One of the most fascinating things that we’ve been able to watch this season is the development (and persistence) of the Texas Tech Red Raider offense. Despite the injury issues at quarterback and regardless of who has been playing there, this group has (for the most part) been able to just keep clicking and operating at a high level.
Obviously there are some exceptions and the road loss to Arizona State while Texas Tech was without Behren Morton is certainly a great example of that. Another would be the first matchup between Texas Tech and BYU.
While so much of what we’ve talked about is the way the Red Raiders managed to shut down the Cougars’ offense in that game, we also should go ahead and acknowledge that Texas Tech’s offense wasn’t the most impressive ever in that game.
The Red Raiders scored just 29 points and gained a total of 368 yards, but they were able to survive thanks to accurate field goal kicking and just enough of an offensive effort to compliment a phenomenal defense.
So, how have things changed since then?
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich explains how the offense has evolved as the Red Raiders prep for BYU
When asked about that during a press conference, Leftwich noted that the points of emphasis have been about amplifying what the Red Raiders offense already does well.
“I don’t know if evolved maybe is the right word,” Leftwich said. “Just trying to play to our guys’ strengths really more so in the game planning process, just trying to put our guys in as good a situation as they can.”
Which, you know, makes sense.
Now, it probably helps that the Red Raiders have been able to get Morton a bit of rest here and there and he seems to be performing at a high level in recent weeks.
“I think at this point in the season now, especially with the amount of games that Behren’s played with him at quarterback, for him, the comfort level of really knowing who our guys are, what they do well, what our quarterback does well, and trying to highlight those things,” Leftwich said.
Getting Morton more comfortable and familiar with everything sure seems to be working out well for the Red Raiders. Now let’s hope that carries over when Texas Tech faces BYU once more.