Wreck'Em Red
Fansided

Texas Tech football: Plenty of questions remain as conference play arrives

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 16: Dylan Spencer #19 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders shouts after a tackle during the second half of the game against the Tarleton State Texans at Jones AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 16: Dylan Spencer #19 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders shouts after a tackle during the second half of the game against the Tarleton State Texans at Jones AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 16: Malik Dunlap #24 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders intercepts a pass during the first half of the game against the Tarleton State Texans at Jones AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 16: Malik Dunlap #24 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders intercepts a pass during the first half of the game against the Tarleton State Texans at Jones AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Can the Texas Tech defense generate enough turnovers?

Texas Tech generated three turnovers against Tarleton…sort of.  The reality is that both of the INTs that Malik Dunlap came away with were just the result of awful throws by the Texans’ QB.

Meanwhile, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson’s INT came on a wounded duck that floated his way after reserve DE Harvey Dyson managed to hit the passer.  While that was a great play by Dyson, it is hard to envision him seeing much (if any) action in a competitive game given how far down the depth chart he is.

Also, keep in mind that one of the turnovers Tech forced against Wyoming in game one was the direct result of a terrific individual play by linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who is out for at least a few more weeks with a foot injury.  Thus, it is again fair to wonder whether or not the key players currently available to this defense can create enough havoc to force turnovers at a rate that is needed to win in the Big 12.

So far, WVU has a turnover margin of +2 on the season.  What’s more, they have yet to throw a pick this year as all three of their giveaways in 2023 have been lost fumbles.

Keep in mind, though, that the Mountaineers have also attempted the fewest passes of any Big 12 team this year, 70.  Maybe Tech can jump out to a sizeable early lead on Saturday and force them to rely on the passing game to catch up which could lead to an interception or two.

The Red Raiders relied on taking the ball away in 2022.  Their 19 turnovers gained was 5th in the Big 12 and 58th in the NCAA.

This year, their turnover stats have been padded by what they did against this past week’s FCS opponent.  They won’t see another team of that poor caliber again this season.  When taking on high-quality teams, can they manage to take the ball away with enough regularity to win games?  That’s yet to be seen.

Home/Texas Tech Football