Texas Tech football: Three areas where TCU could be problematic for Red Raiders

Can the Texas Tech O-line handle a TCU team that registers sacks in bunches?

TCU is a middling team in the Big 12 so in most categories, they rank somewhere in the middle of the conference.  However, there is one area in which Sonny Dykes’ team is the best in the Big 12.

With 20 sacks as a team, TCU has arguably the best pass rush in the league.  That total is good for a tie for 43rd nationally.

Also, the Frogs’ 2.5 sacks per game average is elite.  That has them sitting at No. 41 in the NCAA.

This is concerning for a Red Raider offensive line that has struggled to pass protect this season and which has shuffled the deck over the open week. Tech has given up 16 sacks thus far through 8 games.  But remember that the passing game has been less of an emphasis since QB Tyler Shough was lost.

There was a time when the Red Raiders were last in the conference in sacks allowed per game but they now sit at 10th.  Still, this TCU pass rush will be a test.

The Frogs have 11 players on the roster who have registered at least one sack.  Linebacker Namdi Obiazor and defensive lineman Paul Oyewale lead the way with three each while three other players have at least two.

The fact that TCU’s sacks are spread out across their lineup is problematic because it means that Tech can’t just focus on one player to stop.  Rather, this aggressive and high-quality pass rush will come at the Red Raiders from across the formation.  How the offense protects Behren Morton will be key because if he is under duress all night, Tech will struggle to move the ball once again.