texas Tech would respond after last week's upset over Texas.

	Sam Adams/US Presswire
	Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell matched his career-high with six touchdown passes in a win over Oklahoma State.

"I just wanted to stay calm," Harrell said. "It was only two minutes in the game and there was no reason to worry about it. We gave them the ball and they scored. But it was no reason to panic because we still had 58 minutes of football to play."

Harrell and the Red Raiders proceeded to erupt with a vintage offensive performance that even had Mike Leach smiling at the end of the game.

"Yeah, it (the fumble) wasn't good," Leach said. "But if anything, it was beneficial. It settled us down and we had better tempo after that."

Tech charged ahead with touchdowns on seven-straight possessions as they cruised to a resounding 56-20 victory over Oklahoma State.

"Seven-straight was good," Harrell said. "That's what it's all about: putting the last drive behind as you are scoring the next one."

The length of the drives were equally impressive. Tech marched for touchdowns on drives of 80, 70, 97, 72, 48, 80 and 96 yards. Only another fumble by Harrell on his final play of the game ended the streak.

"That's probably as good of a whole game as we've put together," said Eric Morris, who led Tech with 10 catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. "We were clicking on all cylinders."

Harrell said he was inspired by many doubters who thought the Red Raiders would crumble after the victory over Texas last week.

Oklahoma State had upset Missouri and played Texas close in Austin. In both games, they had limited those opponents to more than 20 points below their yearly scoring averages.

But the Cowboys were no match for Texas Tech's offense on Saturday as the Red Raiders raced to their first 10-0 start since 1938.

"I think it says a lot about us, it's big," said Harrell, who completed 40 of 50 passes for 456 yards while matching his career high with six touchdown passes.

"A lot of people picked us to lose and thought we wouldn't be ready to play. But that's the thing about this team is we put games behind us quickly and come out ready for our next opponent."

The Red Raiders got production up and down their lineup. Harrell was barely pressured and, after being sacked twice in each of his last two games, he wasn't sacked tonight.

Eight different receivers produced at least two receptions. Baron Batch and Shannon Woods combined for 115 yards. It was the 10th straight game this season that Tech produced at least 100 rushing yards.

And Michael Crabtree had another big performance as he grabbed eight passes for 89 yards and three touchdowns.

"There wasn't anything to it," Crabtree said. "I was just doing my job and making routine plays. It came out to three touchdowns."

But the biggest offensive performance still was sweet for the Red Raiders, who proved something to many who expected them to fail.

"I feel every week we have something to prove," Crabtree said. "Week after week they seem to come up with something about us not having this or that. So every time we come out and we've got to play. That's what I put into everyone's head and that's what we've done."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- They are already breathlessly calling Texas Tech's game with Texas next week the biggest game in the history of the school.

	Douglas Jones/US Presswire
	Mike Leach's Red Raiders face a tall order in Texas next Saturday.

First place in the Big 12 South will be up for grabs in the battle between two 8-0 teams. And still, Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree isn't caught up in the excitement yet.

"I don't feel hype, I just see footballs," Crabtree said. "Whatever they say, I don't listen to it."

Crabtree's attitude, although rather simplistic, might be the reason why this Tech team is suited to slay the monster from Austin better than most of coach Mike Leach's recent teams.

The top-ranked Longhorns have beaten Tech six out of the seven times they have met under Leach. It almost seems like the Longhorns have gotten into the Red Raiders' head with the way they have dominated them along both sides of the line of scrimmage during the recent run.

Texas has averaged nearly 46 points in the last seven games against Tech, including 59, 35, 52 and 51 points in the last four games.

But if Tech can follow the formula that marked their 63-21 victory over Kansas on Saturday, the Red Raiders are the team best suited to beat the Longhorns among Big 12 challengers.

The Red Raiders have developed balance in their running game that will force Texas to play them honestly. And their massive offensive line has only allowed three sacks this season, meaning they should be better able to neutralize top Texas pass-rushers like Brian Orakpo and Sergio Kindle.

