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Texas Tech football: Why WVU game is the most important of the season

By Matthew Conner

Sep 2, 2017; Lubbock, TX, USA; A Texas Tech Red Raiders flag outside Jones AT&T Stadium before the game with the Eastern Washington Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2017; Lubbock, TX, USA; A Texas Tech Red Raiders flag outside Jones AT&T Stadium before the game with the Eastern Washington Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 12: Fans occupy socially distant seats during the first half of the college football game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders the Houston Baptist Huskies on September 12, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 12: Fans occupy socially distant seats during the first half of the college football game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders the Houston Baptist Huskies on September 12, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Tech has to start winning Big 12 home games

Because attendance has been limited at home games this year, it might seem as if the weight of games at Jones Stadium has been diminished somewhat.  But for this program to get back to where it wants to be, the Red Raiders are going to have to start winning some Big 12 games at home against teams other than Kansas, regardless of how many fans are in the stands.

Of course, Tech already let a great opportunity to do just that slip right through their hands earlier this year when they blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead against Texas.  That marked the fourth straight Big 12 loss at home against Big 12 teams for the Red Raiders.

But the struggles this program has had at home extend beyond the Wells era.  In fact, going back to 2015, the Red Raiders have won just four Big 12 games on the South Plains.  What’s more, two of those wins came against Kansas, which carries as much weight as beating the Smylie Wilson Middle School B-team.

Regardless of the fact that this game will be played in front of only a 25% capacity crowd, Tech has to get back to winning games at home.  Until that happens, the Red Raiders will continue to dwell in the basement of the conference.

What’s more, they will also continue to lose ground when it comes to the passions and loyalties of the West Texas fan base.  As Texas Tech basketball and baseball have continued to be among the elite programs in their respective sports, football has become third-fiddle to many Red Raiders and that’s become evident by the dwindling attendance figures at Jones Stadium in recent years.

Also, the opportunities for wins of significance at home will start to dwindle quickly after this game.  Assuming that next week’s game against Oklahoma at Jones Stadium isn’t going to go well given the talent disparity between the two programs, the only other potential home win left on the schedule that will carry any weight with the fans is when Baylor comes calling on November 14.

After that, the final home contest is against KU, which might be the worst Power 5 team in the nation this year.  Thus West Virginia’s visit is a golden opportunity that should not be missed.

This week, the number of fans in the stands will be at an all-time low for a homecoming game thanks to COVID-19.  But if there’s any hope of a full house next year, Tech has better start proving that a trip to Jones Stadium is going to once again be an enjoyable experience when we are allowed to pack The Jones once again.

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