Texas Tech football: Houston Cougars that could be problems for Tech

Defensive end Nelson Ceaser could exploit the struggles of the Texas Tech O-line

This year, Tech’s offensive tackles have struggled in pass protection.  That’s why Houston edge rusher Nelson Ceaser might be licking his chops on Saturday.

Already with 3.5 sacks on the year, he’s just 0.5 sacks away from matching his career high.  He’s also been credited with 19 tackles, 5.0 of which have gone for loss.

Now, against the only Power 5 team Houston has played thus far, TCU, he didn’t manage to get to the QB.  However, he did rack up six tackles.

The 245-pounder is not necessarily an explosive athlete.  Rather, he wins with effort and with great technique with his hands.  Will he be the next problematic Houston pass rusher?

Remember that last year, Houston had a defensive end dominate the Red Raiders in Lubbock.  Derek Parish managed to get 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss against Texas Tech tackle Caleb Rogers.

This year, Monroe Mills is playing left tackle for Tech but the results haven’t been much better.  Can Ceaser dominate Mills and the Red Raiders the way Parish did a year ago?  Hopefully not.

The former 4-star recruit has 77 tackles at Houston and 11 sacks.  He will draw plenty of attention from the Red Raider offensive line and whether or not he can be neutralized with be crucial.

This game might come down to which team can protect the QB best.  Both Houston and Tech are tied for the most sacks allowed in the conference with 12 each.  What’s more, the Cougars have only one more sack this year (8) than Tech has managed to accumulate.

However, Tech lacks a dominant edge rusher with DT Jaylon Hutchings being the team’s most effective pass rusher this year so the Cougs might have a slight edge in that regard.  Therefore, look to see if Ceaser can get after Morton this Saturday or if the Red Raider O-line can keep him in check.