DFW Sports, Music and More: October 2007

Breaking: Romo Contract Extension

6 years, a little over $10 million a year, not bad. He deserves it.

The 'Dumbing Down' of America

Lately I've been exposed (as I'm on vacation) to what I believe contributes to the 'dumbing down' of America: daytime television. I'm not talking about cartoons or stations that help children learn during the day when they are too young for school. I'm talking about your generic soap-operas, Judge Judy's of the world and certain gameshows.

Soap-operas, I believe, exist to bring a little drama into your life, that apparently, some people need more of. Not me.

Judge Judy shows of the world exist to belittle people. I just don't see any value-added service or idea that these provide.

Certain gameshows exist for people's want, not needs. (Hell, at least when you're watching 'Everyone Wants to be a Millionaire', you might learn something.)

Perhaps I'm just venting, perhaps it's true. I believe it is true. I've experienced parents that eventually become beaten down and need relief, and what better way than to pop on the tube? I've got an idea for you: Start a business from home, do work around the house or start a daytime book club. Contribute. Not that I am, I'm on vacation.

Two Musicians

Thought I'd post a couple of musicians that I have been listening to lately, largely because I haven't been that devoted to writing music lately and these artists leave me feeling inspired to start again. At least I'll have this week to do whatever I choose (bless vacation), so we'll see what happens.

Andy McKee - "The Friend I Never Met"

Brandon Heath - "I'm Not Who I Was"

Whew...Trip to Lubbock, Win for Tech, Loss for Fran

Texas A&M - 7 Texas Tech - 35

8 hours in the car, 3 1/2 hours for the game, all in the same day. I'm exhausted. The family originally planned to stay in Salado just outside of Lubbock for the game tonight but decided we'd head in tonight to be able to sleep in Sunday.

Onto the game:

Watched the game in the box of one my father's friends that is a big wig in the Texas Tech academic system. All I can say is nice. Shaking hands and introducing myself to Governor Rick Perry wasn't bad either even though I'm not particularly on his bandwagon.

As I expected, Tech beat the Aggies in front of a large home crowd. Also expected, the number of good looking girls on Tech's campus.

To the unexpected. I was quite surprised to see Tech win by a 28 point margin, especially after A&M's first drive touchdown. After that drive, the A&M offense became anemic, taking chances on pass plays when it seemed their running game could not be stopped. To Tech's credit, they began stopping A&M 3rd down plays. From then I knew that this one was over.

A&M and Tech are now tied in the Big 12 standings, but it is evident that A&M is a much weaker team, perhaps not talent wise but coaching wise. I think this is the last nail in the coffin for Dennis Franchione's coaching tenure at A&M. I am grateful to Tech players and fans for that. Originally I gave Fran a 3 year window, which has now become 5 years. These are his players, he recruits well, but has clearly lost the edge he had at TCU. He is transparent, it is apparent.

And, for those that don't know, my mother was a baton-twirler for the Red Raiders in college. Upon entering Jones AT&T Stadium today, she is pictured in a mosaic near the escalators.

Looking good Mom.

Texas A&M vs. Texas Tech - Biased Analysis

As I make my every other year trip up to Lubbock this year, lots of questions surround both the Red Raider and Aggie football squads. The past decade (and you could argue longer) hasn't been particularly kind to the Aggies when they step into the flatlands of Lubbock.

Every year, and it seems more so each year thereafter, the 'rival' discussion is thrown around by Tech and Aggie faithful. Tech fans don't understand why many Aggies don't believe Tech is a rival of theirs. The perceived notion is that Aggies are arrogant cult members, some of the sheep fancy. A&M fans perceive Tech to be below them, classless pests neglected like a red-headed stepchild.

My belief, while biased to one side, is that the yearly football game played between both teams make up what a rivalry is all about. It is a rivalry, no question about it. One caveat though...this game will never be as strong as the rivalry between A&M and the University of Texas.

So what do I (corporate peasant, part-time musician) think of this years matchup?

For Tech to win, Harrell needs a strong outing. Danny Amendola and Michael Crabtree (of Dallas Carter) need to get their catches against the pourous secondary of A&M. Short passing routes present problems to defenses because they exploit weak tackling. The Tech defensive LB's will have to stop the up the middle running game of Javorskie Lane and Michael Goodson. Keep the ball on the ends, get a couple option based fumbles from the A&M offense and all is well in Lubbock.

For A&M to win, their offense must show up and eat up clock minutes. If the A&M passing game isn't opened up to keep the Tech defense honest, this could spell trouble for the Aggies. The A&M defensive front 5 must get adequate pressure on Graham Harrell and eliminate the big play.

With tomorrow looming and the VIP controversy surrounding Fran (and his job in Aggieland), I find it hard to find light where shadows exist.

Prediction - Texas Tech 41, Texas A&M 27