Scrimmage Pleases Tech Coaches
August 09, 2000 | Football
Aug. 9, 2000
LUBBOCK, Texas - The moments when Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach hasn't been at least outwardly pleased with his first edition of Red Raiders have been few and far between since preseason camp opened.
Following Wednesday's scrimmage the praise flowed even more freely after an abundance of big plays from both sides of the ball in an 80-play workout at the practice fields Southeast of Jones SBC Stadium.
"It was a real good scrimmage three units deep on both sides of the ball. I don't think I've ever said that in my life," Leach said. "Everybody was challenged. There wasn't any consistent three and outs either way."
Running back Rickey Hunter scored on 3 and 5-yard runs to cap drives in the scrimmage. Kliff Kingsbury also connected with Derek Dorris on a 5-yard fade route for a score.
B.J. Symons connected with Carlos Francis for 64 yards and a touchdown, while Nathan Chandler hooked up with Clay McGuire on a 13-yard touchdown pass. Sonny Cumbie found Wes Welker on a 3-yard scoring toss late in the drill.
"Kliff played well, the offensive line played well, the receivers as a unit did a good job and the running backs had a productive day," Leach said. "We got the ball spread around well and that's what happens when we are doing what we are supposed to do."
The Red Raider defense produced five turnovers in the scrimmage, including two interception returns for touchdowns. Kevin Curtis returned a Symons pass 42 yards for a score and Brian Giddens went 50 yards for a TD with an errant Kingsbury toss.
The defense recorded two goal line stands, including a fumble recovery in the endzone by Osey Eziello. Walkon defensive back Cody Davis also recorded an interception.
"I was really pleased. We didn't have a lot of mental mistakes," said defensive coordinator Greg McMackin. "Five turnovers, two goal line stops and two picks for touchdowns is gratifying for where we are at this point in time."
In a change from the original training camp schedule, Texas Tech will practice once Thursday and Friday afternoons before returning to two-a-day drills Saturday. The change was necessary to accommodate final exams for summer term. Tech will take Sunday off.