Texas Tech football: Where Red Raiders have surprised as a team thus far
Tech ranks No. 9 in the nation in passing defense
As with most aspects of a team this early in the season, how you view Tech’s progress in regards to pass defense depends on whether you are an optimist or a cynic. But regardless, the fact that the Red Raiders are No. 9 in the nation in pass defense has to be a surprise.
Last season, Tech finished second-to-last in the nation in passing yards allowed at over 280 per game. And given that 2018’s starting safety tandem of Jah’Shawn Johnson and Vaughnte Dorsey both graduated, it was fair to wonder whether the 2019 secondary would be any better.
But thus far, one would have to say that the secondary has surpassed expectations. Adrian Frye and Douglas Coleman have moved from corner to safety where they’ve made smooth transitions to their new roles to help replace last year’s productive duo.
Additionally, the secondary has been reinforced by the addition of two grad transfers, Zech McPhearson from Penn State and Ja’Marcus Ingram from Utah State. Their presence has given this roster remarkable depth and versatility in the defensive backfield.
Through three games, the Red Raiders are allowing just 133.7 yards per game through the air. And two of the team’s three forced turnovers have been interceptions by Coleman (both coming against Arizona).
What’s more, this improvement has come despite the fact that the Red Raider pass rush has not been as effective as we were led to believe it would be in DC Keith Patterson’s scheme. Tech has come up with only eight sacks this year, good for only 81st in the country which might lead many to assume that teams are having their way with the Red Raider defense through the air. But thus far, that’s not been the case.
The cynics among the fan base will be quick to point out that Tech has yet to be truly attacked through the air. Their point is valid. The Red Raider defense has faced an average of just 22 passes this year with the 24 that Montana State attempted in week one being the most.
The Bobcats and week two opponent UTEP are run-heavy teams that tried to stay in the game by limiting Tech’s possessions and draining the clock. Meanwhile, Arizona found that as the game wore on, the best way to attack was to keep the ball on the ground and pound a fatigued Tech defensive line.
Still, Arizona looked at Tech’s defense and decided that it would rather attack the front seven than the secondary. That’s a sign of respect to the defensive backs.
Of course, Tech will be in for one of the toughest tests in college football next week when the secondary has to face the Sooners and the No. 9 passing offense in the nation. It’s almost a certainty that after that contest, the Red Raiders will fall out of the top 10 in pass defense but even so, we have to consider the performance of the secondary a pleasant surprise thus far.