Texas Tech Red Raiders 2023 College Football Preview
July 19, 2023
2022 Recap
Record – 8-5
ATS – 7-6
That was a successful first season under new HC Joey McGuire as the Red Raiders did some damage and won eight games, and that included regular season triumphs over Houston, Texas, and Oklahoma. They also obliterated Ole Miss and the LANE TRAIN in the Texas Bowl by a score of 42-25. That should give them plenty of momentum heading into 2023. Let’s go!
Texas Tech Red Raiders 2023 Outlook
OFFENSE
The offense did a fine job LY and they averaged 34 PPG (#4 Big 12) and 461 YPG (#2). They did this whilst juggling the QBs due to a variety of injuries. The Red Raiders hope that QB Tyler Shough can stay healthy for a full season as he gives them the best chance of competing near the top of the Big 12. RB Tahj Brooks is one of the most underrated offensive players in the Big 12 (691 rush, 7 TD, 26 receptions LY) and Cam’Ron Valdez is a fine backup. The real PIECE DE RESISTANCE on offense is a loaded WR room that returns almost everyone from LY and don’t sleep on new edition Deandre McCray who did fine work with Austin Peay. WR Jerand Bradley is the most likely specimen to jump up and post yuuuge numbers (744, 14.6, 6 TD). The OL is in great shape with five returning starters and over 140 career starts. They made a fine scoop in getting veteran center Rusty Staats from Western Kentucky. Every Texas Tech team should have a “Rusty”. This is easily one of the best offenses in the Big 12.
DEFENSE
The Red Raiders allowed fewer than 30 PPG (29.2) for the first time since 2009 (!) and looked good at times under new DC Tim DeRuyter, but they’ve still got some work to do (#7 Big 12 scoring defense LY). Six starters return but they’ll be without a few key contributors from LY including All-Galaxy DE Tyree Wilson who was taken in the first round of the NFL draft (Las Vegas). They’ve got a pair of excellent DTs (Hutchings, Bradford) and just need to get some PENETRATION from the outside to make this a really good DL. The LB corps looks a bit weak but they’ve got three starters returning on the back end including 2nd Team Big 12 CB Malik Dunlap (12 PBU) and they added a pair of talented doods from the Mountain West. This defense looks similar to last year’s squad but hopefully they can find a way to get to the QB like they did in 2022 (30 sacks, most since 2009 (!).
SPECIAL TEAMS
It’s good to have their talented punter Austin McNamara back for one more season (44.3) but they’ll miss PK Trey Wolff who was superb LY (21-25 FG, 2-2 from 50+). Xavier White and Jordan Brown did a good job on KR in 2022.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – How about a week two home game with Oregon? That should be a lot of fun. They miss Oklahoma in Big 12 play but have to face Texas (A), Kansas St (H), and TCU (H). it’s good to know that they go the entire year without having to deal with back-to-back road games.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – UCF (Nov 18)
This could be a tricky spot depending on how the season is going and they’ve got the yuuuge game with Texas on deck.
Season Win Total
Market consensus July 19
Over 7.5 -105
Under 7.5 -125
MEGALOCKS says:
No leanage.
We’ll search for a flat ‘7’ and would gladly take a small taste at that number, even with high juice attached. The current price (7.5) seems about right as they’d have to go 6-3 in Big 12 play to hit the ‘over’. Of course, that math assumes they beat Wyoming and lose to Oregon (2-1 non-conference after drilling Tarleton St).
MEGAmazing Tidbits
The great PHIL STEELE reminds us that Texas Tech has 15 (!) super seniors. That makes them a very experienced bunch when you consider they also have 17 returning starters and a veteran punter.
In 1951, a V-shaped formation of lights was seen over the city of Lubbock, Texas. The “Lubbock Lights” series of sightings is regarded as one of the first great “UFO” cases. Fast forward to present day, the US government is currently using “UFO” stories to distract the public from the fact that billions of tax dollars are being sent to foreign billionaires and given to illegal invaders at the southern border, all whilst you’re trying to survive using your 7th credit card and by foraging for plump rodents.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
The Red Raiders have the look of a dangerous team. The offense is loaded and we just hope that QB Tyler Shough can avoid serious injury. The defense looks average but they have the potential to surprise to the upside under ace DC Tim DeRuyter. The schedule doesn’t look too daunting and we won’t be surprised if Texas Tech is still in the mix for a Big 12 title game spot heading into November. Games with TCU (H) and Texas (A) just might decide their fate. #WreckEm !