Texas Tech's schedule is extremely kind
In the modern era of the Big 12, scheduling differences are again a factor. This year, the Red Raiders might have the most manageable schedule in the conference.
First of all, this is a year when Tech has five home conference games to just four road games. Given how good McGuire's program has been while playing in Lubbock, that should be a nice advantage.
Next, Tech opens with five of its first seven games at Jones Stadium. That could help the Red Raiders cure put an end to the trend of slow starts to seasons that have been a problem in McGuire's two seasons so far.
Also, the Red Raiders don't play some of the conference's best teams. While Tech does have to tangle with Arizona and Oklahoma State on the road, there is no Utah, Kansas State, or Kansas on Tech's schedule this season.
Even the non-conference portion of the schedule is set up well. Home games with Abilene Christian and North Texas should be wins and the week two road trip to Washington State is much more manageable than what was originally supposed to be a game at Oregon this year.
In the Big 12, life is going to be tough, especially given the parity of the league. However, Tech couldn't have asked for much more of a workable slate of games and that's another reason why there should be optimism about what is in store this fall.