Wreck'Em Red
Fansided

Texas Tech football: What we want to see tonight vs. SFA

By Matthew Conner

Sep 26, 2020; Lubbock, Texas, USA; The statue of Will Rogers is decorated before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Texas Longhorns at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Lubbock, Texas, USA; The statue of Will Rogers is decorated before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Texas Longhorns at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Sep 4, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot Raider Red walks up with the team at NRG Stadium before the game against the Houston Cougars. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot Raider Red walks up with the team at NRG Stadium before the game against the Houston Cougars. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The offensive line needs to take a step forward

Last week against Houston, the offensive line was solid in leading the team to 145 yards on the ground.  But when it came to pass protection, things were not as cohesive.  That needs to change tonight against an undersized FCS opponent.

Houston was able to sack Shough three times while registering four more QB hurries.  That’s not going to cut it.

Now, part of those QB pressures and sacks came as a result of Shough holding the ball too long.  While on a few other occasions, left tackle T.J. Storment allowed some pressure after being banged up a little bit.

But there were other times when Tech simply blew assignments and still other times when players like right guard Josh Burger and right tackle Caleb Rogers were simply manhandled by faster players.

It will be especially important for Rogers to have a solid bounce-back performance.  That’s because there’s a legitimate option behind him in senior Ethan Carde, who started seven games a year ago.

While it is doubtful that Rogers is in danger of losing his job this early in the season, he does need to take steps forward tonight and solidify the right side of the line.  That’s something that Tech needs to see happen before the start of Big 12 play.

As a whole, the Tech o-line should dominate this matchup.  And that should help o-line coach Steve Farmer get his group playing more as one unit.

Remember that this line features what is essentially three new starters at their current positions and it often takes time for a line that’s been reworked to gel.  Tonight, that process will continue, and here’s hoping we see some steps in the right direction on that front.

Home/Texas Tech Football