FCS opponents have given Texas Tech fits the last two seasons. In fact, the Red Raiders had only beat the previous two FCS foes by a combined eight points. It had to be comforting for Texas Tech fans to witness a 63-10 victory over Murray State without any drama. The game was never in doubt from the opening kickoff. However, head coach Joey McGuire’s team left the Jones Saturday night with a significant blow to the quarterback room.
Drag Race Quality Start
Plenty of buzz surrounded the Texas Tech offense coming into the season after McGuire hired Zach Kittley as his offensive coordinator. Visions of up-tempo offense with the ball being flung all around the field danced in the dreams of Red Raider fans. If Texas Tech was going to keep the momentum rolling era in the McGuire era, the offense needed a fast start. This offense did not disappoint against Murray State. The Red Raiders scored a touchdown on its first eight offensive drives of the game. By the time it was over, the smell of burning rubber on scorched earth lingered in Jones AT&T stadium. The average time of possession on those eight touchdown drives was 1:45.
Loic Fouonji and Jerand Bradley had two touchdown catches apiece. Fouonji finished the game with four receptions for 77 yards to accompany his two scores. Bradley had six receptions for 108 yards. In total 14 different receivers caught a pass for a total of 439 yards. The rushing attack had a workman-like performance, grinding out 133 total yards. Tahj Brooks lead the way with six carries for 50 yards and three touchdowns.
Deja Vu For The Quarterback Positions
Tyler Shough’s 2021 season was cut short due to suffering a collar bone injury in week four. He worked his way back and won the starting position going into the season. He looked crisp to open the game. Shough had six completions for 154 yards on his ten attempts with one touchdown. However, he suffered an injury to the same arm he hurt last season. The former four-star transfer quarterback was seen later on the sidelines with his left arm in a sling.
Because Shough missed two-thirds of the season last year, Donovan Smith got plenty of snaps as the starter. Smith picked up right where he left off in this Week One Texas Tech victory. He finished the game 14-16 for 221 yards and four touchdowns. With the game well in control, McGuire gave Behren Morton his first game snaps as a Red Raider. Morton went seven-for-10 for 97 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Defensive Stops
McGuire has to also be very happy with defensive performance. The defense had four sacks, and a total of 13 tackles for a loss. Not forcing a single turnover will be the item McGuire will stress in practice this week, but overall, this team did exactly what it needed to do. It controlled the game start-to-finish. Good teams handle their business against lesser opponents, and that is exactly what Texas Tech did.
Texas Tech Victory Set Ups Intriguing In-State Matchup
The Racers served as a tune-up for what will undoubtedly be the most brutal four-week stretch of the season. Texas Tech welcomes a top-25 team to Lubbock. Houston needed three overtimes to take down a pesky UTSA team. But this is a Cougar team with undefeated aspirations. Houston also has the talent and experience to do so if it can get past Texas Tech. With this Texas Tech victory over Murray State, the Red Raiders will most certainly feel plenty of confidence going into the matchup.
