husker4ever07
Four-Star Recruit
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Strong defense always has been an afterthought during coach Mike Leach's tenure at Texas Tech.
The program built its national reputation on a high-powered aerial attack, with the Red Raiders' defense lost in the shuffle over the years.
But that has appeared to be changing over the past few weeks. Tech has responded to the fiery teachings of interim defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, who has stamped the team with an aggressive, swarming philosophy since taking over after Lyle Setencich stepped down Sept. 23.
McNeill appears to have lit a fire under the Red Raiders, as seen in a dynamic effort in the Red Raiders' 35-7 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday.
The fire is hot enough that even though Tech quarterback Graham Harrell blistered the Aggies for 425 passing yards and three touchdown passes, Tech fans chanted McNeill's name as he left the field at Jones AT&T Stadium.
"They probably had a little bit too much to drink," McNeill said, chuckling. "I love our [fans], but they were chanting my name, a big ol' guy? An ol' school, half-bald guy? They must have been talking about a different Ruffin."
The Red Raiders have strung together three big defensive games since McNeill was named the interim coordinator. During that period, the Red Raiders have allowed opponents 257 yards and 10.3 points per game. Under Setencich, the Red Raiders were allowing 405.5 yards and 28.3 points per game. Those struggles were punctuated in a 49-45 loss to Oklahoma State in which Tech was gashed for 366 rushing yards and 610 total yards.
"We've always had this mentally, but coach Ruff has got it out of us," safety Joe Garcia said. "During practice the last three weeks, it's totally changed our defense. We're more intense, and we run and swarm to the ball. Then we try to do it on the field. The intensity by coach Ruff has been excellent."
The attitude change was visible Saturday against the Aggies. After spotting them a quick touchdown on their first drive, the Red Raiders did not permit A&M any points on its final 10 possessions of the game.
"I think the energy has picked up," Leach said. "Our team is starting to realize that it takes all the components working together to be a good team."
its working at TTech we gotta try it. Nothing to lose now
The program built its national reputation on a high-powered aerial attack, with the Red Raiders' defense lost in the shuffle over the years.
But that has appeared to be changing over the past few weeks. Tech has responded to the fiery teachings of interim defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, who has stamped the team with an aggressive, swarming philosophy since taking over after Lyle Setencich stepped down Sept. 23.
McNeill appears to have lit a fire under the Red Raiders, as seen in a dynamic effort in the Red Raiders' 35-7 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday.
The fire is hot enough that even though Tech quarterback Graham Harrell blistered the Aggies for 425 passing yards and three touchdown passes, Tech fans chanted McNeill's name as he left the field at Jones AT&T Stadium.
"They probably had a little bit too much to drink," McNeill said, chuckling. "I love our [fans], but they were chanting my name, a big ol' guy? An ol' school, half-bald guy? They must have been talking about a different Ruffin."
The Red Raiders have strung together three big defensive games since McNeill was named the interim coordinator. During that period, the Red Raiders have allowed opponents 257 yards and 10.3 points per game. Under Setencich, the Red Raiders were allowing 405.5 yards and 28.3 points per game. Those struggles were punctuated in a 49-45 loss to Oklahoma State in which Tech was gashed for 366 rushing yards and 610 total yards.
"We've always had this mentally, but coach Ruff has got it out of us," safety Joe Garcia said. "During practice the last three weeks, it's totally changed our defense. We're more intense, and we run and swarm to the ball. Then we try to do it on the field. The intensity by coach Ruff has been excellent."
The attitude change was visible Saturday against the Aggies. After spotting them a quick touchdown on their first drive, the Red Raiders did not permit A&M any points on its final 10 possessions of the game.
"I think the energy has picked up," Leach said. "Our team is starting to realize that it takes all the components working together to be a good team."
its working at TTech we gotta try it. Nothing to lose now