The Texas Tech week 2 opponent, Stephen F. Austin, gives the Red Raiders a great opportunity to get to 2-0. Texas Tech returns back to the friendly confines in Lubbock after an outstanding come from behind victory against Houston. On paper, Texas Tech holds a distinct advantage against the Lumberjacks. So why would passing yards be the deciding factor in this game?
Offensive Development
In a week one performance, in which the Red Raiders started down 14-0 before the offense even took the field, Tyler Shough and the aerial attack still only had a total of 231 yards. Not to mention, Erik Ezukanma had 179 of those yards by himself. It should be noted that the rushing attack was outstanding in their week one performance, with Tahj Brooks rushing for 134 yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns. But, this offense, if they are to get over that six-win barrier that has been keeping this program down for the last three seasons, the passing attack must improve.
Texas Tech has only averaged more than 355 passing yards per game three times since 2013. In 2013, the last time Texas Tech won more than 7 games, they averaged 392.8 yards a game. The other two seasons occurred when some guy named Mahomes led the Red Raiders passing attack in 2015 and 2016 that averaged 388.2 and 463 yards per game respectively. Texas Tech appears to have a defense that will give many Big 12 teams fits this season. Assuming the Sonny Combie remains balanced (week one had 29 pass plays and 28 running plays), the passing offense needs to take the next step and become more explosive if this team is going to compete (and more importantly win) against Big 12 opponents.
Good Teams Take Care Of Business
A Texas Tech week 2 victory should be found with relative ease. In the last 4 seasons, the Lumberjacks have gone 6-4, 3-9, 2-8, and 4-7. They have not appeared in the FCS playoffs since 2014. The week 3 opponent, FIU, also does not serve as a potential look-ahead distraction in terms of the magnitude of next week’s game. Texas Tech certainly is in no position to take any opponent lightly. Remember, Kansas just won its first football game in 679 calendar days this past weekend. Does anyone care to take a guess who the opponent was in that game back in 2019?
Red Raider fans certainly remember how that game ended. The resiliency demonstrated last week against Houston should not and cannot be overstated. That is evidence that the program is growing in head coach Matt Wells‘ third season. Another piece of evidence to illustrate a program moving in the right direction is to decisively win against teams over which the Red Raiders have a decided talent advantage.
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Texas Tech Week 2 Predictions
There is no doubt that the city of Lubbock is ready to see their Red Raiders play at the Jones. In front of a crowd that should provide some electricity, Texas Tech’s march to an undefeated mark in non-conference play continues. Red Raider fans should see a lot of backups get meaningful game snaps in the 2nd half of this game.
