2. How about giving a little love to Texas Tech?
34-7.
Yes, Mississippi State didn’t have a ton of its main guys – and that’s a valid excuse for the loss – but it shouldn’t have been 34-7 bad.
There’s supposed to be the developed depth to rise up. There’s supposed to be a system in place to have the parts ready to roll whenever needed. There’s supposed to be the coaching that can come up with the right game plan to overcome the adversity and make it all work.
Texas Tech was missing a few guys, too. It wasn’t the same as Mississippi State’s lost issues, but it played well, it was prepared, and it executed and the other side didn’t.
Texas Tech was able to bend without breaking. The pass rush came up with four sacks and seven tackles for loss against a team that doesn’t give up plays behind the line, and the secondary balled out to keep the short passes from gong anywhere.
And don’t forget that the program is in a transitional phase with interim head man Sonny Cumbie taking off after this.
He outcoached the other guy, and his team outplayed the other team.
Take absolutely nothing away from Texas Tech taking this to Mississippi State.
Liberty Bowl 5 Thoughts
5. Texas Tech was … physical?
4. The Texas Tech D got the job done
3. Where was the Mississippi State defense?
1. Mike Leach could use a good Year 3