1.) Of the games Texas Tech lost in 2014, look at the difference in points at the End of the 3rd Quarter:
|
Point Difference at the End of 3 Quarters |
Opponents |
Turnovers in first 3 Quarters |
|
7 |
West Virginia |
1 |
|
0 |
Oklahoma |
0 |
|
-6 |
Texas |
1 |
|
-7 |
Arkansas |
2 |
|
-7 |
Oklahoma State |
1 |
|
-18 |
Baylor |
4 |
|
-24 |
Kansas State |
3 |
|
-41 |
TCU |
4 |
5 of the 8 losses were within 1 touchdown to start out the 4th Quarter. Now factor in the turnovers. We lost the Baylor game by 2 points. What do you think would have happened if we only turned over the ball twice? Or once? Or not at all? Baylor and Kansas State both lost their 2-year starting quarterbacks. Additionally, Kansas State loses 72% of its receiving and rushing production. All 3 of their top receivers graduated and 2 of their 3 top rushers will not return.
2.) In 2015 Texas Tech returns 80% of its receiving and rushing production. Bradley Marquez is the only major departure. Compare that with 2014, Texas Tech returned only 43% of its receiving and rushing production. Tech lost Jace Amaro (NFL), Eric Ward (graduation), and Kenny Williams (to defense).
3.) 308 Returning Career Starts. Tech ranks 3rd in returning experience. Only West Virginia (321) and Baylor (314) lead Tech. That means only 13 starts separate Tech from the number 1 spot. TCU is 17 starts behind us in 4th place.
4.) 17 Returning Starters. Out of all 128 FBS schools, Texas Tech is tied for 10th in returning starters. In 2014, we were tied for 87th! This year in the Big 12, we are tied for 1st with Baylor. From the 2-deep depth chart, Tech returns 35 of 44 players!
5.) Tech averaged 36.6 points in the last 3 games of the year. In the first 9 games, Tech averaged 28.4. If you take out UTEP and Central Arkansas, that average drops to 26.3. Is it a coincidence that Mahomes' first 3 full games were also the last 3 games of the season? Maybe... Maybe not...
