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Texas Tech football: Why this could be year Alan Bowman stays healthy

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 07: Wide receiver T.J. Vasher #9 of Texas Tech celebrates scoring a touchdown with quarterback Alan Bowman #10, and offensive linemen Travis Bruffy #79 Zach Adams #65 during the second half of the college football game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the UTEP Miners on September 07, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 07: Wide receiver T.J. Vasher #9 of Texas Tech celebrates scoring a touchdown with quarterback Alan Bowman #10, and offensive linemen Travis Bruffy #79 Zach Adams #65 during the second half of the college football game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the UTEP Miners on September 07, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Alan Bowman #10 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders interacts with fans. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
Alan Bowman #10 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders interacts with fans. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

Texas Tech will likely play fewer games in 2020

The reality that we are all having to face is that the 2020 Texas Tech football season will likely be abbreviated.  Instead of the scheduled 12 games, it is looking more and more likely that this season will be cut to ten or even nine games.  Should that happen, it would limit the number of opportunities for Bowman to suffer another major injury.

We already know that the PAC 12 and SEC are already set to play just ten games this year.  Likewise, the Big 10 and ACC have both canceled non-conference games.

Thus, the Big 12 is the only Power 5 league still putting on a brave face and trying to work out a full 12-game schedule.  However, many think that is a fantasy rather than a realistic option.

In fact, CBS Sports is reporting that the league’s athletic directors are split on whether to play 12 or 10 games.  They report being told by an anonymous Big 12 official that the 10-game schedule is the most likely outcome.

"“‘I think we’re probably headed down a pathway of nine plus one,’ a Big 12 official told CBS Sports earlier Friday. “Sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions. “The Big 12 will be the last Power Five conference to finalize its number of games. The conference is also considering a nine-game conference-only schedule. “‘It has become a process of elimination,’ that Big 12 official said. “While the Big 12 is reluctant to eliminate playing 12 games, the 10-game model ‘makes the most sense,’ another league source said. “‘Our scientists and medical personnel haven’t told us playing 12 is a bad idea,’ commissioner Bob Bowlsby previously said.”"

It is completely within the realm of possibility that Bowman would have to make it through two fewer games in 2020.  Still, we must remember that he’s never played in more than eight games as a Red Raider.  But regardless, a shortened season only serves to increase the odds that he can avoid another catastrophic injury.

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