Texas Tech Red Raiders dominate California Golden Bears at Independence Bowl

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 17, 2023) In a thrilling showdown at the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday night, the Texas Tech Red Raiders emerged victorious, extending their bowl win streak to an impressive three games with a 34-14 win over the California Golden Bears.

Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton took center stage with an outstanding performance, completing 27 of 43 passes for 256 yards and contributing three pivotal first-half touchdowns. Despite a bumpy start that saw a fumbled opening kickoff leading to an early California touchdown, head coach Joey McGuire rallied his team, displaying determination that defined the Red Raiders' season.

Running back Tahj Brooks played a crucial role, rushing for 98 yards and adding a touchdown, solidifying his reputation as the nation's fourth-leading rusher. The Red Raiders' defense proved instrumental, shutting out the Golden Bears for the final three quarters.

The turning point occurred in the second quarter when Texas Tech, down 14-7, responded with a 93-yard drive culminating in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Morton to Coy Eakin. This marked the beginning of a momentum shift that allowed the Red Raiders to take control of the game.

Cal's freshman quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, displayed resilience despite an injury scare, contributing to the Bears briefly regaining the lead. However, Texas Tech's determined defense prevailed to secure the victory.

Exciting clash in Independence Bowl: Texas Tech faces California in historic showdown

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 16, 2023)  In a thrilling matchup tonight (December 16), the Texas Tech Red Raiders and California Golden Bears will hit the gridiron for the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, marking their second-ever meeting. The lone encounter dates back to the 2004 Holiday Bowl, where Texas Tech secured a 45-31 victory, with current Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie shining as the Offensive MVP.

For Cal, this game marks their inaugural appearance in the Independence Bowl, making it their 25th bowl appearance overall. Meanwhile, Texas Tech, participating in their 41st bowl game, aims to break the streak after two previous Independence Bowl defeats in 1986 and 1998.

Texas Tech boasts a commendable 5-4 record in Big 12 play for the second consecutive season, standing as one of only three Big 12 teams with back-to-back winning conference records. Their November victories over ranked teams, Kansas and UCF, showcase their determination.

Cal, after a challenging stretch against ranked opponents, rallied with three consecutive wins, including an impressive 33-7 triumph over bowl-bound UCLA. The clash promises an exciting showdown between two top rushers, with Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks ranking 4th in the FBS and Cal's Jaydn Ott standing 13th.

Cal's defense enters the game with a flair for big plays, leading the nation in fumbles recovered (14) and ranking second in turnovers gained (25). The Golden Bears have proven themselves on the defensive end, with three touchdowns to their name.

As the fifth Pac-12 team in Independence Bowl history, Cal looks to continue the conference's success, while Texas Tech aims to break the Big 12's previous struggles in the bowl.

Houston Dash prepare for 2019 season opener with 5-0 win over Texas Tech

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

By Jennifer Edwards

Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 7, 2019) On Saturday, April 30, the Houston Dash faced off against the Texas Tech women's soccer team at Houston Sports Park in their final tune up test prior to their 2019 campaign.

The Dash looked strong during and after the 5-0 win over the Red Raiders. Their five goals were scored by five different players. New head coach, James Clarkson was quoted after the scrimmage saying, 

“We want to be competitive, we want to win games, we want to scores goals.” 

That is exactly what his team did. Goals were scored by NWSL veterans Kealia Ohai (No. 7 above) and Sophie Schmidt as well as rookies Jamia Fields and Cece Kizer.

The Dash’s passing game is improved greatly over last year’s open practice and the new leadership’s visions are being recognized. The Texas Tech goalkeeper, Marissa Zucchetto, had her hands full as the Dash peppered goal attempts time and time again. She was able to deflect many of these attempts only allowing the five goals.

This year’s open practice scrimmage was very well attended. Fans enjoyed music, balloon animals and free shirts. The team stuck around after the practice to sign autographs and encourage everyone to come out to the season opener. The Dash will kick off their 2019 season against the Seattle Reign on Sunday, April 14 at BBVA Compass Stadium, with a 5 p.m. CDT start.

Ole Miss sends Texas Tech back to Lubbock with 47-27 loss

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 1, 2018) In a game that saw 1,031 yards of combined total offense, the Ole Miss Rebels sent Kliff Kingsburg and his Texas Tech Red Raiders back to Lubbock with a 47-27 loss in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff Classic. The 50,000-plus football fans at Houston's NRG Stadium on Saturday afternoon witnessed a quarterback duel that will be remembered for years to come.

