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Updated: August 18, 6:01 PM ET Offense in good hands with QB Symons By Mark Wangrin Special to ESPN.com |
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Texas Tech Red Raiders
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Coach: Mike Leach (23-16, 4th season) 2002 overall record: 9-5 Conference record: 5-3 Returning starters Offense: 9 Defense: 5 Kicker/Punter: 0 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Taurean Henderson* (793 yds) Passing: Kliff Kingsbury (5,017 yds) Receiving: Wes Welker* (1,054 yds) Tackles: Lawrence Flugence (193) Sacks: Aaron Hunt (9) Interceptions: 3 players tied (3 each) Outlook: Critics of Red Raider record-setting quarterback Kliff Kingsbury contended he was a product of a spread offense that dinked the ball downfield. It's time to find out. Kingsbury is gone and the Red Raiders are turning to his three-year backup, senior B.J. Symons, to lead an offense that loses only Kingsbury and right guard Rex Richards. Symons has had a decent amount of experience in that time, completing 59 of 103 passes for 545 yards and seven touchdowns. "(Symons) is not a guy who's new to the deal; he's thrown to these guys for years," coach Mike Leach said. "I don't think it's a big adjustment for the team. He knows everyone, watched a lot of film and he seems very comfortable. It's going to be a painless transition." Symons will have help from running back Taurean Henderson, who last year set an NCAA freshman record with 93 catches. Filling the defensive holes will be the problem, particularly up front, where only end Adell Duckett returns. Keep an eye on: Brock Stratton. At 5-foot-11, 225 pounds, he's built like former Tech great Zach Thomas and plays the same position. Stratton signed with BYU two years ago but went on a two-year Mormon mission, after which he switched to Tech. Last spring he won the starting spot at middle linebacker, the same key spot from where Lawrence Flugence had 193 tackles last year. Key game: The Red Raiders went to Norman last year flush with an upset win over Texas and hoping to beat the Sooners for the Big 12 South title. The Sooners embarrassed them, jumping to a 46-0 lead on their way to a 60-14 win. Tech gets a shot at recouping some respect on Nov. 22 in Lubbock. It's a good year if. . .: Kliff Kingsbury's name isn't invoked every other sentence over after-dinner coffee at the Fifty Yard Line steakhouse in Lubbock. That means Symons needs to have a solid year and the defense must keep from letting every game turn into a shootout. Mark Wangrin covers the Big 12 for the San Antonio Express-News.
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