Running the ball is still an option right? I'm sure you know I'm joking but what wasn't a joke was Texas Tech's all out aerial attack in this game. Senior QB Cody Hodges put up ridiculous stats, 44-65 for 643 yards and 5 touchdowns, which not only was the best game of Hodges' career so far but also stands as the fourth most yardage ever thrown in a Division I-A game. The game itself was actually pretty exciting to watch, with Kansas State sticking around for most of the first half and going into the tunnel at halftime only down 17-13. The second half truly was a different story as the Red Raiders pulled out all guns and scored 6 touchdowns against the confused and beaten Wildcat defense.
Kansas State
Jeromey Clary 66 607.0 300 N/A OT - As in the previous game against Kansas, Jeromey had another excellent game. He really takes advantage of his size and strength, blocking well all day and providing protection consistently from the left side. He's so easy to pick out from the huddle since he's a whole head taller than anyone else on the team. POSITIVE
Ted Sims 45 601.0 235 N/A LB - Once again was almost invisible in this contest. His fellow teammate, LB Brandon Archer, made more plays and got more playing time than Sims. Ted's bright spot was an excellent interception that was returned for 27 yards. SLIGHTLY NEGATIVE
Ayo Saba 36 600.0 275 N/A FB - A monster of a guy but again was not used enough to form an opinion on. I would love to see what this guy can do. Victor Mann took on the fullbacking duties all afternoon.
Victor Mann 42 602.0 255 N/A FB - Did a good job of blocking during running plays, picked up blitzing linebackers well. He looks like a very strong fullback and overall he looked much better than he did during the Kansas game. SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
Texas Tech
Taurean Henderson 19 510.0 207 N/A HB - This guy looks like the real deal. Not only do his numbers speak for themselves, 118 yards on 10 carries and 5 touchdowns (3 receiving, 2 rushing), but after watching him you see he has that explosive speed that enables him to burst through holes and sprint downfield for huge gains. He's also very aware of when to cut back to evade defenders, he doesn't just rely on pure speed, he definitely has the smarts that all great running backs possess. In this game, Taurean became the NCAA leader in receptions by a running back with 263. VERY POSITIVE
Bristol Olomua 33 605.0 256 N/A TE - Bristol served as a great short passing option for QB Cody Hodges. He caught all balls thrown to him and displayed excellent catching skills and good hands. He was able to scoop up a shoe-string catch on the run with ease. I wish I could've seen his run-blocking skills more but as you know Texas Tech just doesn't run the ball much. POSITIVE
John Saldi 5 604.3 233 N/A LB - John didn't do anything to catch my eye in this game. I think he needs to bulk up to have more of an impact as a LB, he got pushed around way too much. He's quick, he can get to the ball but rarely did I see him get any penetration unless there was a missed blocking assignment. SLIGHTLY NEGATIVE
Jarrett Hicks 88 603.0 210 N/A WR - Jarrett played pretty well, he has great leaping ability which enables him to be a big endzone threat especially when the ball is inside the 20. Hodges seemed to just throw it up there for Jarrett to go get and it always seemed to work. He made a great TD catch with a defensive back draped all over him. I'd give him another year to get even better. SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
Manuel Ramirez 63 604.0 330 N/A OG - The big joke during the telecast was "not the baseball player Manny Ramirez". Well if the Red Sox slugger can block as well as the Texas Tech guard, then he should be playing football as well. Ramirez did a good job of blocking all afternoon as did the rest of the Red Raider O-Line, providing great protection and giving Hodges the time to makes his passes. Would like to see him run quicker but he is a pretty stocky guy. He made a sensational lead block on a Taurean Henderson touchdown run. SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
Other notables:
Cody Hodges Texas Tech QB 10 Senior - I'd be doing the guy wrong if I didn't put him in here with numbers like this. Calm in the pocket, average at throwing while on the run but he gets the job done with an accurate arm.
Joel Filani Texas Tech WR 8 Junior - Hodges' favorite receiver. Displayed superb athletic ability and acrobatic catches. Had a career day the week before against Nebraska and put out a nice effort once again with 255 yards on 10 catches.
Dwayne Slay Texas Tech S 3 Senior - A lethal, lethal hitter who takes prey on receivers going across the middle trying to make a catch. This guy almost knocked two Wildcats out of the game while jarring the ball loose on both occasions. He's quick, tackles well and like I said is a deadly hitter. He may need to be careful with the helmet-to-helmet contact though, some hits were a little questionable.