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

Pass defense

Yes, running the ball and playing defense have come back en vogue in the Big 12 over the past few years.  But make no mistake, this is still a passing league.

That’s why it was rather problematic in 2021 that the Red Raiders were the worst team in the conference when it came to pass defense.  Allowing 268.2 yards per game via the pass, Tech was ranked a woeful 119th in the nation.  That has to change in 2022.

Now, there are several factors that go into playing quality pass defense.  And at the top of that list is a consistent pass rush, something that we’ve already discussed.

But also, this team must be better in the secondary.  There, the hope is that experience is going to make a significant difference.  The Red Raiders return all but two members of last season’s secondary with corner Adrian Frye and safety Eric Monroe being the only two departures from last season’s unit.

However, it is fair to question whether or not bringing back the same cast of characters will yield better results.  After all, improvement in sports is not linear from year to year.

If last year’s secondary struggled, relying on the same players this year is a bit concerning.  But that’s what we are going to witness in 2022.  However, the hope is that a full season from safety Marquis Waters and the addition of Wyoming transfer corner Keyon Blankenbaker will help solidify the secondary.

Also, Tech is banking on a scheme change to help in that regard.  However, last season, DeRyuter’s Oregon defense was just 88th nationally against the pass by allowing 241 yards per game.

It is worth keeping in mind that style of play also impacts whether or not a team throws the ball heavily.  For instance, if Tech’s offense this year under Kittley puts up points at a ridiculous rate (as we are all hoping it will) that may mean that the other team feels the need to throw the ball more often to keep up.  In that situation, Tech’s pass defense numbers might suffer leading to a lower ranking.

Still, Tech can’t afford to be the worst team in the Big 12 against the pass this fall.  Even if throwing the ball isn’t as rampant in this conference as it once was.