Aug. 5, 2008

Texas Tech kicks off the 2008 season in 25 days against Eastern Washington at Jones AT&T Stadium. Kick off is set for 6 p.m. CT. For ticket information, contact the Texas Tech Athletics Ticket Office at (806) 742-TECH or (888) GO-BIG-12. Also, log-on to www.texastech.com to order season tickets!

GETTING TO KNOW Austin Zouzalik
Texas Tech signee Austin Zouzalik is a heralded recruit from Lubbock Coronado High School. After competing as a quarterback as a prep player, Zouzalik will turn his talents toward the inside receiver position in 2008. Here's a little inside information to help you get to know Austin.

What is an interesting fact most people don't know about you?
I'm an amazing ping pong player.
If you weren't playing football, what sport would you play?
Lacrosse
What is the worst place your cell phone started ringing?
Church
What was your favorite toy as a child?
Original Nintendo
What CD are you embarrassed to admit you own?
I do have Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" on my iPod
What is your favorite old television show?
Power Rangers
What is one interesting pregame ritual or routine you do?
Meditate for hours
What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Getting a scholarship to play football at Tech
What is your all-time favorite movie?
Fletch
Who was your favorite sports hero growing up?
Ken Griffey, Jr.
What nickname do you have?
"Zoo"
What is your favorite Tech tradition?
Being invited to a bowl game every year
Who is your favorite professional team?
New England Patriots
Who is your all-time favorite sports anchor/broadcaster?
Erin Andrews
What is the last book you read, besides a text book?
Where's Waldo?
If you could meet any person living or dead, who would it be?
Chris Farley
Who and where is your dream date?
Taylor Swift in Hawaii
Which teammate is most likely to be the next reality show star?
Seth Doege
If you could only invite three people to dinner, who would it be?
Wes Welker, Taylor Swift and Bill Gates (he would pay).
What TV show are you embarrassed to admit you watch?
The Hills
Who would win in a fight, Jack Bauer from 24 or Batman?
Batman
What would be your dream job, other than playing football?
Professional wake boarder
What is one thing that scares you?
Not being able to play football
If you could be any other athlete, who would it be and why?
Wes Welker. He's the best receiver in the league.

PLAYER FLASHBACK
Billy Joe Tolliver was a four-year starter for the Red and Black from 1985-88 and left his mark on the program as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in program history. He wrapped up his career with a then-school record 2,869 passing yards in 1988. Despite all of the passing records set in recent seasons, Tolliver still holds marks in Freshman Passing Yards in a Game with 422 against TCU in 1985 and Most Yards per Completion in a Season with 15.1 during the 1988 campaign. His senior season yardage ranks 10th all-time at Tech, while his 6,756 career yards ranks fifth. Following graduation, Tolliver spent 12 years in the NFL with stops in San Diego (1989-90), Atlanta (1991-93, 1996-97), Houston (1994) and New Orleans (1998-00). These days you can find him on the Celebrity Players Golf Tour.

DAILY "DID YOU KNOW"
Following what was arguably the most spectacular freshman receiving season in college football history, 2007 Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree rewrote the records sections of the school, conference and NCAA history books. Crabtree hauled in an incredible 134 passes over the course of the 13 game season, leading the nation in both catches and catches per game. In just his fourth professional season, former Red Raider Wes Welker became a national story as a member of the AFC Champion New England Patriots, who boasted the NFL's top-ranked offense and one of the most prolific passing attacks in league history. Welker's 112 catches tied for the NFL lead and were the most by any player since the 2003 season. A quick glance at the records indicates that Crabtree and Welker are in fact the only two players from the same school to lead both the college and professional ranks in receiving in the same year since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.