For the record: Texas Tech is 6-2, 2-2 in the Big 12 Conference.
Streaking: Although rarely included among a list of successful programs, the Red Raiders have been bowl-eligible for the past 15 seasons, including this year.
Who’s hot: Operating out of Tech’s spread offense, junior quarterback Graham Harrell ranks first nationally in total offense (434.8 yards per game) , touchdown passes (32), completions per game (37.75) and passing yardage (3,548).
Who’s not: Tech’s running game. Out of 119 major-college programs, the Red Raiders rank No. 117 in rushing offense with 70.25 yards per game. Then again, running the ball is almost an afterthought in this offense.
Key stat: Wideout Michael Crabtree (6-feet-3, 208) already has set an NCAA freshman record with 1,320 receiving yards, which lead the nation. But against Missouri, Crabtree failed to reach 100 yards for the first time.
FYI: Texas Tech coach Mike Leach switched defensive coordinators after the fourth game. Lyle Setencich resigned from the staff and was replaced by Ruffin McNeill, who still carries an “interim coordinator” tag, along with his regular duties as special-teams and defensive line coach.
Coachspeak: “If you catch it well in junior high through however many years … I mean, it’s just a ball flying through the air. There ain’t nothing to that. We’ve just got to unclutter what’s in our head.” – Leach, on a rash of dropped passes against Missouri.