If Tech can protect Harrell, it will give them the best chance to pick on young Texas safeties Blake Gideon and Earl Thomas -- particularly with game-breaking receivers like Crabtree and Eric Morris roaming through the secondary.

And on defense, the Red Raiders appear to be peaking. They have allowed only 23 points in the last six quarters. During a span of 19 defensive possessions, the Red Raiders have allowed only three scoring plays and forced six turnovers.

"My thought is that it's another team and we'll do the best job we can against them," said Crabtree, who played through a sprained ankle to provide a team-best nine receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns. "It should be fun."

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Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Texas Tech is streaking through its most memorable season in Big 12 history. Texas A&M is floundering through its worst Big 12 start.

But even with that dichotomy in success, fans from the two old rivals remain bitter.

Tech cornerback Jamar Wall is very familiar with the feelings of Tech fans about the Aggies. It's not unusual to find an A&M logo adorning urinals at Lubbock nightclubs.

"Most people (at Tech) don't like A&M," Wall said. "But they are just another team to us."

And A&M coach Mike Sherman learned quickly of the depth of the rivalry among Aggie fans soon after taking the job.

"It's definitely is a sore spot with all Aggies and it's pretty evident traveling around this state," Sherman said. "One of the war cries is always, 'Beat Tech! Beat Tech!' That's something that is important to the people here and has been for quite some time.

"I grew up in Boston and the evil empire there was always the (New York) Yankees. It's kind of like that out there in Lubbock."

A&M leads the series, 34-31-1, but the Red Raiders have dominated recently, claiming 10 of the last 13 games in the series. And since the two schools became conference rivals in 1960, Tech has a 26-21-1 edge.

And after losing his first game to A&M in 2000, Tech coach Mike Leach has beaten the Aggies six of the last seven games.

The traditional rivalry has had its bitter moments over the years. There was the nasty altercation in 2001 in Lubbock when Tech fans carried a goalpost into a section where Texas A&M fans were sitting. An angry brawl ensued and Dr. Mike McKinney, father of former A&M football players Seth McKinney, was struck in the face by "some kid in a red shirt," he said after the game. It turned out it was another A&M fan.

And Leach brought some levity when he talked about A&M's cadets when he saw them at a game in Lubbock several years later.

"How come they get to pretend they are soldiers?" Leach said in a New York Times interview. "The thing is, they aren't actually in the military. I ought to have Mike's Pirate School. The freshmen, all they get is the bandana. When you're a senior, you get the sword and skull and crossbones. For homework, we'll work pirate maneuvers and stuff like that."

After beating the Aggies in a 2006 game in College Station, Leach made a famous comment after the Red Raiders escaped with a 31-27 victory.

"Once in awhile, a pirate can beat a soldier," Leach said.

The game had some sizzle last season. Jorvorskie Lane predicted victory before the game in Lubbock. And Von Miller leveled Graham Harrell with a tackle shortly before halftime that the Tech quarterback later said was a cheap shot. Tech claimed a 35-7 triumph.

Lane and other seniors didn't even show up for A&M media availability this week. About the closest to any retorts from the Aggie side was when A&M freshman receiver Ryan Tannehill told reporters he wasn't proud that he grew up a Tech fan during his youth in Big Spring -- even down to having a Red Raider football uniform as a little boy.

Some of Tannehill's early Tech infatuation was understandable. His father, Tim, was a Tech wide receiver. And his son grew up wanting to follow in his father's footsteps as the Kliff Kingsbury or Sonny Cumbie.

"Those are guys I always dreamed of because they were good quarterbacks," Tannehill told reporters earlier this week. "But now, I just want to take them down."

The rivalry could provide some fireworks, even as the Red Raiders attempt to defend their No. 5 ranking in the coaches' poll and a No. 7 ranking in the Associated Press poll. The Aggies are off to a 2-4 start, including two conference losses for their worst conference start since 1984.

