ESPN Game Preview

[PhirePhilBennett]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview?g ... onfId=null

Tech returns to SMU for first time since angry ending in '04

DALLAS (AP) -- The last time Texas Tech visited SMU, the game ended not with the usual handshake between coaches but with a lecture about end-of-game etiquette.

Mustangs coach Phil Bennett was perturbed that the Red Raiders ran two plays in the closing seconds, including a pass into the end zone, instead of taking a knee and sealing a 14-point win.

When time expired, Bennett let Tech coach Mike Leach know how he felt. His anger carried over to his players and there was plenty of pushing and shoving as the teams left the field.

Leach won't need any extra security when his Red Raiders arrive back on SMU's campus Monday. He and Bennett settled their differences before his team even left the stadium back in 2004 and returned to being friends.

"He's one of my favorite guys in coaching, contrary to popular belief, and always has been," Leach said. "He's one of the few that I talk to on the phone."

Bennett hasn't changed his opinion about what happened three years ago, but he's got a lot of other things on his mind going into this season, his sixth at SMU.

The Mustangs still haven't been to a bowl since coming off the death penalty in 1989, but they came close last year, winning six games for only the second time since their resurrection. Hopes are high that this is the year as SMU has a returning quarterback for the first time in Bennett's tenure; better yet, Justin Willis also might be the most-polished quarterback the Ponies have had in years.

Between fired-up Mustangs fans and Tech's large alumni base in Dallas, the stadium should be packed on Labor Day afternoon.

"I think the atmosphere is going to be outstanding," Bennett said. "It's going to be on national TV (ESPN) on a national holiday. We haven't had that here. It's a new feel for us. My guys are excited about the opportunity and I think they'll come ready to play."

SMU could be catching Tech at just the right time.

While the Red Raiders also have a rare returning starter at quarterback in Graham Harrell, they're breaking in a new receiving corps and have to replace most of their best defensive players from last year. By all accounts, Leach is going to have to do one of his most creative coaching jobs to keep the Red Raiders afloat in the Big 12.

"A lot of guys are stepping up to fill holes left from last year's team," linebacker Ty Linder said. "I feel like this defense is going to make a statement on what we can do."

Tech has beaten SMU 11 straight times, but the last two trips in Dallas were tight. The '04 game was tied at 6 midway through the third quarter before the Red Raiders won 27-13.

Tech won 35-3 at home last year in what the Mustangs remember as Willis' debut. He overcame that bad start to become the Conference USA freshman of the year.

"Last year when he played us he looked like he was still emerging and streaky at times, but I thought he looked impressive," Leach said. "I think he's a really good player and a more accurate guy. He selects when to run and when to throw. Not the best, but one of the better ones in the state."

One of Tech's defensive backs has been scouting Willis for years. Jamar Wall is Willis' cousin and lately they've been trash talking via text messages.

[smupony94]

They tried to score at the end and we stopped them - ok the players did

[that's great raplh]

i cant wait

[smupony94]

i cant wait

Be sure to look for me on ESPN - Blue shirt and blue hat

[that's great raplh]

i am gonna order up hd

[smupony94]

i am gonna order up hd

Wall Street Typhoon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[that's great raplh]

i hope i can afford one day

[smupony94]

i hope i can afford one day

You know your wife makes all the money

[that's great raplh]

i just hope she watches tricky and lets me watch the game

[smupony94]

i just hope she watches tricky and lets me watch the game

You have a good wife. Even Bri admitted she will cheer for the Ponies

[expony18]

&

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=272462567&confId=null

Tech returns to SMU for first time since angry ending in '04

DALLAS (AP) -- The last time Texas Tech visited SMU, the game ended not with the usual handshake between coaches but with a lecture about end-of-game etiquette.

Mustangs coach Phil Bennett was perturbed that the Red Raiders ran two plays in the closing seconds, including a pass into the end zone, instead of taking a knee and sealing a 14-point win.

When time expired, Bennett let Tech coach Mike Leach know how he felt. His anger carried over to his players and there was plenty of pushing and shoving as the teams left the field.

Leach won't need any extra security when his Red Raiders arrive back on SMU's campus Monday. He and Bennett settled their differences before his team even left the stadium back in 2004 and returned to being friends.

"He's one of my favorite guys in coaching, contrary to popular belief, and always has been,; Leach said. "He's one of the few that I talk to on the phone."

Bennett hasn't changed his opinion about what happened three years ago, but he's got a lot of other things on his mind going into this season, his sixth at SMU.

The Mustangs still haven't been to a bowl since coming off the death penalty in 1989, but they came close last year, winning six games for only the second time since their resurrection. Hopes are high that this is the year as SMU has a returning quarterback for the first time in Bennett's tenure; better yet, Justin Willis also might be the most-polished quarterback the Ponies have had in years.

Between fired-up Mustangs fans and Tech's large alumni base in Dallas, the stadium should be packed on Labor Day afternoon.

"I think the atmosphere is going to be outstanding," Bennett said. "It's going to be on national TV (ESPN) on a national holiday. We haven't had that here. It's a new feel for us. My guys are excited about the opportunity and I think they'll come ready to play."

SMU could be catching Tech at just the right time.

While the Red Raiders also have a rare returning starter at quarterback in Graham Harrell, they're breaking in a new receiving corps and have to replace most of their best defensive players from last year. By all accounts, Leach is going to have to do one of his most creative coaching jobs to keep the Red Raiders afloat in the Big 12.

"A lot of guys are stepping up to fill holes left from last year's team," linebacker Ty Linder said. "I feel like this defense is going to make a statement on what we can do."

Tech has beaten SMU 11 straight times, but the last two trips in Dallas were tight. The '04 game was tied at 6 midway through the third quarter before the Red Raiders won 27-13.

Tech won 35-3 at home last year in what the Mustangs remember as Willis' debut. He overcame that bad start to become the Conference USA freshman of the year.

"Last year when he played us he looked like he was still emerging and streaky at times, but I thought he looked impressive," Leach said. "I think he's a really good player and a more accurate guy. He selects when to run and when to throw. Not the best, but one of the better ones in the state."

One of Tech's defensive backs has been scouting Willis for years. Jamar Wall is Willis' cousin and lately they've been trash talking via text messages.

icant wait for you to get a new handle