Red Raider quarterback Alan Bowman completed 29-of-49 passes 273 yards and one touchdown while Rebel quarterback Jordan Ta'amu was 22-of-32 for 336 yards and two touchdowns. In fact, the Ole Miss offense totally dominated Texas Tech, scoring for times in the first quarter and taking a 24-7 lead after 15 minutes of play. Running back Scottie Phillips carried the ball 16 times for 204 yards and two touchdowns, including the final first quarter TD for Ole Miss. His second score was at the 7:07 mark of the third quarter on a 65-yard run, his longest on the day. For the Red Raiders, running back Da'Leon Ward carried the ball 17 times for 90 yard and two touchdowns.

The Texas Tech loss snapped a 15-game winning streak in season openers. Ole Miss, on the other hand, won their 19th opening season match-up in the last the last 22 games. They are now 92-27-5 in season opening games, dating back to 1892. The Rebels did not field teams in 1897 due to an epidemic of yellow fever, and also in 1943, when football was abolished at all Mississippi state-supported instiutions by the Board of Trustees.

Texas Tech comes from behind to down Stephen F. Austin 70-60

Story and Photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

DALLAS, TEXAS (March 15, 2018) The No. 3 Texas Tech Red Raiders (25-9) started the game slowly, but came back to life in the final five minutes of the game to down the No. 14 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (28-7) by the score of 70-60 in the first round game for both schools at the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in Dallas. The near capacity crowd at the America Airlines Center saw the Lumberjacks control most of the game, but falter down the stretch. The Red Raiders trailed most of the game, but pulled ahead with 3:59 left in the game with a layup by Keenan Evans (Richardson, Texas). The two points pushed Tech into the lead 59-58 as they went on to outscore the Lumberjacks 11-2 in the final minutes of the game.

Texas Tech shot a paltry 35% (10-of-28) from the field in the first half, allowing SFA to take a 30-27 lead at half time. They improved their shooting percentage to 57% (15-of-26) in the second half while the Lumberjacks, who shot 37% (9-of-24) in the first half did not improve their shooting (9-of 23, 39%) in the second half. Evans tallied 23 points for the Red Raiders while fellow guard Zhaire Evans added 10. SFA had four players in double figures, with Ivan Canete (Lake Worth, Florida) leading the way with 17.

Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard discussed his thoughts after the game with the press.

"First of all, I just want to congratulate Stephen F. Austin for a great season. They were everything we thought they would be and more. Kyle Keller is a great coach. They've got good players. They've got a program is what they have. You go back to Danny Kaspar and certainly Brad Underwood, and now Kyle has taken it to another level. They just forced us into so many things and took away things, but I just wanted to congratulate them on a good season, and I know Kyle is just getting started building the program there. For our guys, we knew we were going to have to play great to win this game because we knew how good Stephen F. Austin was. I'm really pleased for our players that we advanced to the second round, beating a team that we had nothing but respect for."

SFA head coach Kyle Keller also talked with the press after the game.

"I wish we could have ended the game at halftime, obviously, but the game is 40 minutes. I give Texas Tech a tremendous amount of credit. Their Coach Chris Beard, his team embodies his spirit and toughness. And they imposed their will obviously the last 10 minutes or so of the game, and my guys tried. They always try, but we just didn't have enough tonight. We just -- it wasn't our night."

Next up for the Red Raiders will be a Saturday, March 17 meeting with the winner of Florida vs. St Bonaventure. The Gators come into the tournament as the No. 6 seed and a 20-12 record. The Bonnies counter with a 26-7 record and the No. 11 seed.

Texas Tech takes out Ole Miss 5-1 at Minute Maid Park

Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 4, 2017) The No. 10 Texas Tech Red Raiders tallied five runs off six hits to take a 5-1 win over the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels in day two action at the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, March 4, 2017. With the roof open at Minute Maid Park, the Red Raiders scored a single run in the third inning and followed that up with two runs in each of the sixth and eight innings. Facing a shutout, the Rebels finally got on the scoreboard with a single run in the bottom of the eighth.

Starting pitcher Steven Gingery received the win for Texas Tech; his third of the season. The left hander faced 30 batters; giving up the single Rebel run off five hits. He struck out eight and walked two. Center fielder Tanner Gardner was two-for-four at the plate with four RBI. His hits scored two runs each; connecting for a single in the sixth inning and a double in the eighth. Third baseman Josh Jung went two-for-three, scoring two runs and knocking in one run. Ole Miss starter James MacArthur pitched five innings for the loss, his first of the season.

