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Texas Tech football: What we want to see from Red Raiders vs. Tarleton

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 22: Defensive lineman Joseph Adedire #43 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs across the field before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 22: Defensive lineman Joseph Adedire #43 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs across the field before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Sep 2, 2023; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Drae McCray (10) runs against the Wyoming Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2023; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Drae McCray (10) runs against the Wyoming Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Tech needs someone other than Myles Price or Jerand Bradley to show up in the passing game

Thus far, 43% of the receiving yards Tech has amassed have gone to either Myles Price or Jerand Bradley.  That needs to change tonight.

With 171 yards on the year, Bradley is the only player on the roster over 100 yards receiving.  Price is close with 96.  No other Red Raider has over 73 yards through the air.

The outside receivers that man the “X” position, opposite of Bradley, have been complete nonfactors.  Jordan Brown and Loic Fouonji have just three receptions for 71 yards between them and neither caught a pass against Oregon last week.  Will that change tonight?

Also, let’s see if Drey McCray can finally shake loose against Tarleton.  The inside receiver has six catches for 71 yards thus far but he’s not been able to showcase his speed.  Not getting enough separation to get behind the secondary and not finding himself with the ball in space very often, his run-after-the-catch ability has been negated through two games.

McCray was brought in to bring an extra element of explosiveness to an offense that was sorely lacking that aspect a season ago.  Offensive coordinator, Zach Kittley, must find a way to put the diminutive speedster in positions to make a greater impact than he has thus far.

Maybe, now that he’s healthy and back to game action, Nehemiah Martinez can be another weapon for Tech in the slot.  Last week, he saw his first action of the season and made a ridiculous 31-yard grab on Tech’s final drive of the game.

Last year, he had 32 catches for 394 yards and a pair of TDs.  Look to see if he is able to make an impact in this game after an off-season injury to his orbital bone caused him to miss the Wyoming game.

Whomever it may be, Tech needs a third (and preferably 4th) wide receiver to step forward and prove to be a reliable option for QB Tyler Shough.  Tech’s offense hasn’t hit its stride yet and that is due, in large part, to the struggles of the receivers other than Price or Bradley.  Look to see if that can begin to change tonight.

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