As the Texas Tech Red Raiders get set to face off against the Kansas Jayhawks in one of the most intriguing Big 12 games on the schedule this weekend, the head coach of the Texas Tech football team wants Red Raider fans to focus on creating an intense atmosphere instead of throwing tortillas.
Now, it’s not that Joey McGuire thinks that the longtime tradition isn’t important, but rather he wants to see and have everyone experience the most intimidating homefield advantage that is possible in Lubbock. And he fully believes that Texas Tech fans can deliver that.
Earlier this week, during a press conference, McGuire made it clear what he wants to see from one of the most passionate fan base in the country.
“Red Raider nation, I really need you guys to understand that it’s not about throwing tortillas,” McGuire explained. “Let’s get it out of the way right off the bat, then let’s focus on when that defense, which is the best defense in the country, takes the field, stand up, get loud.”
Joey McGuire challenges Texas Tech fans to cultivate an intimidating homefield advantage as the Red Raiders host the Kansas Jayhawks
As Texas Tech’s head coach explained, so much of this has to do with what he saw and experienced when the Red Raiders went to Salt Lake City and beat the Utah Utes.
“I go back to the Utah game, I’ve never experienced a louder crowd when the defense takes the field,” McGuire said.
But, while the Utes have a pretty rowdy home crowd, that doesn’t mean McGuire is sold on that fan base being better than what resides out in West Texas.
“And I know we have a better fan base, I know that we have a more passionate fan base,” McGuire continued. “I know everybody in this room knows we have a more passionate fan base. I think Utah found out how passionate our fan base was, I know Houston for sure found out how passionate our fan base is.”
Now, with Kansas coming to town and the Red Raiders back in Lubbock for Homecoming, this is the perfect sort of opportunity for Texas Tech football fans to prove just that.
The Red Raiders are rolling into this game as the No. 9 team in the country and facing a Kansas team that is 4-2 right now. The Jayhawks are certainly looking to make a statement and get an upset win that would drastically improve the outcome of their season. Texas Tech has a chance to make it clear that they are indeed by far one of the best teams in the country. And a rowdy home crowd would help make that happen.