HornSports Staff
HornSports.com
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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.
(Single back)
(Single back, pistol formation)
(Two backs)
While the offense lines up, plays are relayed from the sidelines to the QB, who then calls plays at the line of scrimmage.
When passing the ball, the Raiders get the ball out very quickly as they run many screens and short passes. While Tech does seem to utilize the quick pass, they also run various WR drags and double move routes that take time to develop which will give the pass rush a few more seconds to pressure the pocket.
Texas Tech’s starting RB, DeAndre Washington, currently leads the big 12 in rushing with almost 700 yards and a 5.6 ypc average, but the Raiders have only rushed the ball 233 times this season out of 600 total plays. The Red Raiders utilize the draw extremely well and also run it up the middle when they need short yards.
While the Tech offense racks up total yardage (23rd nationally – 483.8 ypg), they are in the bottom half of the NCAA in scoring as they only average 30.4 ppg. Part of the reason for Tech’s lack of scoring in such a successful passing offense is lack of discipline as indicated by the fact that the Raiders rank in the bottom 3 in the nation in both penalties (9.63 per game) and in turnover margin (-12).
Other notes:
- Texas Tech has only allowed 7 sacks on the year (9th) which indicates just how quickly the QB gets the ball to his targets.
- The Red Raiders don’t waste any time in between plays as they rank 122nd in Time of Possession with 25 minutes per game.
- Tech QB’s have thrown 15 interceptions on the season, 123rd in the nation.
- Tech’s QB, Davis Webb, is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury. If he can’t go, the Raiders will turn to true freshman Patrick Mahomes who is 12 of 23 with 2 TD’s and 2 INT’s in limited time (3 games). Mahomes accounts for 3 of the 7 times that Tech QB’s have been sacked on the season.
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.
(4-2-5 defense)
(DE standing at the line)
The Red Raiders are not a very aggressive defense as they rarely show blitz. The secondary often cushions wideouts on one side of the field, leading to open, short routes for the offense. Tech corners tend to press the receiver on the opposite side of the field.
(Secondary giving 5-8 yard cushion on one side, but pressing the other)
Other Notes:
- Tech’s defense allows 246 rushing yards per game and 260 passing yards per game.
- Texas Tech’s best statistical category is in sacks as they rank 78th in the nation with 15 sacks in 8 games.
- The Longhorn O-Line needs to identify LB Pete Robertson before plays. He leads the Big 12 in sacks (8).
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:
Texas RB’s v. Tech LB’s:
The matchup between the Longhorn RB’s and Tech LB’s will be a fairly even. While Tech is very poor against the rush (giving up 246 ypg), 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).
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.
Advantage: Even
Texas OL v. Tech DL:
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.
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.
Advantage: Even
Texas DB’s v. Tech QB/WR/TE:
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.
The Longhorns, however, have been very good against the pass as they rank 8th in the country in yards allowed per game (171.4) and have only surrendered 8 TDs through the air.
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.
Advantage:
Texas LB’s v. Tech RB’s:
Texas’ LB unit has played very well throughout the year, but they are still a big part of a defense that has allowed over 170 rushing yards per game. Tech has the Big 12’s leading rusher in DeAndre Washington, but don’t seem to utilize his talents enough.
Expect Tech to run the ball more often against the Longhorns in Lubbock, especially considering the question marks surrounding the QB situation. If the Red Raiders can get the ground attack going against the Longhorns, it could be a rough night for Texas.
Advantage:
Texas DL v. Tech OL:
The Longhorn D-Line has been a strength for Texas through much of the season as the group has constantly applied pressure on the QB (15th nationally with 26 sacks). Texas Tech’s O-Line has likewise had a good season protecting the QB, only allowing 7 sacks in 8 games. The OL is a big reason why the Red Raiders are averaging 5.2 yards per carry as a team.
Tech’s ability to keep the QB clean and move the ball with the ground game earns them a slight edge.
Advantage:
Special Teams:
The Longhorns’ special teams woes popped up again last week with penalties and a poor punt that led to 3 points for KSU. Almost weekly, the Longhorns have had problems at some area on the special teams unit which has allowed opposing teams to put points on the scoreboard.
Texas Tech, on the other hand, has at least been average as the Raiders have a reliable field goal kicker and good punter.
If the Longhorns want to be able to pull away from Tech in Lubbock, they can’t allow the Special Teams to have any influence on the game.
Advantage:
