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Texas Tech football: Run defense, time of possession, takeaways keys vs. Wyoming

By Matthew Conner

Sep 3, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive nose tackle Vidal Scott Jr. (42) and defensive cornerback Rayshad Williams (0) leave the field in the second half during the game against the Murray State Racers at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive nose tackle Vidal Scott Jr. (42) and defensive cornerback Rayshad Williams (0) leave the field in the second half during the game against the Murray State Racers at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Tyler Shough (12) runs with the ball and scores a touchdown as Mississippi Rebels cornerback Davison Igbinosun (20) defends during the first quarter in the 2022 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Tyler Shough (12) runs with the ball and scores a touchdown as Mississippi Rebels cornerback Davison Igbinosun (20) defends during the first quarter in the 2022 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Time of possession needs to lean the way of Texas Tech

Often, especially in college football where quick-strike offenses often rule the day, time of possession is an overrated stat.  However, when an up-tempo offense like Texas Tech takes on a grind-it-out attack like Wyoming’s, time of possession can be telling.

That’s why Tech needs to have the ball for at least 30 minutes on Saturday.  Remember, Wyoming wants to put the new NCAA clock rules to work for its benefit by limiting the number of possessions Tech will have in the game.

Wyoming’s tactics will be similar to what the ground-heavy Navy offense tried to do to No. 12 Notre Dame last Saturday.  Though the Irish won handily and scored 42 points, they had the ball only eight times due to Navy putting the ball in the air on just seven plays.

That game saw the time of possession turn out to be meaningless as the Midshipmen had the rock for 33:14 to ND’s 26:46.  It didn’t matter because the Navy defense was awful and allowed the Irish to score on six drives.

Wyoming’s defense is much better than Navy’s.  It will be tougher for Tech to impose its will on the Cowboys so keeping the ball will be important.

Hopefully, Tech can jump out to an early lead with some explosive plays and then grind the clock down with a heavy dose of Tahj Brooks and Cam’Ron Valdez to help the Red Raiders own the T.O.P. battle.  What can’t happen is Wyoming getting the running game cranked up and turning this into a low-possession game for Zach Kittley’s offense.

If Tech can make the Wyoming offense spectators, then it will be a great sign.  So keep an eye on the clock this weekend because the team that controls it in this game will likely have an advantage.

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