Tulsa World: Conference Buzz: Balance, Lubbock style

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Conference Buzz: Balance, Lubbock style

Texas Tech's Taylor Potts, throwing a pass against North Dakota, threw for 405 yards Saturday as the Red Raiders completed passes to 10 receivers and three running backs in their win. Geoffrey McAllister / Associated Press

By JOHN KLEIN Senior Sports Columnist
Published: 9/8/2009 2:24 AM
Last Modified: 9/8/2009 5:56 AM

Texas Tech is always among the most entertaining offenses in the country.

And, Tech coach Mike Leach isn't shy about going against the grain.

Some believe the Red Raiders will be more balanced on offense this year. That does not mean running and passing have to be balanced.

In the world of Leach, that means "getting the ball in the hands of all of your players."

From that perspective, the Red Raiders were on target in a 38-13 win over North Dakota.

"We got the ball to 10 receivers and three running backs," said Leach.

Quarterback Taylor Potts threw for 405 yards and two touchdowns on 34-of-48 passing. Junior Detron Lewis led all Tech receivers with eight catches for 146 yards.

"If you run across anyone out there more balanced than that I'd like to know about them," said Leach.

Mack's sympathy: Texas coach Mack Brown wished Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford a speedy recovery.

"Anytime you lose your starting quarterback it is difficult," said Brown. "We had it happen to us a couple of years ago. It is a difficult thing.

"Oklahoma's still going to be really good and that'll probably start back this week."

Bradford wasn't the only thing on his mind. He took notice of how Oklahoma State and Baylor played over the weekend.

"There are a lot of great teams in the Big 12," said Brown. "There's more than just two great teams in this league."

Colorado's short week: Colorado lost 23-17 to Colorado State, one of two Big 12 teams to lose, and both to Mountain West teams.

For the Buffs, adding to the misery was the loss was to an instate rival.

Now the Buffs, after Sunday's game, play on Friday at Toledo. Some might look at that short week as a good thing after such a poor performance against the Rams.

"There are positives to having more time and negatives to less time," said Colorado coach Dan Hawkins. "That can go either way.

"You just have to cram things together. Just take longer and less sleep."

Jayhawks on the road: It is never easy on the road and Kansas knows any trip, no matter the opponent, can be difficult.

The Jayhawks, after an easy opener at home against Northern Colorado, goes to UTEP this week. UTEP opened by losing to Buffalo.

Still, KU coach Mark Mangino knows it is important to play well on the road.

"Early in our time here we had some tough road trips," said Mangino. "But, in the last couple of years, we have played well on the road. This is a game not be taken lightly.

"If we want to contend in the North, we are going to have to play well on the road."

Todd Reesing combined to run (79 yards) and throw (208) for nearly 300 yards in the opener. Now, on the road, the Jayhawks will have to do it away from Lawrence.

"I looking forward to playing well on the road early in the season," said Mangino.

Young's debut: Much is being made of Bill Young's impact on OSU as the new defensive coordinator.

The Cowboys were very good on defense after the opening drive, as the Bulldogs were able to get just one field goal and less than 200 yards.

"We made adjustments and guys stepped up," said OSU coach Mike Gundy.

Young, a former OSU player and assistant, has one of the best records of defensive coaches in the country over the last 20 years.

"He can be a head coach on that side of the ball," said Gundy. "He brings that with him."

Baylor impresses: Baylor shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

The Bears, who went on the road and beat Wake Forest 24-21, have two of the best players — not only in the Big 12 — but in the country.

Quarterback Robert Griffin has tremendous ability.

"He really does a lot for this team and how he handles the game," said Baylor coach Art Briles.

Joe Pawelek was one again a huge factor at linebacker.

"He has great instinct and awareness and intelligence," said Briles. "He's a ferocious and inspiring leader." By JOHN KLEIN Senior Sports Columnist

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