Texas Tech Football: Fan reactions after defeating ASU

In Texas Tech Football’s 52-45 victory over ASU on Saturday, fans were quick to react with things they felt were improvements, and things they hope Tech works on. We rounded up some of the best post-game reactions, with some reflective analysis headed into Houston week.

When Texas Tech Football faced ASU in Tempe in 2016, it was not only a long day, but the Red Raiders had to deal with blistering heat, a time-zone adjustment, and an ASU run game it simply hadn’t prepared for in Kalen Ballage.

Last night against ASU, the Red Raiders faced another long day, which included a weather delay that pushed kickoff back an extra hour. Perhaps the new indoor facility showed to be truly advantageous for the first time, as it gave Tech the opportunity to stretch, and get loose before kickoff. But what we saw throughout all four quarters was a durable team, with a lot of heart. For the first time in a long time, Tech played for each other, and took every snap with a level of urgency we haven’t seen in a long time.

While much of Texas Tech Twitter was commenting on how they don’t see where Tech’s defense has improved, the statistical breakdown proves otherwise. In 2016, Texas Tech’s defense allowed 652 total yards of offense. Despite the game being a shootout, ASU controlled the time and tempo by double-digits, and intercepted Patrick Mahomes twice.

On Saturday, Texas Tech’s defense allowed 494 total yards of offense, held ASU to 9-16 third down conversions, and 2-2 on fourth down conversions; and to address the elephant in the room, they contained Ballage, and the ASU rushing attack.

To add to that contrast, Texas Tech only allowed a collective three rushing touchdowns by three different players, and three receiving touchdowns by two players.

While ASU had two receivers go for over 100 yards, Tech had five players account for five receiving touchdowns, proving that Nic Shimonek has the Texas Tech offense performing at the level fans expect.

Texas Tech allowed ASU 168 yards on the ground, so defensive coordinator David Gibbs and the linebackers’ coaches are going to have to dial up the pressure moving forward. The secondary did get soft throughout the third quarter, but rallied to help make critical stops when it mattered.

One of the biggest issues fans had was with the officiating. In the second quarter, Tech had the opportunity end the drive when on 2nd & 9 in ASU territory, Jah’Shawn Johnson got called for pass interference to move the Sun Devils into midfield. On 3rd & 7 in scoring territory, DJ Polite-Bray was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, which gave ASU a big opportunity for the go-ahead touchdown a few plays later.

Certainly six penalties for 67 yards is a red flag, but thankfully Texas Tech cleaned things up in the second-half, and I think it’s safe to assume that players will be disciplined for selfish penalties during the week.

While some of the calls were questionable, what we can agree on is that as Texas Tech Football continues to become more defensive-minded, players must also learn how to contain their emotions, and keep putting each other in the best opportunity to win each play.

Texas Tech Football has a lot of room for improvement through two games, but the biggest takeaway is a nod to the size and speed players have added throughout the offseason. Against Power Five non-conference opponents in the past, there has been a considerable size difference.

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If adding weight and increasing strength contribute to wins, expect this to an eventful, and successful season for Texas Tech Football.