Two games in and it sure feels like Shiel Wood was the right sort of hire that the Texas Tech Red Raiders needed to make at defensive coordinator. For YEARS, the defensive side of the ball has been a bit of an afterthought in some ways for the Texas Tech football program (and also a bit of a sore subject for Texas Tech football fans).
Again, we’re only two games into the 2025 season, but things feel a little different on that side of the ball for the Red Raiders this season. Hiring Wood away from the Houston Cougars was the right sort of move and I’m so glad it’s the move that Joey McGuire decided to make for Texas Tech this offseason.
Because defense hasn’t been a sore subject. It hasn’t been an afterthought. We’ve been able to witness some truly fun things from the Red Raiders on that side of the ball this season.
And McGuire sure seems pleased with that.
Joey McGuire praises Texas Tech’s defense after the Red Raiders crushed Kent State in 48-point week 2 win
“I thought the defense pressured the quarterback and played really well, you know,” McGuire said in his postgame press conference.
And he’s absolutely right. The Red Raiders were all over Kent State’s offensive line and in the backfield and caused all sorts of headaches for the Golden Flash’s offense. Like the pick six. That’s a good example.
“What a great play,” McGuire said. “I don’t know exactly who tipped the ball, y’all probably do. And the interception by Skyler Gill-Howard, but the touchdown goes to John Curry.”
Acknowledging everyone involved in that stellar play is a great thing to see. Also, that stellar play was a great thing to see. Texas Tech’s defense is just so dang fun to watch right now.
“Just an absolutely incredible effort because the kid from Kent State’s going to, you know, catch him from behind, maybe punch the ball out,” McGuire said. “John Curry, just an incredible effort to make the block to spring Skyler.”
Kent State only had 10 first downs. The Golden Flashes had a grand total of 64 rushing yards. They had 165 passing yards. Kent State’s offense wasn’t able to do much. And that’s a good thing.