SPORTSTEXAS LONGHORNS
5 things Texas fans need to know about Texas Tech: Good defense stabilizes Red Raiders
Texas Tech will also have to rely on sophomore quarterback Donovan Smith to lead the charge.
Texas ended its non-conference schedule with a
41-20 win over UTSA last Saturday. This week, the Longhorns head up to Lubbock to begin Big 12 play against Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are coming off of a
27-14 loss against the NC State Wolfpack.
Here are five things Texas fans should know about Texas Tech:
A solid defense
Texas Tech has one of the best defenses in the Big 12, by far. At the very least, do not expect this year’s game to be a blowout. Texas beat Texas Tech last season, 70-35, in Austin.Linebacker Tyree Wilson currently leads the team in tackles, with 12 solo and 21 total. Despite the loss to NC State, Wilson showed out against the Wolfpack. He ended the game with 11 tackles, 3.5 TFL and two sacks. The former Texas A&M Aggie is one of the most important defenders to this great Texas Tech defense.
Another young QB (or two)
Texas Tech is also currently led by a young quarterback, sophomore Donovan Smith. The Red Raiders’ starting quarterback, senior Tyler Shough, is still recovering from a shoulder injury that occurred earlier in the month.
“He’s a multi-talented guy that deserves our attention and focus,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said about Smith on Monday.
Smith was awarded Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week earlier this month for his performance in Texas Tech’s win over Houston. However, the Nevada native struggled last weekend against NC State and ended the game with a 58.3% completion rate.
Smith has already shown his talent this season, but the question is whether he’ll be consistent on Saturday. It’s up to Smith and freshman quarterback Behren Morton to run the show, for now.
Minimizing turnovers
Texas Tech had four turnovers in its loss to NC State, marking a season total of six. Texas has only committed one turnover this season — it happened in the season opener against ULM.
Minimizing turnovers is definitely something that the Red Raiders will be focused on come Saturday. The high volume of turnovers played a key part in last week’s loss to NC State.
The Red Raiders will be on watch as the Longhorns’ much-improved defense looks to do some damage.
Joey McGuire’s first game vs. Texas
The game on Saturday will also be the first time that Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire leads a team against Texas. McGuire has been coaching in the Big 12 since 2017 when he was hired at Baylor by Matt Rhule.But Saturday will be his first experience leading a team against Texas. McGuire still draws heavily from his time at Baylor, citing Baylor head coach Dave Aranda as one example of why he has started leaning towards analytics.
Full house
Saturday’s game is officially sold out, per Texas Tech Athletics. This is the first time since 2018 that Jones AT&T Stadium will host a sold-out game. During that season, both games against Texas and Oklahoma were sold out.With Texas’ entrance into the SEC nearing, Saturday’s matchup will most likely be the last time that Texas plays in Lubbock as a member of the Big 12. All 60,454 seats of Jones AT&T Stadium will be filled as Texas’ Big 12 farewell tour begins.