Texas Tech football has been having one of the best years in the history of the school. We are ranked in the top ten, and thus far we are undefeated. We beat the “sister kissn’ Fighting Texas Aggies” at Kyle Field (never a small task). We scored 63 points, and tripled the score of the University of Kansas while booting them out of the top 25 this weekend. Winning 63 to 21 is always fun, but, the focus of this post will be the 9 points that our new kicker, Matt Williams, scored one at a time.
What’s the big deal? Well, first of all Tech has historically had problems with kicking, and this year we have pretty much sucked. This year so far we have missed six extra point opportunities and only made only 4 of 8 field goal attempts. Enter Matt Williams. Matt was a fan at a game a few weeks ago when he went out on the field for a chance to win a months free rent by kicking a 30 yard field goal between quarters. It would seem Matt punched the ball right through the posts, and did well enough to win the free rent. He he ended up turning down his winnings when Mike Leach offered him a spot on the team. That’s right, our kicker won a contest at a game half way into the season, and earned a spot on the team. This week he suited up, and since Tech’s rockn’ office scored 9 touchdowns, Matt had plenty of opportunities to take his test on the field. He didn’t miss a single attempt.
HOWEVER….Leach only had him kicking extra points, and not field goals (baby steps?), and our other kicker missed one from about 40 yards. Leach, if Matt is 9 for 9 on extra points, and he got noticed kicking a 30 yarder….why not let him try field goals? We are below 50% on them so far this year, so what do we have to lose?
As for the rest of the season for the Red Raiders, we have a difficult road ahead. I would love to be full of bravado and say we are going to go undefeated and win it all this year, but that will be an accomplishment that won’t come easy. Our next 4 games:
Texas- Currently ranked number one in the nation, undefeated, and took out OU (who was number 1 at the time). Fortunately we play them in Lubbock, but even when UT isn’t ranked number one, they always play us well. This game should be a battle; I will be at this game and will report back.
OSU (Oklahoma State for all of you non Big 12 folks)- Currently ranked number 9, and they just gave number 1 UT a run for their money in a game where a turnover near the goal line may have changed everything.
Oklahoma- Even with a loss, they are still ranked number 4 and we have to play them in Norman.
Baylor- Well….it’s just Baylor, but they are not the whipping boy they used to be.
Go Tech!!! I’m excited for this weekend’s game and really glad Tech got smart and added Matt Williams.
Though you have to give Donnie Carona some love for that awesome block in last week’s game. I still can’t believe that was him!