One would think with a win over a respected WAC foe (San Diego State University 34 – 27) in the debut of their new coach Chuck Long and junior QB Jordan Palmer (Younger brother of NFL QB Carson Palmer) going 19 of 28 for 205 yards the folks in El Paso would through the Miners a parade. Alas, for many, it rained on their parade. That’s a bad joke in a city that has had two Biblical rain events in the past two months. Almost had a third when the Aztecs rallied from a 27 – 3 deficit midway in the third quarter and were it not for a late interception and resultant Miner touchdown might have won.
Some of the natives grew restless and flooded sports talk shows with the feel that all that glitters is not golden. They were angered that Palmer threw 4 interceptions – 3 in the third and fourth quarter. He was "wildly flinging " and not controlling the game they say. And where was the running game? Folks knew the UTEP line was inexperienced but 38 yards in 20 carries)?
Bet on Texas Tech vs UTEP College Football here.
Now enter Tornado Tech and the sky will be filled with footballs Saturday night in the Sun also rises Bowl. The Fear in El Paso as in other parts of the nation is maybe; finally, Tech can play some defense. Tech stopped the SMU Mustangs (or with horsepower it is the Escorts) and allowed only 3 points and 10 first downs. If UTEP can’t run and Palmer will see Mike Leach’s boys dropping back a lot of folks to make the passing lanes look like Houston’s Katy freeway at drive time. Then the Raiders unleash the hounds and blitz till the cows come home.
It is no secret the Raiders can do some bombing of their own. Sophomore Graham Harrell was awesome against the Ponies with 5 touchdown passes and 333 yards. Harrell, by the way is the former Texas high school record holder in TD passes with 67. What is a surprise is the Raiders – who list O Line as a strength– might have a reload for the departed dual threat back Taurean Henderson. Henderson scored 25 td’s last year — 7 by air. In his freshman debut Shannon Woods ran 15 times for a 104 yards and caught six passes.
Former JUCO QB of the year- now wide receiver- Robert Johnson set a tech record with 15 catches in the game. He had some high praise for Harrell comparing him to some dude on New England, Tom Brady. Johnson said the sophomore is calm and cool. Here is something for opponents to get hot under the collar about – Tech 2005 leading receiver Jarrett Hicks — missed the game because of snafu about some transfer courses. At press time it still was not sure if he would be eligible for this game.
If I sound like I might be leaning a little red-black (I do have an advanced degree from Tech) there is a caution flag to heave out. Last year UTEP felt they emerged from decades of oblivion and got some respect when they cracked the top 25 but then went out and lost their last 3 games including a blow-out by mighty Toledo in the bowl game. Coach Mike Price said his folks began to believe the press clippings in November. This is the game he must draw a line in the sand or mud and plant that big pick ax. If people east of Big Spring or Abilene are to respect UTEP this must be their game. This could be and they say must be their moment in the sun! UTEP has more to prove! Either way it will be a long night with the skies full of footballs. Did I tell you that graduation made the defensive secondary Tech’s quick sand.? Pass me a calculator. Texas Tech is favored –7 with a 57 ½ point total. The game is televised nationally via CSTV for subscribers.