Next up for Texas Tech is a 10:05 a.m. match-up on Sunday, March 5 against LSU. The No. 3 Tigers fell to No. 1 TCU in the Friday nightcap. They will face Baylor at 3:35 p.m. Saturday in the middle game of the tournament. The final game of day to will be Texas A&M playing TCU with a scheduled start time of 7:05 p.m.

Ballage's Eight Touchdowns Ties NCAA Record and Leads Arizona State to 68-55 Victory Over Texas Tech

Happy 70th birthday to ASU's Sparky.
Photo by Tony Espinoza, Copyright 2016, Used with permission.

By Mike Stockman

Copyright 2016 Phoenix Area Sports

Special Report for TexSport Publications

TEMPE, ARIZONA (September 10, 2016)  The Arizona State University Sun Devils' Kalen Ballage made history Saturday night, September 10, 2016 in the 68-55 win over Texas Tech Red Raiders at a newly renovated Sun Devil Stadium.

Pac-12 record books will reflect that on this date, the previous record of six of touchdowns in a single game, held by Dick Dunn of Cal in 1922 and Anthony Davis of USC in 1972, was broken by the Devils' 6-2, 227 lb. junior running back Kalen Ballage  from Peyton, Colorado. Ballage had 13 rushes that totaled 137 yards and seven touchdowns,two receptions, one being a 39 yard touchdown pass, for a total of eight touchdowns, tying the NCAA's All-Time Record.

Both teams' coaching staffs were prepared for an evening of high-scoring, hard-hitting, down-to-the-last minute football. The Devils, coming off a victory where they started slow but finished strong, came out of the locker room where they left off last week. The Red Raiders, who won last week 69-17, throwing 633 yards and five touchdown passes behind the arm of Patrick Mahomes II, also came with last week's momentum.  

The 44,511 fans, bearing 101 degree evening temperatures, cheered and shook the stadium while both schools produced a total of 165 plays for a total of 1,267 yards. Twenty of the plays were scoring plays - eight of which were Ballage's.

For the Red Raiders, Mahomes II threw for 540 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. Cameron Batson led the receiving with 148 yards receiving, and one touchdown. Justin Stockton rushed for 20 yards and one touchdown, and had 95 yards in receptions with one touchdown. Jonathan Giles, Derrick Willies, Demarcus Felton, and Dylan Cantrell each had touchdowns. Clayton Hatfield was 7 for 8 on extra points, wrapping up the total of 55 points. 

Jordyn Brooks led the Red Raiders defense with 10 solo tackles. Malik Jenkins, Thierry Nguema, and Luke Stice each recorded seven tackles. 

The Devils' red-shirt sophomore quarterback Manny Wilkins threw for 351 yards, two touchdowns, and rushed 55 yards on 10 carries. N. Keal Harry had 72 yards in receptions and scored one receiving touchdown. Zane Gonzalez was 8-8 on extra point attempts and connected on a 43 yard field goal, giving the Devils a final score of 68.

The Devils' defense had two sacks - DJ Calhoun and Koron Crump each had one, a safety, and two interceptions by De'Chavon "Gump" Hayes, clinching the victory. The Devils' punter Matt Haack had three 50+ yard punts inside the five yard line. One of the punts led to the safety, assisted by noise from the student section just a few yards away. 

After the game, ASU's Coach Todd Graham stated “We told our guys that we were going to somehow, someway win this game and we did. I think we surprised some people but we definitely did not surprise ourselves. We made a lot of mental errors that made the score closer than it should have been but we dominated offensively. We had a bad roughing penalty that hurt us but we made some key defensive stops when we had to. I am really proud of our guys because that was a heck of a football team. They were the number one offense in the country last year and the top passing offense this year and I thought our guys did a great job figuring out a way to get the win.”.

The Red Raiders (1-1) hope to bounce back when they host Louisiana Tech on Saturday night, September 17, at 6pm. This game will be covered on TV:FSN.

The Devils (2-0) travel to UTSA for a Friday night game on September 16, 2016 at 6:30pm. 

Stiggers leads Houston past Texas Tech with 26 points, 7 threes

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved.

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (December 24, 2014) Boosted by junior guard Jherrod Stiggers (#21 shown right) scoring 26-points from the field, the Houston Cougars ended an eight game losing streak to Texas Tech by downing the Red Raiders 82-69 in the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014. The last time the Cougars defeated the Red Raiders was Feb. 12, 1994 in a 76-64 win at Hofheinz Pavilion.

