Texas Tech football: What we still need to find out after non-conference play

Can this defense generate turnovers consistently?

We’ve spent quite a bit of time talking about how the Red Raider offense is giving the ball away too generously. But the other side of Tech’s turnover problem is that the defense isn’t taking the ball away with much regularity.  In fact, we still don’t know if defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter’s unit can generate turnovers on a consistent basis.

Coming to Tech from Oregon, DeRuyter had the reputation for being a coach whose defenses took the ball away.  Last season, for instance, Oregon was fifth in the FBS with 17 interceptions and 26th nationally with 22 total takeaways.

That hasn’t translated to his current team though.  In fact, Tech is one of the worst teams in the nation at generating turnovers.

With only three takeaways, Tech sits at No. 95 in the nation in that important category.  That’s disconcerting given that this week’s opponent, Texas, has turned the ball over just once on the season so far.

What’s more, this program isn’t playing complimentary football when it does generate a takeaway.  So far, Tech is yet to score on any possession following a takeaway.

So the question must be asked; Who is going to be the guy that makes the plays to get the ball back for the Red Raiders?  Thus far, we simply don’t know.