Texas Tech football: Statistics suggest Red Raiders have edge over Houston

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Sep 16, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA;TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver JoJo Earle (11) breaks a tackle bu Houston Cougars linebacker Jamal Morris (25) in the first half at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Tech has a much better defense than Houston

When comparing these teams, the numbers show that, at least on paper, Tech has a much better defense than Houston does. In fact, the Cougars have the worst statistical defense in the conference.

No team in the Big 12 is giving up more yards per game than Houston. The 407.2 yards per game they are surrendering is 30 yards more than any other team. Also, Houston’s 13 TDs allowed are the most in the conference.

When it comes to points per game allowed, Houston ranks ahead of only Baylor. The 25 points per game they give up is only one more per game than Tech allows but we have to put that in context.

Thus far, Houston has played no overtime games. Meanwhile, Tech opened the year with a double-OT loss at Wyoming in which the Cowboys put 15 extra points on the board. Take that number off of Tech’s season total, then the Red Raiders are averaging only 20.2 points allowed in regulation.

Also, remember that seven of the points Oregon scored were against the Red Raider offense on the pick-six that essentially ended that game. Houston’s offense has not given up a defensive touchdown, on the other hand. So the reality is that Tech’s defense is giving up only 18.5 points in regulation. That’s essentially a touchdown less per game than Houston is giving up.

Another number that might work in Tech’s favor is the 144.7 yards per game that the Cougars are letting teams run for. While that is actually slightly better than the 146 Tech gives up on the ground, that is still 10th out of 14 teams in the Big 12.

Here, again, context must be applied, though. Houston has faced 11 fewer rushes this year than Tech has. So when we look at the yards allowed per carry, the Cougars’ 4.08 is worse than the Red Raiders’ 3.83. In fact, Houston is giving up the third-most yards per carry in the conference ahead of only UCF and Baylor.

That’s good news for a Red Raider offense that is likely to feature Tahj Brooks and the run game this weekend. With Behren Morton making his first start of the year on only his fifth start as a collegiate, expect the ground game to be what the offense majors in, especially against a suspect defense like Houston’s.

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