A Game By Game Look At Texas Tech's Season

(Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

A year after perhaps the most successful season in Texas Tech history, the Red Raiders have their work cut out for them if they want any chance to even have a sniff of what they did last year. However the offensive line should be good, which should help newcomer Taylor Potts, the running backs are strong with Baron Batch and Aaron Crawford, and the linebackers are some of the best in the Big XII.

Game One: vs. North Dakota

The Fighting Sioux don't really stand a chance in this one. This is functionally a warm-up scrimmage game so that Potts can get timing down with his receivers and hope not to get hurt. Tech will put up around 50-60 points and they will get on with their lives preparing for Rice the next week.

Prediction: Tech 56—ND 7

Game Two: vs. Rice

Rice lost a lot of talent last year, their four-year starting quarterback Chase Clement, Jarrett Dillard, and James Casey (to the NFL). These are players that don't come along to often, let alone all at the same time for Rice. They will be starting lots of inexperienced players and things should not bode well for the Owls.

Another interesting stat, Rice was 111th in total defense last year, 110th in pass defense, 80th in sacks against, and 83rd in sacks. Look for Tech to rack up the yards without pressure and get pressure on the new Rice quarterback.

Prediction: Tech 52—Rice 10

Game Three: at Texas

This is the game of the year in some people's eyes for Texas Tech (I beg to differ and believe the OU game is, and is actually winnable). Regardless, Texas is angry from last year, they are at home, they have lots of returning starters, in other words, this could get ugly. Good thing for Tech? Texas still has no running game, which is where they usually get gashed.

Tech lost both of its starting defensive ends to the NFL, their best safety (Darcel McBath) also to the NFL, and lack depth. They will get tired and most likely fail to put pressure on McCoy. Another good thing for Tech? Texas ranks 104th in pass defense. They will be able to move the ball. Texas lost its best pass rusher, Orakpo, to the NFL, and Tech returns three of five of its linemen.

This should be entertaining, for a while. Look for Tech to keep it close in the first half but probably lose it big in the second half. If Tech doesn't turn the ball over there is always a chance.

Prediction: UT 55—Tech 35

Game Four: at Houston

The University of Houston is on the rise this year and should look to compete for the C-USA title. Behind a great quarterback that almost no one has heard of, Case Keenum, the Cougars will compete, especially at home. They have a sophomore stud Bryce Beall at running back who racked up over 1,200 yards last season. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if they won. However, Tech just has more talent on both ends of the ball than U of H.

Good news for Tech? U of H was 88th in turnover margin, 91st in pass defense, and 71st in sacks allowed. Tech should be able to get pressure, force turnovers, and score a lot. Tech will have problems getting rush on the Cougars though because of all the losses on the defensive line, but U of H lost some starters on the offensive line so it should be interesting. 

Prediction: Tech 45—Houston 38

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