Texas Tech University Athletics
Defense The Difference In Upset Win Over Oklahoma
November 18, 2007 | Football
Nov. 18, 2007
By Sara Ortega, Texas Tech Media Relations
After an interception by Oklahoma defense back Lendy Holmes turned into a 63-yard touchdown, the Texas Tech defense turned the game around and beat Oklahoma 34-27.
After a defensive meltdown last week against the Longhorns where Tech allowed allowed 551 total yards, the defense held the Sooners to 176 through three quarters.
Oklahoma's first possession was fumbled by running back Allen Patrick and recovered by Tech linebacker Marlon Williams for a 12 return. Tech forced Oklahoma to punt on its next three possessions in the first quarter.
Tech defense held the Sooners to 55 yards in the first quarter, 19 yards less than the entire first possession against the Longhorns last Saturday in Austin.
Tech started the second quarter with a 13-yard Graham Harrell to Michael Crabtree touchdown. Defensive tackle Rajon Henley stopped a pass on Oklahoma's first possession of the quarter.
Henley said the importance of the senior game contributed to the defense's performance.
"I think it's a real good win for us," Henley said. "It was the seniors' last game, and we really wanted to go out and win for them. Coach Ruff, he kept it down to the d-line and tackling."
Tech had two important stops at the end of the second quarter and the beginning of the third. Corner back Chris Parker forced an incomplete pass with 27 seconds left in the second, which forced an OU field goal.
In the third quarter, defensive end Daniel Howard sacked OU's quarterback for a loss of 7 yards which forced a Sooner field goal. With a minute left in the third, Parker intercepted the ball for a 15 yard return.
Parker ended the game with one interception, four tackles, and three broken-up passes. Safety Joe Garcia led the team with eight tackles. Tech's defensive tackles accounted for 38 yards lost on nine plays.
Coach Mike Leach said the contributions from the defensive coaches helped the win.
"They played really well, and I think it's a lot like we've been seeing from the beginning. I think once Ruffin took over the defense I can only think of really one bad outing. I think those defensive coaches have done a tremendous job."
Defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill said after last weekend the effort this showed in the intensity of this week's practices.
"They worked hard," McNeill said. "You got a group of guys who are growing together. You have ups and downs and you wish every play was a plus, but in football there are pluses and minuses. I was proud of the effort this week. It was a tough loss down in Austin, and they knew after the game that they can play better."