The 6-4 junior from Terrell, Texas shot 8-of-12 from the field, including 7-of-9 from three-point range. It was third 20-plus point game of the season and the sixth of his career. He also was 2-of-4 from the free throw line and pulled down seven rebounds.

Houston took a 41-34 lead into the locker room at halftime and lead by 17 points at the 6:05 mark in the first half. The Red Raiders made it interesting, cutting the Cougar lead to one point with 1:37 gone in the second half on a three-pointer by Toddrick Gotcher. After that, Texas Tech never got closer than four points.

Prior to the game, Houston was averaging 39.0% in shooting from the field. Against the Red Raiders, they shot 27-of-50 for 54.0% and 13-of-24 (54.2%) from three-point range.
Coming off the bench, Eric Weary, Jr. pulled down a team high nine rebounds, eight of them of defense, in addition to scoring 11 points. L.J. Rose added 16 points to the Cougars’ offensive effort, while Devonta Pollard added 12.

For the Red Raiders, Devaughtah Williams scored 21 points, while Randy Onwuasor added 14.

The Cougars raised their record to 6-4 for season and will next face Mississippi Valley State on Dec. 28 with a 4 p.m. tipoff at Hofheinz Pavilion. Houston is 2-0 against Delta Devils, having downed them 92-58 on Dec. 13, 2008 and 78-69 on Dec. 5, 1986.

Sam Houston State shuts down No. 26 Texas Tech; 10-6

Photo by Robert H Kelly-TexSport Publications

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 1, 2014) Boosted by three multi-run innings, the Sam Houston State Bearkats downed the No. 26 Texas Tech Red Raiders by the score of 10-6 in second day action at the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park, in Houston, Texas on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

The Bearkats put up a massive five-run second inning and followed with two-run innings in the sixth and seventh to put away Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders scored two runs in the first and ninth innings and added single runs in the second and fifth.

Center fielder Colt Atwood went 3-for-5, scoring two runs and knocking in one RBI.

Catcher Anthony Azar was 3-for-4 and right fielder HaydenSimerly when 3-for-5 for the Bearkats.

Sam Odom, pitching 4.1 innings in relief, gave up one run off three hits and struck out three in receiving the win.

Matt Withrow, who pitched 2.2 starting innings and gave up five hits on six runs, got the loss.

Sam Houston raised their record to 10-1 for the season and will next face Texas at 10:05 a.m. on Sunday, March 2.

Texas Tech fell to 8-3 in 2014 and will next play Rice with a 1:35 p.m. first pitch on Sunday, March 2.

The box score for the game can be viewed by clicking here.

No. 26 Texas Tech falls to Houston Cougars at Houston College Classic

By Robert H Kelly

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 28, 2014) Pitching 8.2 innings of baseball, Houston Cougars starting pitcher Aaron Garza held Texas Tech scoreless as the Cougars downed Texas Tech by the score of 9-0 in the first game of the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Friday, February 28, 2014.

The Cougars scored in the first inning on a double by first baseman Casey Grayson, sending shortstop Frankie Ratcliff home from second.

After five innings of scoreless baseball, Houston exploded in the seventh inning, scoring eight runs on four hits to close the door on Texas Tech.

Third baseman Jacob Lueneburg was three-of-four at the plate, scoring one run and three RBI.

Kyle Servance, Ratcliff and Grayson all connected for two hits each while Ashford Fulmer tallied one hit.Garza, who was crediting with the win, faced 33 batters and threw 115 pitches; finishing the game with a 0.41 ERA. 

He gave up six hits while struck out seven and receiving his third win of the season.

Dominic Moreno received the loss for Texas Tech giving up one run on five hits.

Dalton Brown and Matt Custard, pitching in relief, gave up four runs and three run respectively, with Custard’s ERA raising to 67.60.

The Cougars raised their record to 9-0 and will face the Texas Longhorns at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

Texas Tech, which fell to 8-3 on season, will play Rice on Saturday, March 1, with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

Rounding out the first day of play the Houston College Classic; Sam Houston State faces TCU at 3:35 p.m. while Rice plays Texas at 7:05 p.m.

Texas Tech is currently ranked No. 26 in the Baseball America poll, while Rice is ranked No. 10, Texas is No. 15 and TCU is No. 12.

The Houston College Classic continues through Sunday, March 2.

Early Foul Trouble Dooms Women’s Basketball at Texas Tech

Palmer leads Cougars with 13 points

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (December 30, 2012)  The University of Houston women’s basketball team was plagued by early foul trouble on Sunday afternoon, falling to a hot-shooting Texas Tech team by a score of 86-56 at United Spirit Arena.

