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Takeaways: Kingsbury, Morris look ahead to Arizona State

Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury and offensive coordinator Eric Morris previewed the Red Raiders' upcoming game against Arizona State on the Red Raider Football with Kliff Kingsbury radio program on Thursday evening.

FIRST SEGMENT

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... Kingsbury said he thought the atmosphere on Saturday was "incredible."

... "I think, overall, I was pleased with our effort and intensity."

... "We definitely, Monday, had a real conversation about some of those guys who came into the game and how they operated and it just wasn't up to our standard."

... Kingsbury said he has seen improvement in that area this week in practice.

... "If I don't think we're reaching (that standard), I'm going to let them know."

... Kingsbury joked, when asked about 17 players catching a pass against Stephen F. Austin, that he wasn't sure the team had that many receivers.

... "Hopefully this week we'll run it a little bit more (this week)."

... "I think (the run defense will) continue to get better."

... "Big Pip had his debut, he's been good. And Kolin Hill. Two big, physical guys."

... Kingsbury said that Jordyn Brooks "has the body of an NFL player" already. He could be a "big-time player" for the Red Raiders if he stays healthy.

... Kingsbury expressed disappointment with the offense being flagged for six penalties against Stephen F. Austin.

SECOND SEGMENT

... Kingsbury said the team will watch the new Jason Bourne movie tomorrow night in Tempe, Ariz.

... Kingsbury was "overall very pleased" with Texas Tech's special teams performance against Stephen F. Austin. He did note that he felt the team needed to punt better.

... "Offensive line needs to play much more consistent. [...] We'll have to shore that up going up against a better front in Arizona State."

... Kingsbury was pleased with the offense's ball security on Saturday. "If we don't turn it over, we will be hard to stop (on offense)."

... Jett Duffey acted as Manny Wilkins on Texas Tech's scout team this weekend.

... Kingsbury was asked what he sees himself doing in 10 years and he responded "This, right here."

... "If our defense is as good as Pat is at quarterback we'll win every game."

... "I saw highlights (of Texas-Notre Dame) because ESPN showed a lot of highlights. I thought they won the national championship in Week 1."

... Who would Kingsbury like to come in and sing the national anthem before a Texas Tech game? "Rihanna. We would have Rihanna here."

THIRD SEGMENT

... Kingsbury said they will let the players sleep a little bit later on Saturday to make up for the late kick time.

... "It should be a fun one to watch (on Saturday)."

... "Defensively, (Todd Graham) brings pressure from everywhere."

... Kingsbury said that Mahomes likes it when opposing defenses bring pressure. "I know Pat likes to go against teams that bring pressure."

... Kingsbury said he expects Arizona State to run a trick play or two Saturday.

FOURTH SEGMENT

... Eric Morris expressed a measure of disappointment with the physicality of Texas Tech's receivers against Stephen F. Austin.

... Morris said that the coaches have coached effort as hard this week as they have at any point since they've been on staff.

... "It's really nice to have that size out there (at receiver). It's kind of a safety net there for Pat. You don't feel like you have to make a perfect throw."

... "I thought, as a whole, we did a really nice job. We wanted to distribute the ball evenly."

... Morris on his headset conversations with Kingsbury during games: "Our number one goal is to be positive with each other. That hasn't always been the case. [...] We get after each other pretty good at times. We were pretty good in that first game."

... "We feel really confident with eight wideouts, two at each position."

FIFTH SEGMENT

... Morris said that Jared Kaster and Jordan Davis are up in the box with Morris during games this season.

... Morris said that Texas Tech has, by far, the best press box setup for coaches in the Big 12.

... "(T.J. Vasher is) as talented of a freshman as I've ever been around. [...] The quarterbacks throwing him the ball. You can put it anywhere. He has great hand-eye coordination and can go up and get it."

SIXTH SEGMENT

... Morris said the coaching staff put a lot of thought into the team's road woes over the offseason. They tweaked a couple-few things with the road routine as a result.

... "The first game (Arizona State) played was totally different than what they showed on tape all last year. [...] We've prepared for both."

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