Saturday’s game was such a beautiful sight. Texas Tech opened up the season with a huge win over Montana State, 45-10. The Red Raider offense was on a roll, no doubt (see our grades of their performance here). However, that defensive unit looked monstrous out there. Here’s a breakdown of how each position did in the season opener:

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Linebackers: A+

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These guys were nearly perfect in every facet of the defense. They played great coverage and came up with big time sacks in high-stress moments.

Almost every linebacker on Texas Tech’s roster saw playing time on the field Saturday, which is great to see just where everyone's skill set is at. Senior linebacker Jordyn Brooks led the way for the linebackers with 11 total tackles, which was the most of any defender in the season opener against the Bobcats.

But he didn't do it all alone. You may not have heard his name much during that game, but junior linebacker Riko Jeffers also had some moments where he shined with seven tackles and five of those being on his own. After what we saw Saturday, we know our linebackers are going to get the job done time after time.

Defensive backs: A-

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This 2019 Texas Tech team is stacked with a variety of corner backs that can cover their man and deny the pass down field. That's exactly what they did facing off against Montana State’s wide receiver unit.

Senior DB Douglas Coleman had one heck of a game Saturday leading the defensive backs with 6 solo tackles and 8 total tackles. Sophomore Adam Beck, whom many may not know yet, also had a nice start to the season with 5 solo tackles for 7 total tackles.

These guys just did not make it easy for Bobcat quarterback Casey Bauman as they smothered his desired targets. The defensive backs held the passing game to just 162 total passing yards. These guys showed their grit and will definitely fill the gaps left by former Red Raiders Jah’shawn Johnson, Kisean Allen and Vaughnte Dorsey.

Defensive line: A-

Texas Tech d-line is beyond solid this season. Stacked with some of the strongest guys in the state of Texas, it looked almost too easy for these lineman to get around Montana State with ease. They held the Bobcats to just 127 rushing yards on Saturday, which set the tone for the defense throughout the game.

Senior Broderick Washington led the lineman with 1 solo tackle, 3 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss. He forced the three and out several times to get the ball back in Texas Tech’s hands. He wasn't alone in his efforts, however.

The entire line showed determination to come up with the necessary stops to force the fourth down for Montana State. If these guys can keep up that same level of play throughout the season, we are set for some even more impressive showings.

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Defensive player of the week: Jordyn Brooks

Jack Pepper graphic, @jackstroworld

Brooks came up with some big plays and set the tone for Texas Tech early on. It’s no surprise that I picked Brooks as the defensive player of the week. His 11 total tackles led the entire Red Raider defensive unit on Saturday. Saturday’s game made it the ninth time he has put up double digits in tackles for the Texas Tech. I can almost guarantee we will see him have his 10th double digit game sometime this season so, keep an eye out.

Brooks could really do no wrong out there. The Bobcats just didn't have an answer for his hustle and determination to get the ball back in Texas Tech’s hands. Like head coach Matt Wells said after the game, he was all over the place. Montana State could barely move the ball down the field because of Brooks and company, which was a huge contribution to Tech’s first season win. With former linebacker Dakota Allen gone, Brooks made it clear that its his time to take the reigns. He showed that his skill set on the field exemplifies what it means to lead this Red Raider defense to future glory.