Texas Tech football: Extra observations from dominant win over Baylor

6 of 7

Oct 7, 2023; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Monaray Baldwin (80) makes a catch as Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (1) defends during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports /

What a difference Jesiah Pierre and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson make for the Texas Tech defense

There is no denying that linebacker Jesiah Pierre and safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson are the two most important Texas Tech defenders. While Hutchings might be the best overall player on that side of the ball, Tech has players behind him who can step in and help fill his shoes when needed. That’s not the case for Pierre and Taylor-Demerson.

That duo missed last week’s game against Houston (Taylor-Demerson did play but left in the first quarter) and their absence pressed freshman LB Miquel Dingle and freshman safety Chapman Lewis into roles that they aren’t ready to play just yet.

Both returned to action against Baylor and that’s one reason why the defense was so stingy. Each had six tackles on the night and each was a difference-maker.

The only complaint about either might be the bad angle Taylor-Demerson took on the 71-yard Baylor TD pass in the 4th quarter. Still, he almost recovered enough to get a finger on the ball but it sailed just out of his reach to find Baylor WR Monaray Baldwin for an easy TD.

Regardless, Taylor-Demerson was a huge positive influence for his team. What was a bit different to see was how often DC Tim DeRuyter was willing to use Taylor-Demerson as a blitzer, though.

Given that Tech has struggled to generate pressure in traditional ways for most of this year, that could be something we see more of because the senior safety is smart enough and fast enough to blitz from anywhere in the formation. Look to see if he is utilized in that manner more frequently moving forward.

Both Taylor-Demerson and Pierre have a calming effect on this defense. They help get everyone in position and they are trusted to always be in the right place. Their absences were one huge reason why Houston scored 28 points on the Red Raiders in the first half of last Saturday’s game and their return was one huge reason why Tech looked like a different team on that side of the ball against Baylor.

Home/Texas Tech Football