Texas Tech interim head coach, Ruffin McNeill, proved last night that he would be a good replacement for Mike Leach. McNeill led a group of Red Raiders through a week of holiday turmoil and capped it off with an Alamo Bowl win. Not only did McNeill navigate his team through a tumultuous media-frenzy, he directed them on the field like a seasoned veteran. Down 31-27 late in the 4th, McNeill opted to put in backup quarterback, Steven “Sticks” Sheffield, who marched down the field for a touchdown. A ballsy-move to say the least.
Then, after a quick interception by anemic Spartan quarterback, Kirk Cousins, the Red Raiders had the ball in Spartan territory with a chance to put the game away. The Red Raiders faced 4th down while in field goal range twice,and in true Leach-fashion, McNeill opted to go for it both times, which proved to be the difference. After converting on 4th down both times Tech running back, Baron Batch, rumbled into the end-zone on a 25-yard scamper that put the game away, 41-31.
The Spartans had several chances but never seemed to really want it, which brings me to another point. I won’t take anything away from Ruffin McNeill or the Red Raiders players because they earned the victory, but it’s been a long time since I saw a team give up like the Spartans did late in the 4th quarter. The players body language and effort was pathetic. Worst of all their head coach, Mark Dantonio, looked visibly beaten most of the game.
I don’t know if it was lack of sleep or lack of enthusiasm, but the Spartans effort at the end of the game was completely gutless. I can’t remember the last time I saw a college football team play such a heartless 4th quarter in my life. If I were a Spartan fan I’d be calling for Dantonio’s head. I know 14 players were suspended… blah, blah, blah… but their performance at the end of the game last night was atrocious.
Congrats to Coach McNeill and the Red Raiders. If Tech doesn’t give him the head-job, maybe Michigan State will.
