Texas Tech Offensive Grades: Through the First Three Games

For those Red Raider fans out there like me who missed being able to watch Texas Tech play this weekend, don't worry I've got some things to cover on offense. Based on how this offense has done to start the season, it's definitely one the rest of the Big 12 needs to put on notice. Let's take a look back at how the offense has performed through the first three games.

Overall Grade: A-

It's just fun to watch! If you're a fan of big plays, lots of yardage, and points on offense, this is a team you will love to watch every week! While the ground game has gotten off to a slow start up until the Louisiana Tech game, the air assault led by Patrick Mahomes is catching the nation's attention. Right now Texas Tech is second in the FBS in passing yards, 12th in total yards, and third in total points scored.

Quarterback Grade: A+

Patrick Mahomes has played very well these first three weeks! He has passed for 1,493 yards and thrown 14 touchdowns. The only blemish on his resume this season are the two interceptions he threw in the loss to Arizona State. After the Louisiana Tech game, Mahomes started receiving votes for this year's Heisman Trophy. He might not win it, but to be put in the discussion with players like Lamar Jackson and Christian McCaffrey is a big deal for this team. Right now he only trails former Red Raider Davis Webb as the leader in passing yards and touchdowns in the country (just because he didn't play this week).

Running Backs Grade: C+

So far this group's lack of production is attributed to Tech's "pass first" philosophy as part of the Air Raid offense. However, I believe there is hope for Tech to have a better running game now that Demarcus Felton seems to have emerged as the primary back. It definitely seemed like Kingsbury wanted to establish the running game better in the LA Tech game and they did, as Felton had a 123-yard game and rushed for two scores. Justin Stockton has been used more in the passing game and I think that's where he fits in this offense the best. Quinton White Jr. has not shown much, but it's still early in the season.

Wide Receivers Grade: A

I feel like every receiver on this team has caught at least one pass this season! Devin Lauderdale has come back strong after his suspension at the end of last season and so has Dylan Cantrell after his injury in the summer of 2015. Derrick Willies looks like he fits right in with this group after transferring from Iowa. Some young guys have stepped up as well like Keke Coutee, Cameron Batson, and especially Jonathan Giles. Giles is currently the Red Raiders' leading receiver with 19 catches for 346 yards and five touchdowns. So far this year, it looks like Mahomes has a lot of weapons to rely on in the passing game.

Offensive Line Grade: C+

This group is still trying to find themselves a little bit. I knew going into this season replacing four of five starters on this line would be difficult. Baylen Brown has stepped up as a captain of this offense, but the rest of the o-line need to follow his lead. Tony Morales and Madison Akamnonu have struggled with penalties these first three weeks, but fortunately that hasn't slowed down this offense much. However, it will be important for them to play clean when this team hits the heart of Big 12 Conference play. Mahomes has continued to have to scramble like last year, even though I feel that's just part of his game, but he hasn't been sacked much keeping him healthy, which is excellent. This offensive line still has some things to clean up, but again it's still early in the year.

Check back here next week when I hand out grades after Tech's Thursday night Big 12 Conference opener against the Kansas Jayhawks.