Texas Tech Offensive Grades: Arizona State

Despite their defensive struggles, Texas Tech's offense came to play against Arizona State. They racked up 612 total yards but fell to the Sun Devils 68-55. Let's take a look at how the offense did this week.

Overall Grade: B

When you have 540 yards passing, you definitely have a chance of winning. However, when you have two interceptions and your offensive line gives up a safety, you might find yourself struggling to keep up with another high-powered offense. While Mahomes had another stellar game through the air, Tech failed to establish any kind of running game.

Quarterback Grade: B

Like I said, Mahomes had himself a nice day at the office. He went 38/53 for 540 yards and threw 5 touchdowns. Here's an amazing stat I'm sure all you Red Raider fans will love: in the first two games of the season Mahomes has already thrown for 1,023 yards. Stats like that week in and week out will definitely keep Mahomes on Heisman Watch. However, he did throw two interceptions so unfortunately I had to give him a lower grade.

Running Backs Grade: C

Once again Tech failed to establish the running game. Tech had only 72 rushing yards and again their leading rusher was Mahomes with 44 yards. Justin Stockton stood out as the best back last night with 20 yards on seven carries along with 95 yards on three catches including a 75 yard touchdown reception. He also had a rushing touchdown. Demarcus Felton added a touchdown on his only carry of the game from five yards out. White's only contribution came in the passing game where he had two receptions for 34 yards. While this offense is strictly based on the pass, I have to think at some point this season Kliff will want to establish the running game to take pressure off of Mahomes.

Wide Receivers Grade: B+

I give this group a plus because they made some big plays on Saturday. Dylan Cantrell made a nice grab down near the goal line and stretched out to pick up his second touchdown of the season. Devin Lauderdale made an amazing "robbery" catch inside the five yard line as he took an interception away from an ASU defensive back. Tech's leading receiver was Cameron Batson who had 9 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown. Jonathan Giles added his second touchdown catch of the season and Derrick Willies caught his first touchdown pass as a Red Raider. Mahomes once again did a good job of spreading the ball around as 8 receivers recorded a catch.

Offensive Line Grade: C-

It was a rough day for this new offensive line unit. Mahomes was having to scramble often to try to make a play for the offense. The protection really broke down in the first quarter when they gave up a safety to put ASU up 9-7. Mahomes was also sacked twice and there were some penalties thrown in as well. This line needs to do a better job of protecting Mahomes so he can stand in the pocket and make plays.

Overall the offense did all they could to give the Red Raiders a chance of winning. It might not have been enough, but it was a performance I wouldn't mind them having every week. Next week I hand out grades for the Louisiana Tech game.