Texas Tech football: 3 matchups to watch Saturday vs. UT
Ehlinger vs. Texas Tech linebackers
We are all concerned with what Texas QB Sam Ehlinger might be able to do against the Red Raider secondary. But while we are ready to concede that matchup to the Horns, it will be imperative that the Red Raider linebackers do not let the dual-threat passer get the best of them too.
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Though Ehlinger is the second-leading career passer in UT history, it is his legs that often provide game-breaking plays. A rugged runner who doesn’t necessarily have top-end speed, the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder is tough to bring down one-on-one and he often looks to deliver hits to defenders in the open field.
It is with his legs that Ehlinger has kept so many drives alive over the course of his career. And this year, new OC Mike Yurcich is relying heavily on run-pass-options as a staple of his offense.
For his career, Ehlinger has rushed for 1,538 yards and 25 TDs. And it is because of that ability that he’s been one of the Big 12’s best red-zone weapons.
But on the other hand, the Red Raiders believe that the strength of their defense is their linebackers. That was what we saw in week one even without Arizona Colis Schooler, who we hope will return this weekend.
Look for middle LB Krison Merriweather and Ehlinger to have plenty of chances to exchange pleasantries on Saturday. In fact, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Merriweather shadow the UT QB in order to try to make him a one-dimensional player.
Last season, Ehlinger ran for just 35 yards on three carries against Tech. But in 2017, he had 83 yards and a TD on the ground when these two programs met showing just how dangerous that aspect of his game can be.
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It seems almost a given that he will have a big day through the air given the struggles of the Red Raider secondary. But if Tech can keep him in the pocket and not let him extend drives by using his legs as a weapon, it will give the defense a fighting shot at slowing down the UT attack.