OFFENSE
Texas Tech runs a quick-paced, no-huddle offense. Formations are almost exclusively out of the shotgun, with the Red Raiders favoring single-back, and two back sets.
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DEFENSE
Texas Tech’s defense has been very poor this year in nearly every statistical category, specifically in total defense (119th – 506.3 ypg) as well as scoring defense (126th – 42.5 ppg). The Red Raiders run a basic 4-2-5 defense. While the Tech defense doesn’t provide many different looks or disguised blitzes, one or both of the defensive ends may stand up at the line.
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SPECIAL TEAMS
Texas Tech has relatively average special teams units, ranking in the middle of the pack in kickoff returns (19.74 ypr) and near the bottom in punt returns (2.33 ypr). They do, however, have a steady field goal kicker in Ryan Buston who is 7/8 on the season with a long of 38. Their punt unit is also good as Tech averages 40.37 yards/punt.
MATCHUPS
Texas QB/WR/TE’s v. Tech DB’s:
After the dismal performance by Swoopes and company against Kansas State last Saturday, it’s very difficult to give the Longhorns any benefit of the doubt. The Texas offense was off target throughout the contest and never got much going in terms of sustained drives.
That said, the Longhorn offense has shown what they are capable of, especially against sub-par defenses. This week, Texas faces one of the worst defenses in the nation. Tech has given up 260 yards per game through the air along with 20 TD’s while only intercepting 3 passes.
Expect the Longhorn passing game get back on track this weekend.
Advantage: , the Longhorns have been unable to get a steady ground game from the RB’s all season (Texas averages 137.5 rushing yards per game).</p>
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<p> The hope for the Longhorns is that the game plan will revert to plenty of zone-read runs with Swoopes keeping the ball – doing so should open up some room for the RBs to grab big gains in the middle of the Tech defense.</p>
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<p> Advantage: Even</p>
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<p> <em>Texas OL v. Tech DL:</em></p>
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<p> Again, with as poor as the offensive line performed just one week ago, it’s difficult to even think about giving them an advantage against any team. But, again, the Longhorns are facing a very bad defense who just gave up 82 points in a single game.</p>
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<p> The Texas line has been inconsistent all season and with the constant lineup changes the issues have become almost expected in regards to missed assignments and penalties. This matchup may be as even as they come…and that isn’t good.</p>
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<p> Advantage: Even</p>
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<p> <em>Texas DB’s v. Tech QB/WR/TE:</em></p>
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<p> Texas Tech brings in a high-powered passing attack that has been very effective throughout the season in gaining big yards. Led by QB Davis Webb, the Raiders have been able to put up big numbers in most of their games and stay within striking distance.</p>
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<p> The Longhorns, however, have been very good against the pass as they rank 8<sup>th</sup> in the country in yards allowed per game (171.4) and have only surrendered 8 TDs through the air.</p>
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<p> The biggest question mark coming into this matchup is whether or not Webb will be able to play. If it’s Mahomes, Texas should gain a steady advantage. If Webb is able to go, his ankle injury will make it difficult for him to evade the rush and might effect his consistency.</p>
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<p> Advantage: <img decoding=)
