If there was ever a chance for the Red Raiders to emerge onto the national scene, this is it. The Graham Harrell to Michael Crabtree connection will anchor one of the most prolific offenses in all of college football this season.
The gunslinger and Heisman Trophy candidate Harrell has already passed for over ten thousand yards in his career, and he still has one more year to go. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree became the first freshman ever to win the Biletnikoff Award last year, and will also be on the Heisman short list in 2008. The Red Raiders have spent many years as the runts of the Big 12 South, but their Fun and “Guns Up” offense will be looking to stake their claim this season.
Defense has long been a handicap for Texas Tech, but Mike Leach calmed the critics by firing his defensive coordinator less than half way through last season. Under new coordinator Ruffin McNeil, the Red Raider defense led the Big 12 through their final eight games.
Prediction: There will likely be few offensive units in the nation that will be more productive or fun to watch this year than Texas Tech. But consistency will be the key when the Red Raiders suit up against the traditional Big 12 powers like Texas and Oklahoma. If Ruffin McNeil’s new defense can keep up with Mike Leach’s high flying offense, it could mean a trip to the Big 12 championship, and possibly a BCS bid for Tech.
15. Virginia Tech 11-3 568
Beamer ball is back in Blacksburg, and this time it will be without the cloud of tragedy hanging over the Hokies. Despite an emotional punch in the gut in the off season, Virginia Tech found themselves awfully close to the national championship discussion last year.
Unfortunately, the Hokies have lost most of their offensive producers to graduation or otherwise. Senior quarterback Sean Glennon will be back under center to provide some leadership and experience to the squad, but he will have to rely on an almost all new supporting cast to move the ball.
The news isn’t much better on the defensive side of the ball. The Hokies return few starters and are experimenting with a couple of position changes. Virginia Tech may find themselves relying on their special teams to get them out of a few jams.
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