Texas Longhorns Week 4 Opponent Preview: Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Texas Longhorns will open up Big 12 Conference play against arch-rival Texas Tech. Joey McGuire, the new head coach of the Red Raiders, will be looking for the first marquee win of his coaching career. The game should certainly provide plenty of fireworks just like last year's 70-35 barn burner win by the Longhorns.
The Red Raiders are experiencing a lot of turnover in their program as they only return two offensive linemen from last year's squad. Texas Tech is also in the midst of a quarterback battle between Tyler Shough and Donavan Smith. Their offense though will likely remain explosive with the return of dual running backs Tahj Brooks and SaRodorick Thompson who combined for 1,068 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.
Texas Tech will have no problem scoring points this year, but their kryptonite of late has been defense. New coach Joey McGuire will try to improve a unit that gave up an average of 30 points and over 400 yards a game in 2021. The key will be improving the secondary which allowed 268 passing yards per game and ranked last in the Big 12.
Texas Tech will be coming into the game battle-tested, as they host Houston and travel to Raleigh to face NC State in non-conference play.
Texas Tech remains a long-shot betting pick to win the conference sitting at +4500 to win the Big 12, via DraftKings
September 24th will mark the 72nd all-time meeting between the schools with the series heavily in favor of the Longhorns by 54-17 margin.
Be sure to stick to LonghornCountry.com as we preview all angles of the matchup with the Red Raiders throughout the week.
2021 Record: 7-6 (3-6 in Big 12)
Head Coach: Joey McGuire
McGuire will be making his coaching debut in 2022 season
Offensive Set: Air Raid
Defensive Set: 3-3-5 and 3-4
Returning Starters on Offense: 5
The Red Raiders run an air raid offense for a reason, averaging 30.3 points per game in 2021.
Projected Starters on Offense:
QB: Tyler Shough
RB: SaRodorick Thompson
WR (X): J.J. Sparkman
WR (Z): Loic Fouonji
WR (H): Myles Price
TE: Baylor Cupp
LT: Caleb Rogers
LG: Weston Wright
OC: Cade Briggs
RG: Landon Peterson
RT: Monroe Mills
Returning Starters on Defense: 5
The Red Raiders ranked 7th in the Big 12, allowing 30.2 points per game in 2021.
Projected Starters on Defense:
Edge: Tyree Wilson
NT: Jaylon Hutchings
DT: Phillip Blidi
LB (SAM): Josiah Pierre
LB (MIKE): Krishon Merriweather
LB (WILL): Dimitri Moore
SPUR: Reggie Pearson JR.
CB: Adrian Frye
S: Dadrion Traylor-Demerson
S: Marquis Waters
CB: Malik Dunlap
You can follow Adam Glick on Twitter @adamglick39
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