Freshman guard Jessieka Palmer posted a team-high 13 points in 23 minutes of action,while freshman guard Alecia Smith and junior forward Yasmeen Thompson each chipped in nine points.

The Cougars (5-7) were neck-and-neck with the Lady Raiders early on, as freshman guard Marche’ Amerson found junior forward Te’onna Campbell under the basket to break an 8-2 Tech run and tie the score at 15 points apiece.

Texas Tech (10-2) then mounted a 7-0 run to jump out to a 22-15 advantage, but Palmer banked a 3-pointer off the glass as the shot clock expired and senior guard Porshe Landry buried a jumper to trim the deficit to 24-20 with under five minutes remaining in the opening half.

The Lady Raiders then closed the half on a 14-4 run to take a 38-24 advantage into the break as four of Houston’s starters were forced to sit the remainder of the half due to foul trouble, including three who were only able to play nine of the opening 20 minutes.

Thompson helped the Cougars close the deficit to 12 points early in the second half with a three-point play, but the Lady Raiders answered with back-to-back buckets to kick the advantage back to 16 points.

Houston went without a field goal for over six minutes down the stretch, as Tech opened its 16-point lead to a 26-point advantage.

The Cougars struggled from the field all afternoon, shooting 32 percent (19-of-60), while Tech shot 53 percent (29-of-55) from the field, including a blazing 61 percent-clip in the second half.

Houston forced 23 Texas Tech turnovers after the Lady Raiders entered the game giving up just over 14 per contest, but the Cougars committed 21 miscues of their own.

Texas Tech’s Casey Morris led four Lady Raiders in double figures with 13 points.

The Cougars wrap up non-conference play on Jan. 6 against Delaware State at 2 p.m., at Hofheinz Pavilion.

Texas Tech Drops Northwestern 45-38 at Ticket City Bowl

(Taylor Potts rushed for one touchdown and threw for four more in Texas Tech's win over Northwestern at the 2011 Ticket City Bowl. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

DALLAS, TEXAS (January 1, 2011) On New Year’s Day two years ago, former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach was preparing to lead the Red Raiders in the Cotton Bowl against Mississippi State. Tech dropped a close game to Bulldogs 47-34.

This time last year, former interim Texas Tech head coach Ruffin McNeill had just come off leading the Red Raiders to a 41-31 win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.

This year, Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville will lead the Red Raiders (7-5 overall, 3-5, Big 12) into their 11th straight bowl appearance in 11 years, facing the Northwestern Wildcats (7-5 overall, 3-5, Big Ten) in the historical Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.

The Red Raiders have had three different head coaches at the helm of their storied football program during their past three bowl games.

This year, it was Tuberville’s chance to place his mark in the annals of Red Raider football history.

Texas Tech held true to form, holding off late game charges by Northwestern to win the inaugural Ticket City Bowl 45-38.

The game was an offensive show, with both teams combining for a total of 927 yards.

Red Raider quarterback Taylor Potts, who was selected as the game’s MVP, completed 43 of 56 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 19 yards on two carried with one touchdown.

Eric Stephens added one rushing touchdown off of 126 yards, with Lyle Leong and Austin Zouzalik combining for three receiving touchdowns.

On the Northwestern side, Kain Colter rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns while Evan Watkins completed 10 of 21 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown.

Tech jumped out to an early 10-6 lead on a Matt Williams field goal and the Zolzalik touchdown in the first quarter.

The Wildcats came clawing back at the 6:47 mark of the second quarter on one of Colter’s rushing touchdowns. The rushing conversion failed making the score 10-6 in favor of Tech.

Potts then scored his rushing touchdown to give the Red Raiders a nine point lead.

Leong then scored on a six-yard pass from Potts with 11 seconds left in the half to make the score 24-6.

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald made some adjustments at halftime, and the Wildcats came roaring back in the second half scoring three times in the 3rd quarter.

Stefan kicked an 18-yard field goal at the 11:25 mark, followed by a Colter one-yard touchdown run five minutes later, and a Watkins four-yard run to make the score 38-24.

Northwestern continued to cut the Red Raider lead, when Demetrius Fields caught an 18-yard pass from Watkins to cut Tech’s margin to seven.

Tech then increased their lead back to 14 on another reception from Potts to Leong; making the score 45-31.

Northwestern scored the final point of the game when Jordan Mabin snagged a Potts pass and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown.

