LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas Tech Red Raiders return to Lubbock to host North Texas on Saturday, September 14, after an embarrassing loss to Washington State last weekend. In a game where Texas Tech turned the ball over four times and went 1-for-5 on fourth-down attempts, the question is: Where do the Red Raiders go from here?
First, Head Coach Joey McGuire’s aggressive approach on fourth down isn’t inherently problematic. It provides Texas Tech with extra opportunities to sustain drives that would otherwise end in a punt. However, last weekend showed that too much of a good thing can backfire. Washington State repeatedly stopped the Red Raiders, even on short-yardage attempts.
The loss of running back Tahj Brooks in the final moments didn’t help Tech’s floundering ground game, but it was quarterback Behren Morton who was most affected. Morton didn’t have a stellar night—two interceptions in four quarters isn’t good football—but not all of his throws were entirely his fault. Texas Tech lost two starting offensive linemen during the game, and Morton faced constant pressure.
Penalties were another backbreaker for a team that cannot afford mental mistakes or freebies to the opposing defense. Texas Tech committed 10 penalties for 80 yards against Washington State, including multiple false starts, holding calls, and a hands-to-the-face penalty that derailed several drives. It’s hard to score or give the defense a break when penalties send the offense off the field.
“We are our own worst enemy right now,” McGuire said in the postgame press conference. “You don’t even have a chance to win a game when you’re doing the things we’re doing.”
So, what’s the solution for this Red Raiders offense? A shift in mentality and the return of Tahj Brooks. While the screen game was occasionally effective against the Cougars, the lack of a true running game didn’t keep the defense guessing enough for the screens to break open. Combine that with the inability to consistently push the ball downfield, and points became hard to come by. Although there were open receivers against the Cougars, Morton missed some opportunities. But down big in the second half, with a pass rush in his face, it’s hard to blame him entirely for the struggles.
Despite the current gloom, Red Raiders fans can find a few positives just two games into the season. Although offensive coordinator Zach Kittley’s offense wasn’t perfect against Washington State, Morton leads the Big 12 in passing yards and ranks fourth overall in the nation. That means the potential is there; Texas Tech just needs to put it all together. Wide receiver Josh Kelley has also emerged as the team’s top target, hauling in nine catches for 95 yards against Washington State, with more than 250 yards and one touchdown on the season. His 19 catches also lead the nation.
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton
(Credit: texastech.com)
In seasons past, Tech has leaned heavily on Brooks to establish offensive rhythm. If he can get going, the passing game will open up. That’s the strategy the team needs to pursue moving forward, assuming Brooks can play Saturday. His unspecified arm injury came as a surprise, but the extra week of rest may be just what he needs.
Brooks had a stellar performance against Abilene Christian, rushing 27 times for 153 yards and a touchdown. The Red Raiders need that production to take some pressure off Morton. Kittley can also help by drawing up some easy throws early to get Morton into a rhythm.
Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks Scores against Abilene Christian
(Credit: x.com/TexasTechFB)
If Brooks can’t play this weekend, North Texas still offers a good opportunity for Texas Tech to work out some early-season issues. With the defense struggling through two games, the offense needs to take charge—and after last week, something has to change.
Texas Tech hosts North Texas at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
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