Tech QB Position “Devolves” into Chaos

Well, so much for last week resolving anything for Tech QBs.  Poor Potts, he’s getting hammered by fans for things not entirely of his doing.  I guess that’s bigtime college football for you; a little distasteful for me but then again I’m repeatedly reminded by people I’m around that I sometimes don’t “get it” when it comes to sports.  You know, the religion.

Funny thing to me is Doege is getting some love from those same fans for coming into the A&M game and…doing pretty much what Potts did.  Not the picks I guess, but I’d figure maybe one of those picks was flat out Potts’ fault.  Doege didn’t create more points, more opportunities, throw for more yards, complete more passes–I’m not sure what he did that warrants him be applauded while Potts is reviled.  Hmmm.

Not that I have anything against Doege.  If he does indeed get the start against KU I hope he has a career day and Tech blows the doors off the Jayhawk Jalopy.  But unless Doege can play DEFENSE, I’m not sure it’ll help this weekend. 

Then in a few weeks Sticks returns, and we can do this all over again….

Tech QB Position “Resolves” Itself, For Now

I was going to be interested to see how Mike Leach dealt with Tech’s QB starting position after Taylor Potts recovered enough to be cleared to play, given how much spark and energy Sticks brought to the table.  Those are both good and bad situations.  You definitely want to have the depth to be able to put in a sub without causing the team to tank, and yet you (or at least I) don’t want to see a starter lose their job because of a short term injury.

Well, as it turns out, it took care of itself for now.  Potts was cleared to play again this week, and ironically Sticks is out 2-3 weeks with an injury of his own.  Decision made for Mike Leach on this one.  If Potts plays well, my thinking is the starting job is his for the rest of the year with the explanation that he was the starter to begin with and only sat out will injured.  If Potts does NOT play well, the whole thing comes back around to be dealt with again prior to the trip to Okie State.

“Sticks” Sticks

Holy moly.  I thought there for a second we were going to have a repeat of the Nebraska homecoming beatdown of four years ago.

Had we not settled for one field goal and had our new QB throw a pick six, it actually would have been worse than that prior beatdown.

Tech’s defeat of KState 66-14 was near complete domination.  Either KState’s team is completely overrated in every possible category, or Tech played incredible ball.  I think it’s the former, although I will say Sheffield looks like the real deal.  The mobility he brings to the game is helpful, and in this offense which makes teams like KState play that 4-2-5 defense, if you get past the rushing linemen you have acres to run free in.

It’s a surprise to me that Potts has the reputation of the cannon arm, and yet since Sheffield has been playing Tech has gone to a vertical passing game much more frequently, with results that are crushing the opposing DBs.  I hope Potts recovers and does well, but I cannot see any way you remove Sheffield at this point.

Amazing Baseball Call

If you are in need of a little levity today, check out this insanely accurate prediction in a recent Mariners game.  The call as it happens is good stuff.  I was laughing and grinning and a bit giddy just listening to it, and I don’t care squat about the Mariners.

Cool.  Sometimes being a sports announcer sounds like SO much fun.

Bosses, the Software Industry, and /dev/random

Subject: bosses, the software industry, and /dev/random
Hey boss. Without getting into too much detail, I was just doing some reflection on what it means to be a kick ass professional software engineer in this absolutely dehumanizing industry (read: field of charlatans).  I was reflecting on the characteristics of the better bosses I’ve had, and the thought of you just jumped right out at me. I hope this is still your email address and this gets through. So I was thinking of you, hoping your cancer battle is now 404 NOT FOUND, and hoping you’ll write back.  Best to the fam!

I got this email from an old co-worker today.  I was his “boss” for a couple of years. 

I’ve never considered myself much of a boss because my “style” seems so different from the people I’m around, so I figured I was one of those who didn’t “get it” and it sure hasn’t translated into much in the way of promotions.  But at least this fellow, who is apparently having to work with someone “less than desirable” now, appreciates it.  Given he is very talented software engineer and electrical engineer I really appreciate him taking the time to send this.  Also, we worked together more than 7 years ago and have only talked once or twice since he moved away.

