Following a disappointing 2016 season which brought a 5-7 record and an absence of a bowl game, Texas Tech football is looking to rebound. The first and most notable step, being the replacement of Patrick Mahomes II, may not be what determines the Red Raiders' 2017 season.

Senior quarterback Nic Shimonek is expected to take the reigns on the offensive side of the ball, and he will be helped out by one of the best wide receiver corps in the Big 12. Shimonek displayed his skill set against Kansas last season when he threw for 271 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Helping him in 2017 will be sophomore wide receiver Jonathan Giles, who brought in 1158 yards his freshman season, and promising junior college transfer Derrick Willies who sat out last season.

The offense shouldn't fall off much, so the only question is: what about the defense?

The defense can only get better, right? Well, it has already shown hints at a promising season, especially from the cornerback position. Junior college transfer Octavious Morgan, a junior, has earned high praise for his performance in spring drills.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury has shown faith in defensive coordinator David Gibbs citing that he has been successful everywhere he has been, and that he deserves time to build up his defense.

Only time will tell how well this team will be, and if they will reach their full potential - unlike the 2016 squad. However, after losing four games last season by a touchdown or less, finishing the games may be the biggest hurdle of them all for 2017.