Texas Tech announced that Elmer Tarbox would join the Ring of Honor:

“The legacy of Elmer Tarbox lives to this day, making him a perfect candidate to join the Ring of Honor,” Hocutt said. “He was truly the Texas Tech version of Jim Thorpe. On the field, he could do it all whether it be as a rusher, a pass catcher or as a defensive back where he most-highly regarded. We look forward to recognizing the Tarbox family this season and seeing his name permanently etched on Jones AT&T Stadium.”

When Tarbox arrived at what was then Texas Technological College in 1935, he had never played a single down of football and had only seen part of one game after growing up in the small Panhandle town of Higgins near the Oklahoma border.

That soon changed, however, as Pete Cawthon plunked the walk-on to join the Red Raiders, beginning a storied career that ended with Tarbox being named the most outstanding player at the 1939 Cotton Bowl, only the second postseason appearance in the school’s young history. Tarbox garnered the honor despite the then Matadors falling to St. Mary’s, 20-13, in what was his final game in scarlet and black.

Tarbox played three seasons for the Red Raiders from 1936-38, quickly developing into one of the most prominent two-way players in the country. Tarbox was an honorable mention All-America selection as a half back as a senior after leading the country in yards per catch while also finishing seventh in the nation in rushing yards and 10th for receiving yards.

Texas Tech and Matt Wells announced that he would add long-time defensive coordinator Nick Hold an an offensive assistant to Sonny Cumbie (that’s correct and not a typo). I would love to have someone tell me what exactly an analyst actually does, perhaps watch film of future opponents and how to game-plan against them? That seems logical in this situation.

Sporting News’ Bill Bender previews the Big 12 and picks Texas Tech to finish 8th overall, just ahead of Baylor and Kansas. Quarterback Tyler Shough is pegged as an impact transfer:

Shough has the attention of NFL scouts, and that is because of a 6-foot-5, 221-pound frame. The Oregon transfer had 13 TDs and six interceptions last season. He will put up statistics in Texas Tech’s offense, which is always quarterback-friendly. The Red Raiders are 8-14 and have not finished higher than eighth in the Big 12 under Matt Wells. Shough will be counted on to change that.

The Mercury News’ Jon Wilner spoke with Washington State president Kirk Schulz about what he called the SEC’s “predatory nature” regarding conference realignment:

“What the SEC has done is unify the other conferences in a way that nothing else could have, in terms of working together,” Schulz told the Hotline.

I think this is actually fantastic news. I don’t think the SEC can choke out everyone else, but maybe everyone else can have an affect on the SEC at some point. Regardless, Schulz (who was the president at Kansas State the last time there was conference realignment) and ultimately, the Pac-12 isn’t interested in adding teams for the sake of adding teams:

Schulz echoed Kliavkoff’s approach to potential expansion: The Pac-12 isn’t interested in adding members simply as a response to the SEC’s move.

“All the conversations I’ve had are really focused on closing the revenue gap,’’ he said. “That still drives a lot of the decision-making. You could pick schools that make us a 16- or 18-team conference, but the next question is, ‘OK, how does that close the revenue gap?’”

Arizona Republic’s Jeremy Cluff is intrigued about the Pac-12 Big 12 merger idea, including a 2-division model and a 4-division model. I still don’t know that this works, but it sure would be neat I think.

Houston Chronicle’s Joseph Duarte talked with Texas Tech’s first opponent, Houston and head coach Dana Holgorsen:

Holgorsen said the key will be up front. With injuries taking a toll, the Cougars’ depth has been paper-thin, with 20 offensive line combos used in 20 games. One of the biggest offseason additions was center Kody Russey, a two-time All-Conference USA selection at Louisiana Tech.

“We have to be better in front of (Tune) for him to be better,” Holgorsen said.