Texas Tech football: What Red Raiders must do to beat Houston

2 of 3

LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 26: Linebacker Colin Schooler #17 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after sacking quarterback Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half of the college football game on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Make Houston QB Clayton Tune uncomfortable

One of the biggest talking points for the Cougars this year is the fact that they have revamped what was a woeful offensive line in 2020. But the Red Raiders have to win the battle along the line of scrimmage when Houston has the ball because if they can get pressure on Houston QB Clayton Tune, he will make a mistake or two.

Like just about any QB, Tune is rather ineffective when there is pressure in his face. In fact, when he’s under duress, he often makes game-changing throws to the other team.

He’s thrown a total of 21 career interceptions in 20 career games. And in games in which he’s been picked off, Houston has gone just 3-9 over the past three years.

Also, Tune tends to throw INTs in bunches. His career-high was four in a loss to Navy in 2019 and he also put up a 3-INT game against Cincinnati in a loss earlier that season. In all, he’s been picked off multiple times in five career games.

But if Tech can’t put pressure on him, he could pick the secondary apart. He’s got five 300-plus yard passing days to his credit thus far in his career and he’s got some explosive receivers to work with, including former Red Raider KeSean Carter.

Last year, Tech was not great at getting to the passer. With only 2.00 sacks per game, Tech was just 7th in the Big 12 and 77th nationally. But today, they have an opportunity to get after a revamped offensive line and create havoc around Tune. If that happens, Tech will come out on top tonight.

Home/Texas Tech Football