Joey McGuire and his Red Raiders welcome a MAC opponent to Lubbock this week. While most will think this should be another easy win, the head coach is on guard against any potential letdown. In his weekly press conference, he was asked if the Northern Illinois-Notre Dame 2024 game was in his head. He responded with, “Shoot, I’d say Abilene Christian and Texas Tech is always in my head.” So, what should be the game plan to ensure a Texas Tech week two victory against Kent State?
Protect QB1
Last week against Arkansas Pine Bluff, quarterback Behren Morton left the game after the first quarter with a leg injury. He would later return to the sidelines in street clothes, but brace and crutches free. McGuire had this to say about his QB1, “He’s really sore, but the X-rays and MRIs have come back negative. It’s more muscle soreness. It’s not his shin [that’s] sore. It’s all the muscles around it.” McGuire would also add that if Morton “feels great and is ready to go, then we plan on playing him.”
The fourth-year head coach would go on to talk about the importance of keeping Morton in rhythm with Utah on the horizon in the Big 12 opener. The tackle that took down Morton was not a big hit. His leg just buckled in an awkward position. Nonetheless, Morton’s health will be closely monitored by the staff as they balance being healthy and not being rusty by the time Big 12 play begins. But as for the Texas Tech week two game plan from offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich, look for him to find balance again. The Red Raiders had 314 passing yards and 296 yards rushing against the Golden Lions.
All Gas, No Breaks On Defense
Defensive coordinator Shiel Wood should turn the front four of this defense loose again. His defense had three sacks and six TFLs last week. They limited UAPB to just 175 total yards of offense in the game. Most of the time UAPB dropped back to pass, there was at least one defender in the backfield, forcing the quarterback into a rushed throw. This week against Kent State, Romello Height, David Bailey, Lee Hunter, and Skyler Gill-Howard will dictate how dominant this defense performs again. The hope would be to continue to get game reps for the second and third string. This Red Raider defense had 27 different players record a tackle in their week one win.
Keep Singing The Week One Hit
McGuire said of his team in week one, “We did play a really clean game for the first game.” The one thing the team could clean up is the penalties. Even in a dominating effort, Texas Tech was called for seven penalties for sixty yards. Outside of the penalties, McGuire’s assessment of both his offense and defense was accurate. Kent State just won its first football game in its last 21. The talent on this Red Raider roster is vastly superior to their MAC opponent.
The Texas Tech week two game plan should look familiar. Much like a good cover band that can nail “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Wagon Wheel”, they just keep playing the hits. This is not the week to debut their cover of “Rush”. In the case of this Red Raider football team, they need to let their elite talent take over early. Keep the complex blitz packages and trick plays tucked away for another day.
Texas Tech Week Two Prediction
Sorry for the lack of drama, but a Texas Tech week two game against an overmatched Kent State team will look much like last week against Arkansas Pine Bluff. The defense will be swarming against the Golden Flashes. Regardless of who plays quarterback, the offensive line will dominate in a manner that enables the offense to march down the field for numerous points. It will be another anti-climactic tune-up before they welcome Oregon State in week three.
Texas Tech 59, Kent State 3
Main Image: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
