Texas Tech football: Donovan Smith highlights players to watch vs. Houston

Is Myles Price ready for a big day?

It just feels as if inside receiver Myles Price is ready for a huge day on Saturday.  That’s because Tech’s leading returning receiver from 2021 wasn’t really part of the offense against Murray State.

Catching only three passes for 39 yards, the dynamic playmaker was noticeably quiet.  Fortunately, outside receivers Loic Fouonji and Jerand Bradley were able to have monster days against the Racers to pace the offense.

Thus, one might expect Houston to try to give extra help to the corners matched up with Tech’s two monster outside targets.  That could leave Price in one-on-one situations over the middle.

Also, if the Red Raider offensive line can’t protect long enough for Smith to find Bradley and Fouonji downfield, the game plan might change to trying to get the ball out quickly and that would be where short passes to Price could be an effective strategy.

Interestingly, Price had no catches last season in the win over Houston.  That can’t be the case again this year.

Sure, Tech has other capable options in the slot such as Xavier White and the three-headed tight end rotation of Henry Teeter, Baylor Cupp, and Mason Tharpe.  Thus, the entire focus of the inside passing game won’t fall on Price’s shoulders.

However, look for Kittley to try to get his best playmaker more involved this week.  In fact, this could be Price’s coming out party in 2022.