Texas Tech football: Players to watch against UTEP

“Raiders” Tyrique Matthews and Xavier Benson

We spent a considerable chunk of time this offseason speculating what this year’s defense would look like with two hybrid positions, the “Raider” and “Spur” on the field.  After one week, the returns are overwhelmingly positive but in week two, we need to see more productivity from the “Raider” spot.

This is a position that is currently being manned by redshirt freshman Xavier Benson and true freshman Tyrique Matthews, who made the start against Montana State.  And in week one, their collective inexperience showed as they combined for just four tackles (two apiece).

Obviously, there will be a learning curve for both of these young players as they figure out Patterson’s system while playing their first college snaps.  But tonight, one of them needs to be a noticeable difference-maker.

This is a cornerstone position in Patterson’s defense.  So much of what he wants to do revolves around the “Raider” (a combo defensive end and outside LB) being a disruptive force and we need to see that come to fruition against UTEP.

If Tech does not have the type of pass rush or production from Matthews and Benson that it needs, we enter the Arizona game and Big 12 play with some serious questions about whether this defense will be able to apply consistent pressure on the QB.

Last week, Tech’s best pass rusher was Jordyn Brooks, who had a number of QB pressures from his middle linebacker spot.  While he will be more of a pass rusher this year, he can’t be Tech’s primary pressure player because he has too many other duties to attend to.  Constantly sending him on the blitz will leave the middle of the field vulnerable and take Tech’s best defender out of his natural position.

So pay attention to the pair of freshmen “Raiders” tonight.  If at least one can show signs of being a disruptive force against the Miners, it will be a reassuring sign for the defense as we move forward.