The hardest team to figure out in the Big 12 during the 2007-08 season was Texas Tech.

The puzzling nature of this program surfaced in early February when Bob Knight resigned as coach after padding his record win total to 902.

As had been spelled out in a succession plan ironed out a few years ago, Knight's son, Pat, took over and went 4-7 as the Red Raiders finished 16-15 overall and 7-9 in the Big 12.

Two of the defeats Tech suffered following the change in head coaches included a 44-point drubbing at Texas A&M and a 58-point pasting at Kansas, the most lopsided outcome ever in Big 12 play.

The reason for such letdowns is readily apparent. Tech does not possess as much talent as many teams in the league. It succeeds by running crisp offense and also getting after it defensively. When the offense falters, so too does the tenacity of the Red Raiders' defense.

When asked about the season's ups and downs, Knight attributed the inconsistency to "just a lot of mental mistakes that don't come from what the other team does. It just comes from us. I think it is just a mental approach that's not very good, and it is something we've got to really work on."

That could be true, but Knight must also work on attracting better players. Many top-flight recruits never considered playing for Bob Knight because of his temperament. Although he is stern and not afraid to instill discipline, Pat Knight is better suited to communicate with players and could eventually land better prospects, though Texas Tech is not an easy place to recruit.

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