The Daily Toreador - Student Newspaper of Texas Tech

Issue date: 9/16/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ruben Castillo

Call it crazy, but don't be surprised if defenses start loading the box and playing the run against Texas Tech's offense.

Maybe that won't actually happen, but coach Mike Leach's set of ground troops complement his vaunted Air Raid offense much better than in season's past.

Against SMU on Saturday, Baron Batch ran for 98 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while Shannon Woods managed 86 yards on 13 carries - combining for the most rushing yards since Tech ran for 175 against Baylor in 2006.

Junior guard Brandon Carter said just when he was getting used to Tech running the ball only under desperate measures, this powerful and quick backfield burst onto the scene.

"Since I've been here, really my freshman, sophomore year, run blocking really wasn't a thing for us," he said. "It was just kind of a third and short, second and short kind of deal that if we needed it we would do it. It was never really a first down and 10 decision to make. Now the fact that we can do that is a huge credit to everybody."

Under Leach, who is known for his potent passing attack, Tech has averaged more than 100 yards rushing only twice, in 2003 and 2005.

In three games this season, the Red Raiders have averaged 135.7 yards on the ground and already have a surprising nine rushing touchdowns - five of those came against Eastern Washington on Aug. 30.

At this rate, Tech could have more than 36 rushing touchdowns by season's end - Leach's offense has never eclipsed more than 25 touchdowns in a season and has reached 20 only twice.

All of this comes after Tech averaged a school-record low 59.3 rushing yards per game in 2007.

Carter said the determination to shed tackle after tackle shown by Batch and Woods is something he is not used to seeing. Specifically, Carter cited a moment toward the end of the game against SMU when Woods was carrying the ball inside the Mustangs' 10-yard line. Woods was hit three yards deep in the backfield, but he side-stepped several tacklers before being brought down a the 1-yard line.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools