Ranking the Big 12 &#8211; #7 Texas Tech

Throughout the summer, HornSports will countdown the college football season by projecting season-ending records among Big 12 teams. At number seven, we go west to Lubbock, Texas and check in on the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Why not higher?

Texas Tech might be hitting their stride as a program under head coach Kliff Kingsbury, but it is still classic Texas Tech. The air raid offense was 2nd in the nation in total and scoring offense, however, they were second-to-last in total and scoring defense. The anemic Texas offense amassed 400 rushing yards and laid 45 points on the Red Raiders last season. If the defense is just average, they will be a 10 win team. I just don’t see it.

Why not lower?

Patrick Mahomes is one of, if not the best quarterback, in the Big 12. Yes, I said it. He is also more consistent that West Virginia’s Skyler Howard. Kingsbury isn’t on the hot seat, which should help keep a cool, calm atmosphere in Lubbock. Unless the Red Raiders collapse, they should have an average season, which is good for Texas Tech and fans alike.

Bright spots

Patrick Mahomes is the headliner, but keep a close eye on Notre Dame transfer and Texas native Kolin Hill, who plays defensive end. Hill didn’t have a breakout year in 2014 as a freshman, but he is a very good pass rusher. 2.5 of his 7 tackles during his playing time with Notre Dame were for a loss. If Hill can generate a pass rush, he might provide the few stops Texas Tech needs to be a Big 12 championship contending team.

Season prediction

Texas Tech will open the season with Stephen F. Austin and then travel to Tempe to play the Arizona State Sun Devils. I believe they leave Tempe with a nice win on their resume. With a favorable schedule the first half of the season, it is possible that the Red Raiders start 5-1. Then the meat of their schedule kicks in with the likes of Oklahoma, @TCU, Texas, and @Oklahoma State in consecutive weeks. If they go 2-2 or 3-1 in that stretch of games, they will be a legit title contender. Overall, I don’t see them stepping up this season with a young offensive line.

Next year, when Mahomes is a senior, watch out because they will be loaded.

Final 2016 record prediction: 7-5 (4-5 Big 12)