Potts’ MVP award marked the second consecutive year he has been received the award. Last year he received the MVP award at the Alamo Bowl.

With the win, the Red Raiders finish the season with an 8-5 record. The Red Raiders have won at least eight games in each of the last nine years.

Former Texas Tech Head Football Coach Mike Leach Sues ESPN

(Photo by Robert H Kelly-TexSport Publications, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

PASADENA, TEXAS (November 24, 2010) It is being reported by ESPN.com and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal that former Texas Tech head football coach Mike Leach is suing ESPN for deformation of character, slander and libel.

Leach was fired last December after allegations were made, accusing him of mistreatment of running back Adam James.

Leach filed a lawsuit on Wednesday alleging that he was defamed by ESPN and college football analyst Craig James, who is also the father of the younger James.

The suit, which was filled in Texas district court, claims ESPN failed to "retract false and damaging statements" made from "misinformation" James provided.

The suit also names Spaeth Communications as a co-defendant, claiming the elder James hired the firm for "purposes of creating public opinion hostile to Leach."

Leach is now working as an announcer for CBS College Sports, while the elder James is currently working as a sports commentator for games on ABC and ESPN television.

The younger James is in his junior year at Texas Tech, playing inside receiver. He has played in a total of eight games this season, catching two passes for 16 yards.

Houston Defeats Texas Tech 15-8 at Houston College Classic

(M.P. Cokinos had 5 RBI off two hits in the Houston Cougars' win over Texas Tech. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 7, 2010) Using 10 runs in the bottom of the second inning, the Houston Cougars closed out their appearance in the 2010 Houston College Classic with a 15-8 victory over Texas Tech.

The Cougars bats exploded for 16 hits in the win, scoring all their runs in the first three innings.

They first got on the board on a M.P. Cokinos single to right field, which resulted in the first two runs. The Red Raiders answered back when Michael Reed doubled to right field to send two runs home.

The Cougars then exploded for 10 runs in the bottom of the second. Cokinos added three more RBI to his total with a three run home run to left field. His total of five RBI in the game tied the Houston College Classic Record.

The 10 run inning for the Cougars also established a new Classic record.

Houston added two more runs in the bottom of the third to close out their scoring.

The Red Raiders scored three runs in the third and three more in the eighth to close out their scoring.

Taylor Hammack was credited with the win; his first of the season, while Tech’s Louis Head was given the loss.

Hammack saw action for 2.2 innings, giving up two hits while striking out three and walking three.

Head, who dropped to 1-1 for the season, pitched for 1.1 innings, giving up six runs off four hits while raising his ERA to 8.71.

Houston is now 5-5 for the season and will head out on a 10-game road trip beginning Mar. 12. They will play a two game series against Cal Poly followed by one game against Sam Francisco on Mar. 16.

They will then play a single game against California on Mar. 17 and finish up the road trip with a three game series against Arizona State.

The Cougars return home on Mar. 24 against Stephen F. Austin in a 3:00pm game.

Houston College Classic Kicks Off At Minute Maid Park

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 5, 2010) On Friday, March 5, the 10th annual Houston College Classic kicks off at Minute Maid Park.

The Classic will feature three days of games, with three games being played each day.

TCU and Texas Tech will play at noon in the first game on Friday, followed by Houston and Missouri at 3:30 p.m. Rice will face Texas at 7:00 p.m. in the nightcap.

Saturday will see Missouri and TCU at noon, followed by the Houston-Texas game at 3:30 p.m. and Rice-Texas Tech at 7:00 p.m.

Missouri and Texas will play at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, with Texas Tech playing Houston at 2:30 p.m. and TCU and Rice at 6:00 p.m.

Let’s look at the teams involved in the Houston College Classic.

HOUSTON COUGARS

The Houston Cougars will be making their ninth appearance in the Houston College Classic. They have a 10-17 record in the Classic.

Last season they had a 27-31 record, while posting a 13-11 record in Conference USA.

They were eliminated from the Conference USA Championship, falling to the Rice Owls, 7-2.

The Houston Cougars bring a 2-5 overall record into this weekend's Houston College Classic. The Cougars suffered an 8-2 setback against crosstown rival Rice on Tuesday evening at Reckling Park and have now dropped their last two games.

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS

The Texas Tech Red Raiders will be making their sixth appearance in the tournament, bring a 5-10 record in Classic action.

Texas Tech was part of the inaugural college classic back in 2001 and coincidentally played TCU in the first game of that tournament (a 5-4 win over the Frogs).

The Red Raiders returned to the classic again in 2002 but then began alternating every other year with Texas.

Last year, they sported a 25-32 record including a 12-15 posting in the Big 12 Conference,

Their 2009 season came to an end as Texas A&M scored nine runs in the first three innings and went on to notch an 11-4 win over the Red Raiders in the Big 12 Tournament.

Currently, the Red Raiders are 9-2 on the 2010 season.

RICE OWLS

The Rice Owls will be making their 10th appearance in the Classic, posting a 20-7 record in the tournament.

Last season, Rice won the Conference USA tournament and advanced to the NCAA Super Regional, eventually losing to LSU. They posted a 43-18 season record.

The No. 9 Owls got off to a slow start to the 2010 season but have rebounded by winning their last five games and stand at 5-4 on the year.

The Owls won a pair of mid-week games against cross-town rival Houston (8-2) on Tuesday and a 5-0 shutout at Texas State on Wednesday night.

TEXAS LONGHORNS

The Texas Longhorns bring a 7-8 record in five appearencs at the Classic.

Last season, Texas lost the NCAA championships to LSU while posting a 50-16-1 season record and a 17-9-1 record in Big 12 action.

The Longhorns are 6-2 this season, having swept Stanford last weekend.

TCU HORNED FROGS

The TCU Horned Frogs are 5-4 in three Classic appearances.

The 2009 Horned Frogs came up short in their bid for a trip to Omaha with a 5-2 loss to Texas. They finish the year with a 40-18 record.

They bring a No. 7 national ranking and a 6-1 record into the tournament.

The Frogs held off UTSA 17-12 on Tuesday night in Fort Worth just two days after claiming a three-game series win at No. 6 Cal-State Fullerton.

MISSOURI TIGERS

Missouri will be making its first appearance in the Classic.

Last season, Mizzou saw its season come to an end after an 11-6 loss to Western Kentucky in the NCAA Oxford Regional.

They finished the season with a 35-27 record with a 16-11 record in Big 12 play.

Currently they are 4-2, including two wins in the Auburn Invitational Tournament.

SCHEDULE

The overall schedule for the Houston College Classic is as follows:

Friday, March 5, 2010
12 noon: TCU-Texas Tech
3:30pm: Houston-Missouri
7:00pm: Rice-Texas

Saturday, March 6, 2010
12 noon: Missouri-TCU
3:30pm: Texas-Houston
7:00pm: Rice-Texas Tech

Sunday, March 7, 2010
11:00am: Missouri-Texas
2:30pm: Texas Tech-Houston
6:00pm: TCU-Rice

All home teams are listed second.

Moving Van Spotted Outside Mike Leach's Lubbock Home

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (February 21, 2010) Reports out of Lubbock, Texas indicate that Texas Tech former head football coach Mike Leach is moving.

A moving van was spotted outside Leech’s home late last week and moving men were observed loading boxes and household goods.

Leach has also enrolled his children into schools in the Key West, Florida area.

In 1996, Leech applied for a coaching position in the area and is close friends with current Key West coach Jerry Hughes.

Leach and his attorney are currently in mediation with Texas Tech over his dismissal arising from allegations that he mistreated player Adam James. Leach has denied any mistreatment.

Tuberville to Interview for Texas Tech Job

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (January 5, 2010) Former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville will be interviewing for the head job at Texas Tech.

Athletic department spokesperson Chris Cook has indicted that Tuberville is expected to meet with Texas Tech administrators this week.

Also in the running for the job will be interim head coach Ruffin McNeill, who lead the Red Raiders to 41-31 victory over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl.

Tuberville, who was the head coach at Auburn for 10 years, resigned in December 2008. He had an 85-40 record at Auburn, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2004 and a 2005 Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech.

Before his stint at Auburn, Tuberville revived the football program at Mississippi which was under serious NCAA scholarship sanctions. He also spent a year as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M University when they finished with a 10-0-1 season record.

During the 2009 season Tuberville worked as an analyst for ESPN. He also made a cameo appearance in the movie “The Blind Side.”

Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers has stated he may have a decision on the job by the end of this week.

Alamo Bowl: Action ON The Sidelines and IN The Stands

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (January 3, 2010) There was as much excitement on the sidelines and in the stands as there was on the field at the 2010 Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, where Texas Tech faced Michigan State.

Adam James, the Texas Tech inside receiver who is one of the principles in the firing of former Texas Tech head football coach Mike Leach, was on the sidelines and was receiving as much attention as the game.

