2009 Texas Tech Red Raiders College Football Predictions

2009 Texas Tech Red Raiders Predictions
2008 Record: (11-2, 7-1)
Coach: Mike Leach, 10th year (76-39)
Off. Coordinator: Mike Leach (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Ruffin McNeill (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 13 (5 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: The Red Raiders are the only team in the Big 12 South without a returning starting quarterback. They not only have to replace Graham Harrell, but also top 10 WR Michael Crabtree. Junior Taylor Potts (6-5, 215) takes over the helm and has a big arm and great size, unlike previous TT quarterbacks. Detron Lewis, who caught 76 passes for 913 yards last year, will have to step in as the number one wide receiver option with Crabtree gone. At running back, junior Barron Batch returns after a strong sophomore campaign (758 yards) and may have to carry more of a load. With three starters from last year’s offensive line gone, expect Texas Tech to have a few bumps in the road in terms of pass protection (13 sacks allowed last year).

Defense: The defense allowed 382.6 yards per game last year and has seven starters returning. The defense was solid last season, but they lose top DE Brandon Williams, the conference’s leader in sacks and outstanding free safety Darcel McBath. Brian Duncan (89 tackles) leads a group of returning linebackers, which should be their strength as all three return. Senior DE McKinner Dixon (8 sacks), who was suspended in the spring, needs to be on the field for the defense to have a chance. The secondary returns just one starter but if the defense can average 2.6 sacks per game as they did last season, they’ll be decent with inexperienced defensive backs.

Outlook: Mike Leach is an excellent coach, but he has his work cut out for him to try and repeat last year’s 11-2 record. They face North Dakota and Rice at home to start the season, but then take on Texas on the road. The schedule is not overwhelming and even if they take a step down, they should be a solid bowl team again and a very dangerous spoiler in the Big 12.

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