A&M's struggling defense, which ranks 100th in turnover margin and 106th in scoring defense, will face a potent Tech offense that's averaging 46.3 points per game.

Sherman, in his first season as A&M's coach, is feeling that pressure to conjure up an upset that could turn around the season. The Aggies have allowed 100 combined points in their last two games.

"Our backs are so far against the wall we have splinters up our [bottoms]," he said.

Despite A&M's struggles, Tech players are excited about their chance to play at Kyle Field. In eight of Tech's last nine trips there, the game has been decided by seven points or less.

"We always enjoy playing them," Tech wide receiver Eric Morris said. "It will be fun playing in that atmosphere. We understand that people from here and there don't really get along that well. And us coming into town and having the success we have, they will be ready to play. I'm sure we'll have a bull's-eye on our back."

Morris said he enjoys Kyle Field and Nebraska's Memorial Stadium as his two favorite stops in the Big 12.

"There is great atmosphere at both places where they have great and loyal fans," Morris said. "I remembered they cheered us at Nebraska after our game out there. But they might not be as welcoming at Kyle Field as the Nebraska fans are."

And despite A&M's struggles so far this season, Morris expects that A&M fans will be ready for Tech's visit on Saturday.

"It's more of a rivalry and there's no love lost between the two schools," he said, chuckling. "They're good fans, but not that good of fans."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

The recent slump by Texas Tech freshman kicker Donnie Carona is becoming a concern for his teammates.

Carona had an extra point blocked in overtime that provided Nebraska with a potential opening to win the game after the Red Raiders had gone ahead. But cornerback Jamar Wall produced a game-clinching interception that sealed the Red Raiders' 37-31 victory.

"We've been supporting him the whole time, but it gets down to support or tough love," Texas Tech center Stephen Hamby said. "It's frustrating when you play your heart out and that kind of thing happens."

Earlier, Carona had a fourth-quarter point-after attempt ricochet off the left upright before falling through. He has converted 33 of 37 extra points (89.2 percent), lowest percentage for any regular kicker in the Big 12. He's also hit three of seven field goals with two attempts blocked, although he has converted his last two attempts.

Carona is the first scholarship kicker in Coach Mike Leach's coaching tenure. He won the job in fall camp by beating out Cory Fowler.

"He's a young kid and it's tough for a true freshman to step into this," Texas Tech wide receiver Eric Morris said. "We've been supportive, but now after six games he's been here long enough realize that he needs to step up and make kicks. I'm confident he'll be able to do that."

Tech coach Mike Leach told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal after the Nebraska game that he might open the job because of Carona's recent struggles.

"We're concerned," Leach told the newspaper. "I thought the kickoffs he did good. The extra points, some of them (were) ugly. He was probably trying to make too much happen. We may look at Fowler and see how that works out."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach started calling Eric Morris "The Elf" a couple of years ago because of some character traits he had seen in his receiver.

It turns out that Leach doesn't necessarily think that elves are always waiting in trees to bake cookies.

"He calls me the evil elf because he has all these different things: elves are small, they're generally pretty mean and they corner well," Morris told the Tech student newspaper the Daily Torreador. "They're good with a dagger -- he goes on and on about how elves have different traits, and he thinks that I fit the traits of an elf. He thinks that I do well with the football in my hands and calls the football my dagger."

Whatever. The 5-foot-9, 177-pound Morris has turned into a productive receiver who has developed into a solid receiving option behind Michael Crabtree in the Red Raiders' explosive passing game.

And, I think he also has the coolest nickname in the Big 12.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

RENO, Nev. -- Both coaches seem to be trying to outsmart themselves with understandable results as Texas Tech has extended its lead to 21-12 after three quarters.

Graham Harrell is struggling through one of the worst games of his career, completing 14 of 34 passes for 181 yards. He has repeatedly missed open receivers as the Tech offense has sputtered and produced only 230 yards.

