Red Raiders alive but not kicking

By John Hillman  |   Wednesday, October 22, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Texas Tech Red Raiders
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Texas Tech has struggled offensively and defensively throughout the 2008 college football season. However, the sixth-ranked Red Raiders' biggest problems have been in the kicking game.

Commentary: Kickers Donnie Carona and Cory Fowler have combined to miss six extra points and four field goals this season. Carona, Tech’s first scholarship kicker signed in the Mike Leach era, had five kicks blocked before being replaced by Fowler in last week’s Texas A&M contest.

Fowler, a walk-on, fared little better as the Aggies blocked two of his PATs in the 43-25 Red Raider win. Leach announced in his press conference last Monday that Fowler would not return as Texas Tech’s kicker.

In a bizarre turn of events, the Red Raiders may try Matt Williams at kicker against No. 18 Kansas this weekend. Williams, a transfer student from Tarleton State University, won a month of free rent last month by kicking a 30-yard field goal during a halftime contest at the Texas Tech-UMass game.

The kick’s high trajectory impressed Leach, and he contacted Williams and asked him to join the team. According to Red Raider special teams coach Clay McGuire, the transfer student has been cleared by the NCAA to play.

Leach, who became testy with reporters at his Monday news conference when pressed on the kicking issue, indicated Carona could return as the regular placekicker. Another option would be foregoing kicks and opting for two-point conversions.

Fan Pulse: The Red Raider faithful remain puzzled about the kicking situation. This link gives some of their thoughts: http://www.doubletnation.com/2008/10/20/639352/fowler-is-out-corona-is-ba.

Injury Report: Texas Tech has four players questionable for Saturday’s contest against Kansas. Defensive tackle Rajon Henley reports an injured leg, running backs Aaron Crawford and Pete Richardson sport a hurting toe and hamstring, and safety Blake Collier has an unspecified injury.
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About John Hillman

John Hillman graduated from Baylor University in 1974 with a BBA in accounting and earned an MBA from Baylor in 1987. He worked for accounting firms until 1982 when he became the chief financial officer for an independent insurance claims adjusting service, a position he still holds today. ...
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