Share
Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
LUBBOCK — Baron Batch has accepted the fact that Texas Tech is going to pass the football — a lot — to set up the run.
As a running back, that can be tough to accept, but Batch knew what he was getting into when he joined one of the most prolific passing programs in the history of college football.Coach Mike Leach describes Batch as an analytical player who has made Tech’s pass-first offense work to his advantage."He’s one of the most conscientious guys I’ve ever dealt with," Leach said. "He’s ambitious and wants things to go well."But as he settles down and just stays within the parameters of his job, he can be remarkably explosive."Batch did just that during Saturday’s 42-21 win over Kansas, rushing for 123 yards and four touchdowns on 17 carries. Batch gained 106 yards and scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to become the first Raider to rush for four touchdowns in a game since Taurean Henderson in 2005. In typical Batch fashion, he credited his teammates, including embattled quarterback Taylor Potts."The touchdowns I score are a reflection of everybody doing what they’re supposed to," Batch said. "Potts did a great job checking into those [TD] runs."I don’t think many of those — maybe two of the plays — that we scored on were called in the huddle. That’s a great job by Potts just doing what he’s supposed to do and recognizing what they’re giving us and being a smart player."Batch’s efforts against Kansas earned him Big 12 co-offensive player of the week honors, but it was his 1-yard touchdown burst that tied the game at 21 on fourth-and-goal that inspired center Shawn Byrnes."That was just amazing how he punched that in," Byrnes said. "He’s just such a strong back, so it’s great to have him behind us."He is underrated and he’s a great runner, and he loves the game of football."Byrnes said he gets an extra charge when he’s blocking for Batch."He runs so hard and is just such a motivational leader, too," Byrnes said. "He’s very vocal and he really wants to get everybody upbeat and excited to play."It’s just great blocking for a guy like that, somebody who is always going to have your back and always motivates you to play, and somebody you always want out there with you."A 5-11, 205-pound junior from Midland, Batch leads Tech in rushing with 531 yards and 10 touchdowns on 93 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per rush. He also leads the team in scoring with 66 points and is third in receptions with 35 for 233 yards and a touchdown.But despite the nice numbers, Batch knows there is plenty of work to do for a Tech team that has endured some tough losses this season. The Raiders, who are off Saturday, play at Oklahoma State on Nov. 14."I think this is one of my favorite teams I’ve ever played on," Batch said. "We’ve got a lot of tough guys and a lot of guys that step up when we need them to, and that’s what I love about this team."Dwain Price, 817-390-7760
@Nyx.CommentBody@