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Texas Tech football: Predictions for Red Raiders vs. Ducks

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: Texas Tech fans during game action between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Arkansas Razorbacks on September 13, 2014 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Arkansas defeated Texas Tech 49-28. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: Texas Tech fans during game action between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Arkansas Razorbacks on September 13, 2014 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Arkansas defeated Texas Tech 49-28. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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Nov 5, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) carries the ball as TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Jamoi Hodge (6) pursues on the play during the first half of a game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) carries the ball as TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Jamoi Hodge (6) pursues on the play during the first half of a game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Tech OC Zack Kittley will recommit to the run game

Last week, Zach Kittley simply abandoned the run game until overtime when he relied heavily on the legs of his QB, Tyler Shough.  This week, look for the pass-happy offensive coordinator to be more balanced as he tries to keep the Oregon offense off the field by grinding out yards with Tahj Brooks and the offensive line.

Tech threw the ball 47 times and asked Shough to drop back probably at least 10 more times on plays that resulted in either sacks or scrambles.  Meanwhile, the running backs got only 21 total carries.

When things start to wobble for Kittley’s offense, the wunderkind play-caller often reverts to his comfort zone, which is the passing game.  He has to be more patient and disciplined this week, though.

Tech does not want to get into a shootout with Oregon.  What’s more, running it down Oregon’s throat would set a tone of physicality and domination.

That’s what Kittley and the offense did in the Texas Bowl win over Ole Miss last season.  Rushing for 242 yards and three TDs for the game, Tech ran the ball seven times on its first two possessions to take an early lead.

Look for Tech to try to apply a similar strategy this week to make Oregon get into a rock fight.  If that happens, the Red Raiders could be within striking distance in the fourth quarter and pull out a win.

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