Texas Tech football: 3 things to know about Iowa State

ISU has a pass rush that is to be feared

When you think of a 3-3-5 cloud defense, you don’t typically think about a feared pass rush.  After all, 3-man defensive lines aren’t usually known for getting after the QB.

But so far, ISU is sitting tied for second in the Big 12 in sacks with 11 in three games.  That’s an average of over 3.6 per week and 1.6 more than Tech is averaging.

Almost all of those sacks are coming from a trio of defensive linemen.  Both JaQuan Bailey and Will McDonald IV have 3.5 on the year while 300-pound Latrell Bankston has 1.5.

That’s a key because when ISU gets pressure from their front three, it means they do not have to blitz their linebackers, which means they can keep eight defenders in pass coverage.  Thus, the Red Raiders have to be able to block those three DL with the five offensive linemen that will be on the field.  But though the numbers will be in Tech’s favor, history suggests that it won’t be as easy as it may seem.

In each of the last four years, ISU had had at least two sacks against Tech.  What’s more, in two of those years, the Cyclones were credited with nine quarterback pressures.

Through three games, Tech has allowed just one sack, which is the fewest in the Big 12.  That’s impressive given that the offensive line is breaking in a pair of new starting tackles.

So keep an eye on the line of scrimmage this weekend.  It will pit one of the Big 12’s best pass rushes against an offense that has been surprisingly effective at protecting the QB.  The unit that has the edge might be able to control the game for their team.