We’re getting deeper and deeper into the offseason and we’re taking a look at more and more offseason content. Like FPI rankings. We’ve got some preseason Football Power Index rankings from the good folks and computers crunching numbers for the self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader In Sports.
ESPN has their FPI rankings available for the world and I have some thoughts on the matter. None of the thoughts are too consequential right now and we’re really in the offseason portion of everything. These rankings don’t really matter yet.
But they are interesting. And that’s why I’ve been thinking about them a bit. Let's go over those thoughts, shall we?
No. 3: I didn’t expect to see Baylor and TCU ranked above Texas Tech here
I don’t have solid justification for this. Mostly because I’m not the sort of math genius that fully understands all of the depths of FPI rankings and projections and everything that goes into that. I’m working on it, but I’m not there yet.
Anyways, I know that the offenses that Baylor and TCU have this season could be a ton of fun to watch and that both the Bears and the Horned Frogs will be scoring plenty of points this season.
But I just didn’t expect to see both of these teams above Texas Tech. Also, you know, Kansas. I didn’t expect that one either. I don’t know what to do with them or what to expect from the Jayhawks this year.
No 2: The Red Raiders being given a 0.7 percent chance of winning out is hilarious and I love that
Look, with as crazy as the Big 12 is and as much parity that this conference has, there is absolutely no way that Texas Tech is going to be unbeaten this season. That just isn’t going to happen. That said, there is TECHNICALLY a chance it could happen. And I have a deep appreciation for that sort of tiny, mathematical, theoretical chance.
It’s not going to happen. I sincerely doubt that the Red Raiders will get through this season unscathed. There’s a fair bit of talent on this roster and I love the additions to the coaching staff, but I doubt one offseason of improvements equals an unbeaten season for TTU.
That said, I wouldn’t be upset at all if that happened. By all means, Joey McGuire, go unbeaten. Prove me wrong. I won’t mind that at all.
No. 1: I really, truly hope Texas Tech wins more than *checks notes* 7.9 games this season
There are so many jokes about the Red Raiders going 7-5 or 8-4, even with the amount of investment that Texas Tech put into overhauling the roster and picking up great coordinators. The Red Raiders have done quite a bit to try to improve this season.
And while I don’t know exactly what the expectations should be for McGuire’s team, I don’t think 7.9 wins is going to make many Texas Tech fans feel warm and fuzzy. I don’t know how much pressure is on the head coach, but I sincerely doubt he won’t be feeling some very real pressure if he fails to get more than 7.9 wins in a season.
Especially in this conference. The Big 12 is so volatile and Texas Tech has a very, very talented roster. Only getting seven or eight wins would be a disappointment. Let’s try to get double digit wins this season, please.