Perry pleased with his group's effort entering conference play
There hasn’t been much to critique for Texas Tech’s special teams besides numerous penalties on punt returns. However, Tech was able to eliminate those this past weekend against Oregon State.
There wasn’t much opportunity for punt returns because the Oregon State punting formation was different from what special teams coordinator Kenny Perry has seen.
“We’ve seen a lot of stuff I’ve never seen my whole life in the punt game, just schemes and protection wise. So that part’s going to get me ready for whatever,” Perry told the media on Tuesday. “He was catching and punting as fast as he could because he knew we’re going to come after it. So that was kind of pretty good deal for him to get it off as fast as he did. But he hit some bad ones too because of it.”
What Perry saw during the first three games
There’s been a lot of positives on special teams so far, especially with efficient kicking and a solid punt returner in Tristian Gentry, who has solidified the starting spot as the punt returner. Now going into a tougher schedule, Perry has been happy with what he’s seen so far.
“I think our guys have played really well. Honestly. I think we’ve kicked well, we’ve punted well, covered well. I think our returner, we’ve got a guy back there (Gentry) getting a chance. He’s going to make something happen. So I’ve been impressed with that so far,” Perry said. “Obviously getting in the conference play, it’s going to be a challenge this week, just like every other week is, but I’m looking forward to it
The mentality they are focused on
With the Red Raiders heading to Salt Lake City on Saturday to take on #16 Utah, there has been a lot of buzz around this game. The crowd and the atmosphere have been a big talking point, and for some of these guys, this will be their first road game in a college environment. Blocking out the noise and focusing on what they know how to do is the mentality heading into Saturday.
“I don’t care where we’re playing, you know, honestly, it’s about us today, it ain’t about them, and we’re going to do the same thing we do every week. That’s kind of what w’ve prepared for ever since I’ve been here,” Perry said. “With kickers, they’re a different breed anyways. Worry about your operation and routine. That’s all you can do. You can’t control the crowd. You can’t control the environment, wherever you’re at. Just worry about our routine, which we’ve done ever since I’ve been doing this. I just go out there and worry about our routine and everything else will take care of itself.”
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