Wreck'Em Red
Fansided

Texas Tech football: 5 areas where Red Raiders must be better this fall

By Matthew Conner

Sep 18, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; A detailed overview of the north end zone of Jones AT&T Stadium before the game between the Florida International Panthers and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; A detailed overview of the north end zone of Jones AT&T Stadium before the game between the Florida International Panthers and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Texas quarterback Casey Thompson (11) is sacked by Texas Tech defensive lineman Tyree Wilson (19). Texas Tech took on the University of Texas at Austin at Darrell K. Royal stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 25, 2021.Aem Texas Vs Texas Tech 23
Texas quarterback Casey Thompson (11) is sacked by Texas Tech defensive lineman Tyree Wilson (19). Texas Tech took on the University of Texas at Austin at Darrell K. Royal stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 25, 2021.Aem Texas Vs Texas Tech 23 /

Sacks

Being able to get after the passer is always one of the most important facets of the game of football at any level.  Unfortunately, Tech has struggled in that department for most of the last two decades.

Only once since Kliff Kingsbury’s first season (2013) has Tech managed to rank in the top 50 nationally in sacks per game.  That season was 2018 when the Red Raiders averaged 2.4 sacks per contest to rank 47th in the NCAA.

But last year, the Red Raiders were 109th out of 129 teams in the nation and 8th in the Big 12 by getting to the QB just 1.54 times per game.  What’s more, four of the team’s 20 total sacks came in the season opener against Houston.  That meant that for the final 12 games of the year, Tech would average a meager 1.3 sacks per game.

This year, the key could be the improvement of edge rusher Tyree Wilson and the new role for former LB turned edge rusher Jesiah Pierre.  Last year, Wilson led the team with seven sacks and he could be in for a huge season if his production proves to match his physical gifts.  Many expect him to be Tech’s first 10-sack player since Pete Robertson had 13 in 2014.

Meanwhile, Pierre has to come through in his new role.  After being more of a traditional linebacker last year, and a backup at that, he’s now going to get his shot at coming off the edge and rushing the QB as a staring outside LB in Tech’s 3-4 scheme.  Can the former 4-star high school recruit and transfer from Florida make the successful transition?  The answer to that will be one of the keys to this year’s defense.

Also, look to see if defensive tackles Jayon Hutchings and Tony Bradford Jr. can both be a bit more productive in the pass rush department this year.  In 2021, both players had 3.5 sacks for the season and if each can take that number up to five or six, it would do wonders for the defense by giving the team four legitimate pass-rush threats across the defensive line.  But wherever they come from, the sacks must increase this year.  That’s going to be one area where Tech will certainly expect to improve.

Home/Texas Tech Football