It has been four weeks since the doors of the Jones were open to a Red Raider football game. As Texas Tech begins the second half of its season, the schedule lays out in a manner where truly any result is within the realm of possibilities. It is just as likely the Red Raiders could go 6-0 or 0-6. Reality suggests that the final record will fall somewhere in between. The Texas Tech week eight opponent is going to be like looking in the mirror. West Virginia brings a similar air raid adjacent high-powered offense to Lubbock. The Mountaineers are coming off a big-time victory over the Baylor Bears. If Texas Tech is going to start off the second part of its 2022 season with a victory, the defense needs to find a way to touch the ball more.
Take Three University
Leading into the season, head coach Joey McGuire had a slightly different branding effort for the Texas Tech acronym. During episode three of “Texas Tech Football – The Brand” defensive coordinator, Tim DeRuyter explained the liberties McGuire took with TTU. The coaching staff now refers to the acronym as “Take Three University.” McGuire is no stranger to utilizing advanced stats in putting together his weekly game plans. According to an interview for the show, DeRuyter stated that if Texas Tech is +3 in the turnover margin, they have a 93% chance of winning the football game. To date, Take Three University still has not admitted anyone to its classes. Through six games, the Red Raiders have a total of six takeaways. That is tied for 112th nationally.
It isn’t due to lack of a pass rush either. Tyree Wilson, who was recently named to The Athletic’s First-Team Midseason All-American team, has 37 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six sacks, and a forced fumble. He has been a constant force in making quarterbacks uncomfortable all season. West Virginia has made it no secret that the offense will throw the ball all game, just like its offensive coordinator Graham Harrell used to when he played at Texas Tech. The bad news for the Red Raider defense is that West Virginia has shown a propensity to keep the football secure. The Mountaineers ranked 19th nationally in turnovers lost, as they have only turned the ball over six times this year. This Texas Tech week eight matchup is going to require the Red Raiders to break season-long trends both for itself and its opponent if they hope to secure a victory.
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The Offense Has to Convert Turnovers Into Touchdowns
The offense should be able to move the ball, regardless of who the quarterback is for the Red Raiders. Tyler Shough, who has been recovering from a week one shoulder injury, could be cleared to play on Saturday. If all three quarterbacks are healthy, McGuire said, “then you’ll see all three quarterbacks…If not, you’ll see both quarterbacks on Saturday.” As for who will start, whether it will be Donovan Smith or Behren Morton, McGuire said, “It will really be as the week goes, who has the best week,” He also added, “I think with where we’re at, I think you’re definitely going to see both of them more in this game than what you’ve seen of late.”
Normally, when a team has two (in this case three) starting quarterbacks, the old adage is a team has none. But offensive coordinator Zach Kittley has done a brilliant job all season calling games that appear to fit the skill set of all these quarterbacks. And, based on the play of the team all season, the rest of the offense plays at a similar level regardless of who is taking the snaps (another kudo to the coaching staff).
In a game that projects to be a shootout, when Texas Tech gets down into the Red Zone, they cannot leave any opportunities on the table. The Red Raiders rank only 66th in Red Zone offense, converting 83% of their trips into points. Would the percentage be higher if they opted for more field goals? Yes. But that isn’t who this team is. Texas Tech has converted 56% of its 25 fourth-down attempts this season. Only one other team has gone for it more on fourth down. And if you had Central Michigan, which has attempted 27, then good on you. McGuire and company have made it clear that inside the Red Zone is four down territory, and Texas Tech cannot leave any to waste this week. Especially if the halls of Take Three University finally open up.
Texas Tech Week Eight Prediction
The battle for John Denver is on the line Saturday in Lubbock. It should be an entertaining afternoon on the field between these two teams. This Texas Tech week eight game is the culmination of homecoming weekend for the Red Raiders. All of the homecoming festivities will create plenty of buzz throughout the town leading up to the game. In front of a red-draped crowd, a finally fully-healthy Texas Tech team should give all of the current and former students plenty to cheer about. Expect the Double T scoreboard operator to earn their money’s worth as the Red Raiders out-duel the Mountainers and move to 4-3.
Texas Tech 42, West Virginia 35
