Texas Tech Red Raiders: Big 12 preview
The Red Raiders and HC Matt Wells had a mediocre record of 4-6 (3-6 Big 12), the 3rd-worst record in the Big 12. Wells is entering his third season with Texas Tech with a record of 8-14 (52-48 career overall). Former Red Raiders QB Sonny Cumbie is the new OC after serving as the OC for Big 12 rival TCU.
The offense averaged 429 yards per game in 2020 and QB Henry Columbi is a good, not great, QB. Luckily, QB Tyler Shough transferred from Oregon after leading the Ducks to the Pac 12 title. He should take over for the Red Raiders and make a case for being a top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. There are suitable WRs for Slough and an impactful run game.
The defense needs to step it up and make more big plays, though. The Red Raiders are taking full advantage of the "super senior" extra year of eligibility all players received and are keeping 11 of their 13 top tacklers. Otherwise, this team would be in shambles.
2021-2022 Big 12 Conference preview: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech's strengths: The run game was the main highlight last year, with RB Saodorick Thompson averaging 610 yards and 8 TDs. He's a 6'0''. 210 pound complete RB workhorse for the Red Raiders. Xavier White and Tahj Brooks are great depth and role players. The OL is returning four starters, which should keep the momentum going.
Texas Tech's weakness: DC Keith Patterson's defense lacks an identity. The offense will dictate the outcome of the game, as Texas Tech ends up in shootouts rather than battling in the trenches. They are 1-6 when allowing 170+ rushing yards.
Texas Tech Red Raiders kep players: Offense
QB: Tyler Shough - In Oregon, Shough had a 65% completion rate, 1,703 passing yards, 16 TDs and 6 INTs. He's more of a pocket-passer and a potential Top-5 pick next year. The weapons around him are good and should help him improve his draft stock.
RB: SaRodorick Thompson - Thompson is the lead back for Texas Tech and had 610 rushing yards and 8 TDs in 10 games last year. Back in 2019, he had 765 yards and 12 TDs in 12 games. He could see more yardage in a more balanced offense in 2021 but his workload should be decreased with Shough.
Texas Tech Red Raiders key players: Defense
LB: Riko Jeffers - The OLB is a four-year veteran on the team with 223 total tackles and 6 sacks in his career. He wasn't highly recruited but has become one of the top LBs in the Big 12.
LB: Colin Schooler - Arizona transfer Colin Schooler had 3.5 sacks in 9 games last with the Red Raiders. He had a career-low 5 TFL but could finish 2021 with double-digit TFL again. Texas Tech hopes he can help on the DL and in pass coverage.
2021-2022 Texas Tech Red Raiders Big 12 schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs Houston
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs Stephen F Austin
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs FIU
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, at Texas
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, at West Virginia
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, vs TCU
Week 7: Saturday, October 16, at Kansas
Week 8: Saturday, October 23, vs Kansas State
Week 9: Saturday, October 30, at Oklahoma
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs Iowa State
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Oklahoma State
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, at Baylor
2021-2022 Texas Tech Red Raiders Big 12 predictions (7-5 overall, 4-5 Big 12)
Texas Tech will be benefiting from the super-seniors on their roster and will hopefully make the most out of it. They'll likely only have Tyler Shough for one season before he declares for the draft. In 2021, they will improve greatly with 7 wins and have a Top-5 record in the Big 12. Their Big 12 wins will be over Texas, TCU, Kansas and Baylor.
