Texas Tech football: Receivers, o-line, Donovan Smith stand out against Murray St.
Loci Fouonji and Jerand Bradley pace the wide receivers
For at least one week, the Texas Tech outside receivers put to rest any questions about whether they would be able to help carry the offense this year. Again, it was against a team that probably can’t spell “football” much less play it but still, Loic Fouonji and Jerand Bradley were both fantastic in this victory.
Tech’s two starting outside receivers combined for ten receptions, 218 yards, and four TDs (with each finding the endzone twice). Producing nearly half of Tech’s receiving yards on the night, each member of that duo would surpass the 100-yard mark for the first time in his career.
What was fascinating about Saturday night when it comes to the receivers is the fact that Tech didn’t have to rely heavily on Myles Price (the team’s leading returning receiver in terms of career yards) or any other inside receiver.
Thought to be the strength of the receiving corps, the slot receivers and tight ends were used only seldomly in the passing game. Price led the way with three grabs for 39 yards and no other inside receiver or tight end had multiple receptions on the night.
"“We have young receivers,” McGuire said after the game, “and J.B. [Jerand Bradley] and Loic came up, both had a hundred yards receiving, played great. Doing that with Myles Price not carrying a heavy load was really big.”"
Most entered this game expecting Kittley to rely heavily on his rushing attack to carry the day given that his receivers on the outside are so green. But right away, he put the ball in the air and had Shough and Smith throw it deep all night. In fact, three of Tech’s first four scores came on TD receptions by Fouonji and Bradley with all three covering at least 30 yards.
Perhaps this was the coming out party for both players as each is playing a starter’s role for the first time in his collegiate career. Hopefully, what we saw in game one will be a harbinger of what’s to come this year.