Texas Tech Rolls without Mike Leach

      In a week filled with controversy surrounding the coaching methods of now former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach, the Texas Tech football team overcame another hurdle as they outlasted Michigan State to win the Valero Alamo Bowl 41-31 under interim coach Ruffin McNeill.  This was one heck of a bowl game, as Tech introduced those that weren't already familiar with two phenomenal quarterbacks.  Tech starting quarterback Taylor Potts, aka "Mountain Man," threw for 384 yards and 2 touchdowns and was even benched after a minor injury for backup Steven Sheffield, aka "Sticks," who came in during the 4th quarter to go 9 for 11, with 88 passing yards and a touchdown to take the lead and ultimately cause the stadium to ERUPT!!  Michigan State was unable to recover after that.



As was the theme throughout the game, every other pass play by Texas Tech was followed by some sort of comment about the recent firing of Mike Leach.  As we now know, Texas Tech fired coach Mike Leach on Wednesday, two days after he was suspended by the school as it investigated the treatment of wide receiver Adam James.  James is the son of ESPN college football analyst Craig James. 

"I'm very sad to say there's only one person to blame for this and it's Mike Leach," Texas Tech chancellor Kent Hance told The Associated Press.

Texas Tech has released a signed, sworn affidavit from an athletic trainer who says former coach Mike Leach instructed him to "lock" receiver Adam James in a dark place and that he disagreed with Leach's treatment of James after the player was diagnosed with a concussion.

Saying he was proud of turning the program around and upping the school's graduation rate, Leach then blasted the groups responsible for his firing.


"Over the past several months there have been individuals in the Texas Tech administration, Board of Regents and booster groups who have dealt in lies and continue to do so," the statement read. "These lies have led to my firing. I steadfastly refuse to deal in any lies and am disappointed that I have not been afforded the opportunity for the truth to be known.  Texas Tech's decision to deal in lies and fabricate a story which led to my firing includes, but is not limited by, the animosity remaining from last year's contract negotiations.  I will not tolerate such retaliatory action.  Additionally, we will pursue all available legal remedies."

At this point it's tough to say whether the firing of Mike Leach was entirely warranted, however, I will say that what he brought to the table at Texas Tech was incredible for that program.  During his time as Texas Tech head coach, he led the team to 10 straight bowl games and nearly a National Championship in 2008.  Texas Tech was a decent program before Leach, but certainly not a national powerhouse.  However, during his time as head coach the offensive numbers for his team all made the front page.  There's no doubt he's old fashioned, and certainly a little quirky, but what do you think, should Leach have been fired for supposedly advising the trainer to put James in a dark place??  As far as I'm concerned, Leach should not have been fired, instead how about a fine or suspension.