It was a pick-me-up today.  I needed it.

Hub City Hubbub

Much wailing and knashing of teeth in the Hub City and beyond regarding the loss to Houston by the Red Raiders this weekend.  As is somewhat typical after a tough loss, the masses are overreacting to the loss to a certain degree.  This too shall pass.

However, count me amongst the group that is somewhat confused by some of the decisions made Saturday night.  I know Coach Leach describes balance in his offense as getting all the playmakers the ball a “balanced” amount of the time and attacking the various parts of the field a “balanced” amount of the time, but I like to exploit an opponent’s weakness to the max and it was clear the run defense for the Cougars was their weakness.  I know my wife got tired for hearing me grumble “Run the ball.  Run the BALL.  RUN THE BALL.”

Going for it on 4th and missing is just something we have to accept with Leach as coach – he’s going to gamble on putting the game away there.  Comes with the pirate coach and all that.  The annoying habit of calling time outs at weird times, the same.  Every once in a while it’s okay to “go by the book” though guys, you know?

Ah well, hindsight being what it is makes for great Monday morning QBs, and I guess I’m just another one.  I do hear some rumblings of discontent from *within* the program however, which is not exciting.  This team may have to show it has the leadership to overcome a disappointing loss like this quickly, or there will be more to come in conference play.  It may be a good thing that we get a woeful UNM team followed by a lackluster KSU team both at home before we hit the more difficult part of the schedule.  That may be just the tonic this squad needs to get over this hump and focused again.

Leach’s Parking Spot

Now this is just funny.  Nice the way they worked the natural cracks in the asphalt into the “design”….

Mike Leach's Parking Spot

Jealousy

Yep, that’s the best definition of my feelings when seeing the attached photo of my friend Don and his wife as they visited venerable Wrigley Field on Friday 8/21.

I’m glad he got to do it.  I wish it was me….

Don & Mary Visit Wrigley

What a great experience at Wrigley Field and Chicago!  It was really nippy temperature wise and we did it all:  ate a hotdog at the game and sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th Inning Stretch in memory of Harry Caray….glad we did it and I can now mark off this item on my “Bucket List”!  Holy Cow!  Cubs Win!  Thought I would send these as you were interested in this really Legendary stadium…hope all is well and look forward to heading to Lubbock for the game this weekend!

Mr Football Idea

Shallowater has a Mr Football night every year before the first high school football game.  The exact timing varies some, but it’s always a time for the players from 7th grade thru 12th grade to be introduced along with all the cheerleaders, staff, managers and the high school band.  It’s a good community event with an ice cream social afterwards.  All in all, good stuff.

But I do have one idea.

We introduce each player and let them go out onto the field.  One.  At.  A.  Time.  Some run.  Some jog.  Some walk.  Some goof off….

It’s almost unbearably slow to do this.

How about we run out each grade (7,8,9,10,11,12 – I don’t are if you are varsity, JV, whatever) each as a group, line them up and announce them in order just letting them take a step forward and wave or whatever.

Here’s your 2009 7th grade team.  (Out they run, cheer cheer cheer!)  This year’s 7th grade team is Able (two seconds to wave), Baker (two seconds to wave), Charlie (two seconds to wave)……Zebra (two seconds to wave).  That’s this year’s 7th grade team.  Now here’s this years 8th grade team (Out they run, cheer cheer cheer!). 

You get the idea.  As each grade is finished they can run off to the side, or an idea I like is to just step back five yards to make room for the next grade.  At the end you’ve got them all (7-12) lined up 6 rows deep on the field at once!  It would have the added benefit of highlighting the seniors at the end without taking any extra time.

I don’t mean to moan but is there any reason it should take an hour to introduce these guys?  If they did a practice like this, someone would be doing UP/DOWNS!

Rematch in US Championship

McAllister Park, TX will face Chula Vista, CA in the US Championship, a rematch of the pool play matchup they had earlier this week.  Should be a good one!  Hopefully the stud hitter for TX (batting .700) that missed their first matchup will have conquered the fever and be ready for this game.

Whoever wins, good luck kiddoes!  Have a great game!