Tulsa World: Coaches agree, 'D' at T-Tech improved

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Coaches agree, 'D' at T-Tech improved
Most notable difference is in Red Raiders' rushing defense.

By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 11/21/2008 2:35 AM
Last Modified: 11/21/2008 3:23 AM

Most notable difference is in Red Raiders' rushing defense.

NORMAN Texas Tech, it turns out, does have a defense.

Coach Mike Leach used to defer questions about his team's defense to the defensive coordinator, and that was often reflected in the Red Raiders' defensive results.

That's not the case any more at least, relative to the rest of the Big 12.

"I think it's the best defense they've played since Mike's been there," said Texas coach Mack Brown.

"Their defense," said Kansas' Mark Mangino, "is much improved."

Statistics might suggest otherwise. This year's unit is allowing 22.2 points and 351 yards per game. Compared to Tech's defense over the previous eight seasons, those numbers are just above middling.

But compared to contemporary Big 12 defenses i.e., the defenses that must face those 500 horsepower Big 12 offenses the Red Raider defense seems to be better. The most noticeable difference is in rushing defense, where Tech allows just 107.4 yards per game.

When No. 2-ranked Texas Tech (10-0) visits No. 5 Oklahoma (9-1) at 7 p.m. Saturday in a nationally televised showdown that could decide the Big 12 South and much more, Tech will bring a veteran unit that is big and fast up front and experienced in the back.

"I can see where they've upgraded their roster over a period of time," said Kansas State coach Ron Prince. "They're really playing I'm not even going to say sound, but flawless."

Tech held Prince's team to a season-low 296 yards in a 58-28 victory in Manhattan, Kan. The Red Raiders limited Texas to a season-low 374 yards in a 39-33 triumph in Lubbock. And Kansas managed a then-season-low 315 yards in Tech's 63-21 triumph in Lawrence. (KU got just 305 last week against Texas.)

By comparison, Oklahoma gave up 550 yards to K-State in a 58-35 victory in Manhattan, 438 yards to Texas in a 45-35 loss in Dallas, and 491 to KU in a 45-31 win in Norman. Every other Big 12 defense has allowed 400 yards or more at least four times. Tech has allowed just two such games.

"They're doing a little bit more than people think they are," Brown said. " ... They played by far better against us than any team we've seen."

Prince believes the Tech front seven has been so good because they face what many perceive to be the conference's best and certainly biggest offensive line every day in practice. Brown hangs much of the improvement on Tech's newfound ability to run effectively and take care of the football. Mangino says it's because coaches keep the scheme simple.

Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy whose team was hammered 56-20 two weeks ago in Lubbock and gained just 368 yards narrowed it down.

"Their players, in my opinion, are running to the football and tackling better," Gundy said.

Gundy's club hung 610 yards on Tech in a 49-45 win last year in Stillwater. The next day, Leach fired defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich, promoted Ruffin McNeill, and the Red Raiders led the conference in total defense from that point on.

This season, Tech ranks third overall in total defense and second in scoring defense. In conference games, Tech is first (355) and fourth (26.3).

"You'd probably have to give the credit to coach McNeill," said defensive end Jake Ratliff. "Coach Ruff started it and we've put the work in and we just follow him."

In the past, OU's offense has had little trouble against Leach's teams, averaging more than 35 points and 403 yards since 2000. But the Sooners this season have taken notice.

"They've got two of the top three sack leaders in the conference at defensive end," said center Jon Cooper. "The middle guys are very active, stop the run and get a good pass rush, and their linebackers come downhill."

Said receiver Manuel Johnson, "They play their safeties back really deep."

"They don't give up any big plays, they keep everything in front of them," said quarterback Sam Bradford. "They are a very good defense."

Fans warned about OU-Tech counterfeit tickets

Police are cautioning fans to be wary of tickets for sale by unauthorized outlets after a recent flurry of counterfeit ticket activity in Texas, according to a release from the University of Oklahoma. More than 500 people were reportedly scammed by suspects selling apparently bona fide tickets to the recent Texas Tech-Texas game. Those tickets proved to be counterfeit when scanners at admission gates failed to recognize them. No. 5 OU hosts No. 2 Texas Tech at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The counterfeit tickets reportedly were distinguishable from genuine tickets only when compared side by side, which revealed slightly blurred lines and faded coloration on the fakes. The victims in Texas reported paying anywhere from $250 to $350 per ticket. Authorities recommend buying tickets from established outlets, or from resellers with whom the buyer is familiar.

Modern Tech

Texas Tech’s defensive numbers are among the best in the offensive-minded Big 12 Conference this season, but they’re only slightly better than those of other Tech teams since 2000. The most noticeable change is in rushing defense:

Year	Points	Rush	Pass	Total
2008	22.2	107.4	244.0	351.4
2007	25.9	177.0	188.4	365.4
2006	25.1	151.1	182.4	333.5
2005	18.8	155.4	180.4	335.8
2004	26.2	176.2	181.3	357.5
2003	34.0	197.1	256.3	453.4
2002	31.4	163.9	239.6	403.5
2001	23.8	172.2	189.4	361.5
2000	19.8	156.6	164.1	320.7

John E. Hoover 581-8384
john.hoover@tulsaworld.com By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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