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Harrell, Crabtree lead Texas Tech into Big 12 play

Oct 4, 2008 - 10:08 AM (8) Texas Tech (4-0) at Kansas State (3-1), 3:30 pm EDT

MANHATTAN, Kansas (Ticker) -- Quarterback Graham Harrell and wide receiver Michael Crabtree could possibly be the best tandem in college football. But their schedule is starting to get noticeably harder.

Harrell and Crabtree will attempt to lead eighth-ranked Texas Tech to a 5-0 start when they kick off Big 12 Conference play against Kansas State on Saturday.

With Harrell and Crabtree leading the way, the Red Raiders (4-0, 0-0 Big 12 South) rolled over Eastern Washington, Nevada, Southern Methodist and Massachusetts this season.

Both players have emerged as Heisman Trophy contenders. Harrell has passed for 1,573 yards and 15 touchdowns with three interceptions.

Just like last season, Crabtree is Harrell's favorite target. The sophomore has hauled in 29 receptions for 457 yards and six scores this season.

Harrell tossed all four of his touchdowns in the first half and Shannon Woods ran for three scores as the Red Raiders rolled to a 56-14 victory over Massachusetts of the Football Championship Subdivision two weeks ago.

Texas Tech won its first four non-conference games by a combined score of 183-64.

Josh Freeman became Kansas State's all-time leading passer last weekend, leading the Wildcats to a 45-37 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette. Freeman passed for 272 yards and three scores, surpassing Lynn Dickey on the Wildcats' (3-1) all-time list with 6,238 passing yards.

Freeman, who is two TD passes shy of breaking Ell Roberson's school record, also rushed for a pair of scores and receiver Lamark Brown added a career-high 127 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries for Kansas State.

A junior, Freeman has passed for 1,105 yards and 11 touchdowns with two interceptions this season. He also has six rushing TDs.