Texas Tech fans should be excited about the arrival of both of the new coordinators who made their way to Lubbock to help Joey McGuire, but something tells me that the hiring of Shiel Wood will be particularly interesting for many.
When was the last time Texas Tech was able to pair a really impressive offense to a competent and stout defense? It’s been a little while. And there are reasons to fully buy into the notion that Texas Tech should be able to deliver that this season.
Wood is starting fresh. The former defensive coordinator for the Houston Cougars hasn’t been dwelling on what Texas Tech did last year. Instead, he notes that he’s focusing on ensuring his defense is playing to the best of their ability. He sure doesn’t seem fixated on what happened in prior seasons.
Texas Tech defensive coordinator Shiel Wood explains what Red Raider fans should be looking forward to from their defense this season
During a press conference, Wood was asked about what fans could expect in terms of changes from last season to this season.
“That’s hard for me to answer accurately I guess because I haven’t really spent a ton of time on what took place last year, to be honest with you,” Wood explained.
It’s an intriguing approach and it’s one that fascinates me. I can appreciate wanting to just focus on moving forward rather than dwelling in the mess of just how abysmal Texas Tech’s defense has been historically. Because it wasn’t great last year.
“What I do think they’ll see, not in comparison to last year, but what I think they’ll see is 11 guys on the field defensive, they’re going to play really hard,” Texas Tech’s defensive coordinator said. “I hope they’re going to see guys who are going to play with great leverage on the football in the passing game, in the running game.”
I totally get not wanting to focus on what took place last year, but I think any sort of improvement (and any of the things that Wood mentioned) would make Texas Tech football fans pretty happy and optimistic about what this season could be.
“Hopefully those are things that they’ll be proud of and excited to watch,” Wood said.
I truly believe that is the case. 100 percent.