Guns Up! Texas Tech football has been nothing if not exciting and fun to watch lately. They produce extreme passing offenses that put up a lot of points. And chaotic crapola for pass defense that keeps their opponents in games. Other than a recent down year, TTU is always in a bowl game, but never quite able to take that next step to the top of the Big 12.
They’re good, but never great as Texas Tech literally outshoots their opponents almost every game. And of course Texas Tech has produced Wes Welker, the NFL’s leading wide out, and the greatest slot receiver in professional football history.
Texas Tech to get EXCITED! ALL CAPS! Well, they’re not dealing with the abusive practices of Mike Leach anymore, so that’s something. Although his extremely brutish tactics and Draconian leadership style often got results. The Texas Tech pass defense was uncharacteristically great I guess. And with eight defensive starters return, there’s belief that they’ll be better. Of course, part of that was because they couldn’t stop the run so well now could they. What will happen in the quarterback position now? Michael Brewer certainly has the lineage. There’s quite a bit of talent returning in the skill positions.
The punt, kick and kickoff return units should all be very good. I know, how exciting!
Texas Tech reasons to be worried :( The run offense was a horrific 86th in the nation in total yardage last season. But hey, at least they weren’t as bad as the 90th ranked scoring defense. So there’s that! The OL is a potential train wreck; just two starters returning and more importantly 8 scholarship guys from the position on the roster. And the WRs will probably not live up to their potential. They don’t have as much experience as you think they do. Losing top recruit Simmons to USC hurt.
Texas Tech key games: Look at their first four: 4-0 written all over it…if, and this is a big if, they can upset TCU. we learn if there’s anything to this team or not Oct 26th vs Oklahoma. Their Big 12 schedule could still yield an under .500 showing. Good luck with that!
Texas Tech bottom line: 6-6 to 8-4ish with an appearance in a fourth tier bowl. 8 wins plus a bowl victory defines success in 2013. And/or a +500 conference record.
Key & Peele East/West College Bowl Roster: Dartwan Bush, Kindred Evans, Le’Raven Clark, Rashad Fortenberry, La’Darius Newbold, Josh Outlaw Jacarthy Mack
the 2013 College Football rankings 1-51
#76 Kansas Jayhawks
#70 Minnesota Golden Gophers
#67 Indiana Hoosiers
#64 Iowa Hawkeyes
#58-#52, due to time constraints, were skipped.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. (“Quasi-endorsed” by Philadelphia Eagles Coach Chip Kelly) He’s also an author who contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
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