Texas Tech football: How Red Raiders can survive until Alan Bowman returns
Be elite on special teams
For years, some programs like Virginia Tech and Kansas State have used their special teams to help turn the tide in critical games. If Tech can follow that example this year, there could be opportunities to pick up wins while Bowman is out.
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Thus far, Tech’s special teams have been solid but not game-changing. The good news is that the kickers have been fantastic.
Punter Austin McNamara is second in the Big 12 in net punting with an average of 46.9 yards per kick. And his fellow freshman Trey Wolff has made both of his field goals and all 13 of his extra-point tries.
But in the return game, Tech has been less impressive. With Adrian Frye as the primary punt returner, Tech is averaging just 5.2 yards per return, good for just No. 90 in the country.
In terms of kick return defense, Wells’ team has been fantastic. Allowing only two yards per punt return, Tech ranks No. 28 in the country. What’s more, because of the fantastic hang-time McNamara is putting on his kicks, opponents have returned only five punts in 2019. On kickoffs, Tech ranks No. 40 in the country by allowing an average of just 17.6 yards per return.
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Many fans may have noticed that starters like Jordyn Brooks and T.J. Vasher are playing on special teams this year as Wells strongly believes in having his best players contribute in that aspect of the game. If that strategy can yield significant returns, Tech could pull out some victories thanks to big plays in the kicking game.