Texas Tech football: What we want to see from Red Raiders vs. Tarleton
Texas Tech needs to figure out how to generate turnovers again
DeRuyter wants his defense to generate three takeaways each week. That’s why “Take 3” is the mantra for that side of the ball.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened yet this year. In fact, the Red Raiders haven’t even taken the ball away three total times so far.
After failing to manage even one takeaway against Oregon, the defense must be examining what isn’t working in that department. There may be plenty of factors.
The lack of a pass rush is likely tops among them. We saw what Oregon’s pass rush was able to force Shough into last week but Tech has yet to have a game where its defense has had a similar impact.
Of course, credit has to go to the Ducks as well. They played a solid game and didn’t even come close to putting the ball in harm’s way.
Tarleton shouldn’t be that type of team tonight. The Texans turned the ball over three times in their opener against McNeese while fumbling once more, and then, they had two turnovers (one INT and one fumble lost) last week against North Alabama.
Tech has to become a ball-hawking defense again starting tonight. Perhaps senior safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson will find a way to make a big play as he’s done so often in his career.
With six picks and three fumble recoveries to his name as a Red Raider, the man they call “Rabbit” is a playmaker and he could be the one who provides the spark for the Red Raiders when it comes to generating takeaways. Keep an eye on this aspect of the game tonight because this is where the Red Raiders have to improve ahead of conference play.
Prediction:
This is a game that Tech should come into angry. That would negate any element of surprise and take away the “trap game” worries.
When you are 0-2, no game should be taken for granted and the Red Raiders will put forth a winning effort tonight. Though nothing this team does against Tarleton will earn the Red Raiders any respect, this is a night where some confidence is regained and some mistakes are ironed out ahead of next week’s conference opener.