/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61663557/usa_today_11304058.0.jpg)
I know last weekend’s loss was disappointing, especially with freshman QB Alan Bowman going down, but keep your heads up Texas Tech fans.
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The Red Raiders face the Horned Frogs this weekend, which could pose to be a fun matchup. Here’s what the Red Raiders need to utilize to take the W away from TCU.
Jett Duffey:
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13209317/usa_today_11345143.jpg)
With freshman quarterback Alan Bowman out after being injured in the game against West Virginia, we now get to see sophomore dual-threat QB Jett Duffey in full swing. We’ve seen glimpses of greatness from the former Elite 11 QB, but he still hasn't had his shot to show his skill set. Now is his chance.
We know he can run the ball as he’s recorded 182 rushing yards in 21 overall carries. Which, by the way, is third among all Red Raider running backs. Fans also saw his ability to toss the ball with 172 yards against the Mountaineers, despite the two interceptions.
But this will be the first start for Duffey giving him a chance to show Red Raider fans what he’s about.
Wide Receivers:
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13209415/usa_today_11171605.jpg)
Like stated earlier, we haven't seen Duffey put it in the air much. So, for Tech to have success, we need to see these wide receivers have the ball in their hands.
We have some absolute monsters out wide in Antoine Wesley, T.J. Vasher, Ja’Deion High, and freshman Ke’Sean Carter. These four alone have accumulated 1,491 total receiving yards this season and we aren't even close to being done.
Game after game, these guys have showed up. However, that was with Bowman in the pocket. Again, these guys are ready for the ball. We just have to see if the chemistry with Duffey and his receivers is ready for this defensive TCU team.
Linebackers:
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13209493/usa_today_11324798.jpg)
To say we have two of the best linebackers in the Big 12 is an understatement. Both junior’s Dakota Allen and Jordyn Brooks have been straight up blockades when it comes to this Red Raider defense. With Allen cumulating 37 total tackles and Brooks with 30, it’s easy to see why Tech’s defense hasn't let any opponent run away with the game.
However, it’s important that these two stay focused on TCU sophomore quarterback Shawn Robinson in the pocket. The mobile Horned Frog will likely look to run, which means Brooks and Allen need to be ready to take him down.
Lets also not forget senior defensive back Jah’Shawn Johnson’s return to the field and how he can stop the passing game down the field.
Final Thought:
This team has shown guts and that they aren't the Red Raider football team we’ve known in the past. These guys can win. Coach Kingsbury seems to have a handle on this team, but I'm still not convinced shaving the beard was a good idea. If Tech can stick together and work as a team instead of focusing on individual aspects, we should show that a little adversity cant bring us down.