Texas Tech Defense Key to Victory in High-Octane Matchup Against Colorado

How, then, do the Red Raiders claim another upset victory?

The answer is simple. Solid defense.

While that might be easier said than done, Texas Tech has proven on more than one occasion this season that they can shut down NFL-caliber talent. Whether it was Arizonas’ Tetairoa McMillan or last week’s NFL prospects Jaylin Noel or Jayden Higgins, Texas Tech still found a way to win. In the game against the Wildcats, Texas Tech gave up several passes to McMillan but ultimately caused him to fumble the football late in the 4th quarter to seal the game. 

Against Iowa State it was more of the same. While both receivers played well, it was the pressure put on Iowa State’s quarterback that ended up making the difference. A timely fumble at the Red Raiders’ 14-yard line and an early pick set the tone for what would become an excellent showing for the Texas Tech Defense.

One of the key pieces in the Red Raiders’ defense is linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. The young man had a stellar showing against Iowa State that garnered him Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. Rodriguez finished the game against the Cyclones with 13 tackles, including two-and-a-half for a loss, a pair of sacks, and a forced fumble. Rodriguez will have to have another big game to give the Red Raiders their best shot at victory.

With all that being said, Tech’s offense can do its defense a huge favor by controlling time of possession. The more time Texas Tech takes off the clock on offense, the more Shadeur Sanders sits on the bench. A big factor in this will be Tahj Brooks. Everyone around the country knows at this point that Tech’s offense goes with the success of Brooks on the ground. In fact, Tahj has an opportunity to make history on Saturday. He is just 121 yards short of becoming the Red Raiders' all-time leading rusher. A solid performance against a team not known for their run-stopping capabilities could spell major success for Texas Tech.

There is another factor in this matchup that Coach McGuire thinks will be instrumental. You, the fans.

“We are playing a really good football team on Saturday, and we need your help,” Coach McGuire said. “I know we are sold out. We need y’all to affect this game on 3rd down and, really, any time they have the offense out there. I think it’s really important how loud Jones AT&T is.”

Coupled with the huge Big 12 matchup, national attention will be on Lubbock. The FOX Big Noon Kickoff pregame show comes to town. Big Noon Kickoff is hosted each week by Rob Stone along with analysts Mark Ingram II, Matt Leinart, Urban Meyer, and Brady Quinn. It airs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Central.

This matchup has all the makings of another college football classic in the Hub City and a crucial step in year three under Coach McGuire’s tenure as Texas Tech’s head coach. Can the Red Raiders get over the hump when the season’s on the line to stand among the top in the Big 12? With Oklahoma and Texas gone to the SEC, many believe that Texas Tech should be one of the top teams left.

The kickoff against Colorado is scheduled for 3 p.m. after the FOX Big Noon Kickoff show's 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. broadcast.