This week, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are playing a game that they should theoretically win and win with ease. We’re talking about an opponent that has a drastically different talent level than what we’ve seen Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders accumulate on their roster in Lubbock. And yet, for McGuire and the Red Raiders, this game still matters and it’s important.
And the most important thing that the Red Raiders can do? It seems like that might just be focusing on the team that they’re “supposed to be.”
On Monday, McGuire had a press conference in which he spoke about the Red Raiders and his thoughts on the upcoming matchup against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. And after discussing a few tactical things and things that need to be accounted for in terms of scouting, McGuire also explained one thing Texas Tech absolutely has to stay focused on.
Joey McGuire discusses his thoughts on Texas Tech’s upcoming game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
“You’re going to hear this every week this year, and behind closed doors we say it all the time, but I’m going to say it to y’all,” McGuire explained. “It’s not about who we’re playing, it’s about us.”
I can get on board with that sort of mentality and focus. There’s a lot of things that you can prepare for with any given opponent and a lot of specific things that need to be addressed. But there is a common denominator across the entire schedule and it’s Texas Tech.
“It’s literally, are we going to be the team that we’re supposed to be,” McGuire said. “How close can we mesh? How much chemistry do we have?”
Worthwhile questions to ask. And at this stage in the game, I hope Texas Tech’s head coach has those things figured out.
Oh, hey, look at this.
“I feel great about where we are with that,” McGuire stated.
That’s great. That’s great to see.
“It’s going to be more about us and us taking care of the football,” McGuire said.
I appreciate that focus. Don’t overlook the opponent if they’re outmatched, don’t obsess in an anxious way over the opponent if you might be outmatched. Focus on what you can control. I can get on board with this sort of philosophy in football and in life.