James did not suit up for the game, but was clearly visible wearing his number 82 jersey and sporting a black stocking cap on his head.

Tech fans showed their displeasure with him; booing was he was both leaving from and returning to the field at halftime. In addition, fans displayed numerous signs and paraphernalia in support of Leach and disdain for James, Tech chancellor Kent Hance, and athletic director Gerald Myers

One man was spotted wearing a hat decorated with pacifiers attached, labeled “Adam James Commemorative Pacifiers." There was also a sign in the crowd with Hance’s last name with a slash through it.

Stickers stating “Fire Myers” were distributed by a gray-haired alumnus and were observed throughout the stands.

There was even a sign in support of Leach and critical of James, stating “Every Successful Pirate Knows Betrayal” hanging proximately behind the Tech bench.

A ten-year old was even spotted wearing a shot taking a shot at James and his family.

The ever popular pirate flags and pirate hats, symbols of support for Leach, were everywhere in the stadium and the parking lot, along with Team Leach shirts and other tributes to their former coach.

If James noticed all the hoopla, he didn’t act as such. He was seen surrounded by two other non-suited up players and two men in red windbreakers. The red clad men were facing the stands, presumably watching for threats directed against James from the stands.

ESPN showed James on the sidelines, but he showed very little awareness of the negativities at the game.

Ruffin McNeill: The NEXT Head Coach at Texas Tech?

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 Texport Publications

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (Jaunary 3, 2010) The Texas Tech Red Raiders showed they can win without Mike Leach at the helm.

On Saturday night (actually Sunday morning) the Red Raiders defeated Michigan State 41-31 in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.

Texas Tech did not seem fazed over the absence of the coach that got them there. In fact, the team seemed to rally behind interim head coach Ruffin McNeill.

Could it be that won the game for Leach, even though he was not present on the sidelines?

Could it be they won the game because they were playing in their school's 10th straight bowl game?

Could it be they won because that was what they were expected to do?

Could it be they won because Michigan State had a depleted team, due to the suspension of 12 players and the dismissal of two others?

Could it be that they won for McNeill?

People can and will debate the reasons for the the Red Raiders' win over Michigan State and the outcome of the Alamo Bowl for years to come.

One thing is certain; the 2010 edition of the Alamo Bowl was one for the ages.

There was more hoopla at this game since the firing of Leach this past Wednesday.

The ESPN announcers were discussing the absence of Leach and the effect it would have on the players, coaches, and the game.

McNeill and Lincoln Riley, who was calling the offensive plays, did appear nervous, but who would not be if they were trust into the same positions?

McNeill stated in the press conference in San Antonio on Friday that he would be interested in the head coaching position if the opportunity presented itself.

The bottom line is the real reason for Texas Tech's win over Michigan State may never be known.

One thing is certain. Ruffin McNeill submitted his resume tonight for the job as the next head football coach at Texas Tech. The powers that be at Texas Tech can take it or leave it.

Texas Tech FIRES Mike Leach: THE PLOT THICKENS!!!

(Photo courtesy of Texas Tech Sports Information Department)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2009 TexSport Publications

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (December 30, 2009) Just moments before a court hearing to determine suspended Texas Tech head football coach Mike Leach status to coach at Saturday’s Alamo Bowl, his dismissal and the subsequent filed injunction to be reinstated for the bowl game became a moot point.

It has been reported that Ted Liggett, who is Leach’s attorney, was approached Wednesday morning, by Texas Tech general counsel Pat Campbell outside the courtroom, and told that win, lose or draw in the hearing, Leach was out, effective immediately.

Liggett was quoted that he plans to file a lawsuit on Leach’s behalf against Texas Tech “soon.”

Leach was suspended on Monday for alleged mistreatment of redshirt sophomore receiver Adam James. James is the son of former SMU football player and current ESPN analyst Craig James.

This past February, Leach and the school agreed to a five-year, $12.7 million contract.

According to terms of the contact, Leach was due an $800,000 bonus on December 31 if he were still the head coach at Texas Tech.

An individual with knowledge of the contract said in a phone interview on Wednesday that Leach should still get that payment as he’s technically an employee of the university for 10 more days.

Texas Tech’s firing of Leach was listed as “terminated with cause,” meaning that Leach will not get a guaranteed $400,000 per year for the remaining years as per his contract

Unconfirmed sources had stated that Texas Tech may offer a settlement to Leach, but official word of a settlement had not been issued.

Leach was seen at the team hotel in San Antonio after the firing but gave no comment.