Tech has a plan to slow down Texas' McCoy

Originally Published: October 31, 2008

Scouts Inc.'s Steve Muench examines Week 10story lines, including how Texas Tech will slow down Colt McCoy, Tulsa's unstoppable offense and a tough matchup for Michigan State.

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By Steve Muench
Scouts Inc.
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Here's a quick look at some of the biggest story lines Scouts Inc. will focus on in Week 10:

• No. 7 Texas Tech hosts No. 1 Texas and Red Raiders defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill should run plenty of conservative zone coverage for two reasons. The first is it to limit Texas' big plays, and playing the safeties deep will make it tougher for Longhorns QB Colt McCoy to find WR's Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby downfield. In addition, playing FS Darcel McBath, who is coming off a three-interception game against Kansas, deep will make McCoy think twice about passing his way. The second reason is playing zone would help limit McCoy's production on the ground. The Red Raiders' defensive backs and linebackers won't have to turn and run with receivers, tight ends and backs like they would in man coverage and can keep their eyes in the backfield and on McCoy, putting them in better position to step up and make plays when he tucks the ball to run.

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