Nevada has also done a good job of bottling up Tech's running game, limiting them to 49 yards after three quarters.

Tech is lucky to maintain the lead after a controversial call when Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick was ruled to have fumbled just before the end zone after appearing to score on a 3-yard run. Tech safety Daniel Charbonnet recovered in the Tech end zone.

For the second time in the game, Tech coach Mike Leach went for a fourth-and-short inside his own 30. After Aaron Crawford was stopped short, it set up Brett Jaekle's fourth field goal to trim the lead to 14-12.

Tech snatched momentum away on the next play when it recovered an onside kick, setting up Eric Morris' second TD of the game, a 13-yard run from the Red Raiders' "Emo" formation.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

RENO, Nev. -- A huge punt return by Eric Morris pumped some life into a lethargic Texas Tech offense, boosting the Red Raiders to a 7-3 lead over Nevada after one quarter.

Morris, known by his teammates as "The Elf," cooked up a big play as tasty as anything the cookie makers of Keebler could have done.

Morris' big return helped after Tech was outplayed by Nevada through most of the first quarter. Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick completed 7 of 8 passes for 77 yards to help Nevada dominate offensively.

Nevada looked quicker as it outgained Tech, 101-49 in the first quarter. The Wolf Pack were victimized by three holding penalties that kept them bottled up in long yardage situations and kept them from scoring more than a field goal.

Tech QB Graham Harrell struggled operating the offense, which was bogged down on its first two possessions. The Red Raiders were stopped on downs on the first possession at their own 30 and Harrell was intercepted on the second drive.

Just a guess, but I'm betting that Tech defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill is getting tired of hearing the "Wolf yell" that punctuates each Nevada first down.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

RENO, Nev. -- Hopefully the statisticians at Mackay Stadium have a couple of calculators in reserve.

The matchup between Texas Tech and Nevada will pit two of the nation's top four offensive attacks. Before the game is over, we could very well see at least 1,000 yards and more than 100 points if both offenses play up to potential.

A crowd of about 24,000 is expected tonight -- about 6,000 short of capacity -- for the visit by the No. 12 Red Raiders and their high-powered aerial attack keyed by QB Graham Harrell.

A hot, almost cloudless day with temperatures in the low 90s will remind the Red Raiders of West Texas. And the scenery at the stadium is reminiscent of the Sun Bowl in El Paso with nearby mountains ringing the facility.

Playing at altitude could affect the Red Raiders' no-huddle attack.

"It's just something you don't mention," Tech defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill said. "You just play with the hand that you're dealt. It's not something we're making a big deal about."

Saturday's game is one that Tech needs to win to prove its national credibility. It will be the toughest game the Red Raiders will have before Big 12 play begins.

Tech has led the nation in passing four of the last five seasons and leads the nation after the first week of the season after torching FCS opponent Eastern Washington for 536 yards. And it will be facing a defense in Nevada that features two starting cornerbacks with no FBS experience before last week's game.

Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree started the season quietly for him with "only" 73 yards on nine catches. He was bracketed more with double coverage and Harrell opted to throw to other receivers when he had the opportunity.

The extra attention for Crabtree opened receiving options for Eric Morris and Detron Lewis, who produced 164 and 163 yards, respectively. It wouldn't be a surprise if Crabtree faces similar coverage, leaving the other receivers open.

But the Red Raiders will face their own challenges against Nevada coach Chris Ault's vaunted Pistol offense that rolled up 629 yards, including 426 yards rushing, in the opener against Grambling.

Tech's biggest challenge will be to contain multi-faceted Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick, who Tech coach Mike Leach has said could be the best quarterback that the Red Raiders will face this season. He rushed for three TDs and passed for 122 yards last week in the blowout victory.

This game also could test the limits of the new clock rules set by the NCAA's rules committee. Don't be surprised if this game lasts nearly four hours if both offenses are humming.

So we're all waiting in the press box expecting big numbers.