College Football | New Mexico's Long resigns

ALBUQUERQUE — Rocky Long essentially fired himself as New Mexico's football coach, saying he wants what's best for his alma mater.

Long surprised the university and the college football community Monday, announcing he is stepping down after 11 seasons to make way for someone who can lead the Lobos to a Mountain West championship.

"I want this program to be on top," the former Lobo quarterback said. "I wanted it be on top as a player. I wanted it be on top as an assistant coach. And I wanted it to be on top as the head coach.

"I don't see it happening with me as the head coach."

The most successful coach in New Mexico history, the straight-talking Long said he took a hard look at the success the Lobos have achieved during his term but concluded they can't compete for a conference title if he sticks around.

"I'm a realist," Long said.

During a crowded evening news conference, Long said he believes this year's team should have been much better and that the coaching staff — including himself — did a "terrible job."

"In 2005, we did a terrible job of coaching and this year we did a terrible job of coaching," he said. "Other than that, I think our staff, our players have been overachievers every other year."

Long's resignation is effective immediately.

The 58-year-old Long compiled a 65-69 record, including 4-8 this season, and guided the Lobos to five bowl appearances in seven seasons since 2002. Last year, his team broke the school's 46-year skid without a bowl victory, beating Nevada 23-0 in the New Mexico Bowl.

"I don't have the right image. I'm an old player that loves to coach," said Long, who was a three-year starter at quarterback for New Mexico from 1969-71. "I'm not trying to be on ESPN."

Tech gears for another "biggest game"

LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech has never beaten Oklahoma on the road under Mike Leach.

Another week, another never-before to conquer for the nation's No. 2 team. And in a season flush with firsts for the Red Raiders, a win in Norman against No. 5 Oklahoma on Saturday would give Texas Tech its only Big 12 South title and move it closer to playing for an national title.

The Sooners are the last in a four-game gantlet of Top 25 opponents for the Red Raiders, who own the nation's longest active win streak at 12 games. They crushed then-No. 19 Kansas, stunned No. 1 Texas in a thriller and clobbered No. 8 Oklahoma State.

Last week? A bye that Leach says was anything but time off.

"There's nothing off about it," said Leach, who has Texas Tech 10-0 for the first time since 1938. "It was better for the players because the load was reduced so their legs are probably fresher."

The game pits two of the top three passing offenses and scoring offenses in the country. Led by QB Graham Harrell, Tech is tops at 433.7 yards per game, and the Sooners are third at 355.5. When it comes to scoring, Oklahoma ranks first (51.4 points per game to 47.9).

Notes

• Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh said he is close to finalizing an agreement for a contract extension that he hopes would end speculation that he could leave for another job.

• A University of Connecticut spokesman confirms that coach Randy Edsall does not want to be considered for the coaching vacancy at Syracuse, his alma mater.

• Utah State fired coach Brent Guy, 11 games into his fourth season. Guy is 8-38 since taking over in 2005.

• Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said he doubts quarterback Steven Threet (shoulder) or running back Sam McGuffie will play against Ohio State.