Texas Tech football: Statistical goals vs. Kansas State

Fewer than 90 rushing yards allowed

Texas Tech was terrible against the rush in the season’s first true test.  Allowing 214 yards and an average of 4.5 yards per carry to the Longhorns, Tech was unable to make the UT offense one-dimensional.

Figuring out a way to do that this weekend to Kansas State may not prove to be as difficult but it will be important.  That’s because the Red Raiders would be wise to make this game all about the QBs given that Alan Bowman and his receivers are far more dangerous than Skyler Thompson and his.

Thus, Tech’s goal should be to keep the Wildcat rushing attack below 90 yards.  While that would actually be almost 12 yards more than KSU is averaging thus far, it would still constitute a fantastic effort by Keith Patterson’s defense and it would force Thompson to win the game with his arm.

KSU’s leading rusher is the pint-sized Deuce Vaugh, who has just 92 yards total this year.  What’s more, the most KSU has run for in a game this season is 91 yards.

Still, one has to think that the Wildcats will try to test Tech’s ground defense.  And expect some of that to come from Thompson, who ran for 405 yards a season ago.

UT’s QB, Sam Ehlinger had success with his legs against Tech last week rushing for 69 yards and a TD on 16 carries.  This week, the Red Raiders can’t let Thompson have that type of success nor can they let the Cats get their rushing attack untracked.