Texas Tech football: Why the Red Raiders can compete for a Big 12 title

The Texas Tech defense is solid

Yes, this year’s Texas Tech defense is flawed.  It hasn’t yet been able to generate a consistent pass rush and the turnovers have been tougher to come by than many expected.

Still, that side of the ball is this team’s best.  So if the old cliche about defense winning championships is true, Tech could make a run in the Big 12.

Sure, the only two FBS teams Tech has faced have topped the 30-point mark.  That’s why the defense might not appear very solid at first glance.

However, keep in mind that Wyoming scored only 20 points in regulation against Tech and Oregon scored only 31 offensive points in Lubbock.  What’s more, Joey McGuire’s failed 4th-down gamble deep in his team’s own territory against the Ducks led directly to three more points.  Thus, in reality, Oregon scored only 28 true points on the Tech defense.

Through three games, Tech has given up just 18 points per game in regulation.  That’s a very respectable showing by DC Tim DeRuyter’s side of the ball.

What’s more, on Monday, McGuire gave us the good news that the defense is getting healthier.  DE Joseph Adedire and safety Tyler Owens, two key players for the Red Raiders, will return to action this week after sitting out the Tarleton game with injuries.

Also, in a few more weeks, starting middle LB, Jacob Rodriguez will return from a sprained foot.  That means that the defense could be back to full strength by the time the pivotal KSU game rolls around.

The unfortunate reality may be that Tech’s offense may not ever be elite this year.  The QB position is a question mark and the offense lacks weapons with explosiveness.  Also, the offensive line is a work in progress at best.

So the defense might have to carry the Red Raiders through the Big 12 schedule.  Thankfully, that’s something that it might be capable of doing.