Well. Texas Tech is off to a 28-0 start over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Which, you know, that’s good. The Red Raiders’ defense has been incredible! But the offense? Well... Not ideal play from that side of the ball.
Texas Tech’s offense has scored just 14 points and the Red Raiders have racked up a whopping 176 yards of offense thus far in this game.
And I’ve got some thoughts on this situation that Texas Tech is in right now.
The offense is inefficient, but the Red Raiders are scoring points to somewhat mask offensive issues
Things got started with a 99-yard kickoff return. Which, you know, is a great way to start any game against any opponent. And then there was a blocked punt that Texas Tech then turned into its second touchdown of the game. And the defense has forced a couple of turnovers, one of which was directly turned into a score via a 69-yard fumble return.
And all of that sort of success has helped to hide, on the surface, the issues this offense is experiencing against an Oklahoma State defense that just isn’t incredible. The Red Raiders are averaging just 4.8 yards per play on offense.
That’s far from being great or dominant.
Shiel Wood should be thrilled by how good Texas Tech’s defense is playing
Shoutout to the Texas Tech defense, which is certainly elevating what the Red Raiders are capable of right now. There’s that aforementioned 69-yard scoop and score from Rodriguez, who has meant so much to this Texas Tech team this year. Then there’s the fact that Oklahoma State’s very bad passing game is still very bad.
So far, the Red Raiders have managed to hold a bad Oklahoma State team to just 84 yards of total offense in this game. The Cowboys have just four first downs. They’re averaging 2.6 yards per play. They’re not good on offense and Texas Tech is holding them well, which is encouraging to see.
Will Hammond isn’t playing fantastic football against a mediocre Oklahoma State defense, and that’s not ideal
Okay, look, Texas Tech is absolutely going to need better quarterback play from someone as talented as Hammond and given the fact that there is so much talent surrounding him. Yes, I get he’s young, but the fact that he’s completed just 9-of-15 passes for 102 yards and one touchdown against a defense this bad is alarming.
There are better defenses up ahead on Texas Tech’s schedule. Like, you know, the BYU Cougars who currently hold the top spot in the Big 12 standings. The Red Raiders will need more from their quarterback moving forward. And Hammond’s play so far hasn’t been inspiring in that regard.