BIG 12 FOOTBALL MEDIA DAYS JOURNAL Kliff-Dive: Tech’s Kingsbury wades into rough waters
FRISCO, TEXAS —
July usually offers runaway optimism for all college football coaches, even those facing obvious uphill challenges.
They’ve yet to absorb a loss. Or make questioned decisions. Or play the “wrong” quarterback.
Yet for Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury, there’s no fresh start for 2017.
Not in the eyes of the media, at least.
Kingsbury found himself in the crosshairs quickly Monday in Frisco, home of this year’s Big 12 Media Days.
Austin American-Statesman columnist Kirk Bohls hit Kingsbury first, where it hurts — his defense.
“Just cutting right to it, Kliff, why has the defense been so bad, and how are you going to fix it?”
That started a running assault of pointed questions aimed at Kingsbury, a Tech alum and one-time Lubbock darling, who sits just 24-26 after four seasons on the job; 13-23 in the Big 12.
“Follow up to Mr. Bohls’ question,” another reporter started. “You’re a fine coach. It’s a great conference, great school, all-world offense. I figure there may be 5,000 seniors who start on defense in Texas a year. You recruit from other states. Why can’t you get 10, 15 or 20 who can hold your opponents to 30 points or less a game?”
Kingsbury: “That’s a great question. I wish I had the answer.”
Another question: “You got a ringing endorsement from (athletic director) Kirby Hocutt after last season, but when looking at the record the past couple of years in conference, how does the pressure this year feel any different or more than in previous seasons?”
Kingsbury: “I think it comes with the territory.”
“Coach, the uncertainty following last season can kind of open up the doors for some negative recruiting, things like that. What would you tell a kid that has an offer from Texas Tech, but is kind of uncertain about the coaching situation?”
Kingsbury: “That’s a great question. Obviously, that can be used.”
Great questions. Not comforting responses.
And if things are uncomfortable now, watch out for Sept. 2, when FCS power Eastern Washington and quarterback Gage Gubrud, the reigning Big Sky Most Valuable Player, visit Lubbock.
Here comes ... KU?
Kansas won two games last season.
There was an opening win over Rhode Island. Yes, Rhode Island plays football.
Then after nine straight losses, the Jayhawks stunned Texas, in overtime.
And in Lawrence, they’re claiming momentum.
“I feel it. Our whole team feels it,” said KU junior defensive end Dorrance Armstrong. “I don’t think anybody outside our program feels it yet, but once we start playing, they’ll definitely feel it. And they’ll see it.”
In Armstrong, the Jayhawks have a true leader. Despite playing for a 2-10 team, Armstrong was a unanimous First Team All-Big 12 pick a year ago, a unanimous Preseason All-Big 12 pick this year and the vote for Defensive Player of the Year.
Where’s the buzz?
The Big 12 is bringing back the championship game for 2017. Big deal. Or is it? While the return of the Big 12 title game is being hailed as a major move by the league, the media isn’t buying. There were few questions Monday about the clash — which still has no official date! — and those asked weren’t all positive, including some centering on the possibility of a late-season rematch or the perception of a potential less-than-full AT&T Stadium, which holds 100,000.
Hot takes
•TCU coach Gary Patterson on any improvement he saw in quarterback Kenny Hill this summer: “I judge quarterbacks on Saturday.” •Kingsbury on what advice he gave to first-year Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley, another Tech alum: “Yeah, I have not given him any, because we play them.” •Kansas coach David Beaty on his pitch to lure recruits to Lawrence: “Well, there’s no pitch. It’s a relationship. There’s no cliché there, we’re going to get to know you.”
Big 12 Bob
Big Game Bob is gone, with Bob Stoops having ridden off into retirement.
Big 12 Bob remains, and will remain.
League commissioner Bob Bowlsby soon expects to sign an extension that will keep him in place through the 202425 school year.
“My health is good,” Bowlsby said. “I feel like I’m a pretty young 65. I’ll stay at it for a while. I like what I’m doing. I like the schools. The board (of governors) has been very good to me.”
Under Bowlsby, the Big 12 appears healthier now, too, at least more stable. And Bowlsby maintains a commitment to pushing the league forward.
“If I stay in good health and they continue to want me,” he said, “I’ll be proud to be the commissioner for as long as I can do it.”