 "Photo: File photo")
Some believe Mike Leach’s unique humor and way of thinking are made for TV.
Thanks to ESPN, the Texas Tech head coach had a chance to show why on Monday.
Leach spent Monday at ESPN Studios in Bristol, Conn for, the “ESPN Car Wash” — a process where guests are featured on numerous ESPN broadcasts.
The time to make those appearances is a good one — Tech has a bye week before facing Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 in Stillwater, Okla., which was selected for broadcast on ABC Monday.
Tech defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, who filled in for Leach during the weekly Big 12 Teleconference on Monday, said he enjoys it any time Leach gets a chance to represent the program.
“Any time we can get university exposure is a plus,” he said. “Not just for football or athletics, but for the university.
“It gives our city of Lubbock a chance for people to find out about our city hopefully a little bit and what they can experience here. It’s always good to advertise our school and our program as well.”
ESPN kept Leach busy all day with appearances on “ESPNU College Football Podcast,” “College GameDay Tailgate Radio,” “ESPN First Take,” “The Herd” and “College Football Live,” among others. Leach was booked for shows and interviews from 10:40 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
On “College Football Live,” Leach gave his thoughts on his closest friends among coaches, his favorite Big 12 venue to visit, how many plays he has on his note cards and fat girlfriends — referring to his comments after the Texas A&M game.
He is the second person with Tech ties to participate in the “ESPN Car Wash.” Former Tech receiver Michael Crabtree did it last spring when he declared for the NFL Draft.
While Leach was making appearances on national TV, the Red Raiders got some much-needed time off.
McNeill said the Red Raiders will continue practice toward the end of the week.
McNeill also said this bye week comes at a good time in the season and should allow players and coaches to tend to other issues.
The time off gives players a chance to catch up on their academics and coaches a chance to take recruiting trips, he said.
“We haven’t had that break like we normally had in the earlier part of the season, so it gives our kids a chance to get away from it for a minute,” McNeill said.
The Red Raiders enter the bye week coming off a 42-21 win against Kansas on Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium.
After the game against Oklahoma State, Tech finishes the season against Oklahoma on Nov. 21 in Lubbock and Baylor on Nov. 28 in Arlington at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
Texas Tech grad, The University Daily Alum (now Daily Toreador)
a.k.a. The Wi-Fi Guy
www.pingwi-fi.com