Big 12 Football - 2021 Texas Tech Red Raiders Preview
Our Texas Tech Red Raiders preview 2021 observes that this team comes to the 2021 season with talent at quarterback, a solid O-line, and strong linebacking unit. Last season, the Red Raiders were 4-6 overall and 3-6 in the Big 12. They finished eighth in the conference. Texas Tech averaged 29.1 PPG (6th Big 12, 57th Nationally) while they allowed opponents a hefty 36.7 PPG (9th Big 12, 108th Nationally). The result was a PF/PA of -7.6 PPG. If this team is going to succeed in 2021, they will need to show improvement on both sides of the ball.
Texas Tech Offense
One question that must be resolved is who will be calling signals for the Red Raiders? The competition for QB includes two transfers, senior Henry Colombi from Utah and sophomore Tyler Shough from Oregon. Top recruit Behren Morton and freshman Donovan Smith will also contend. The receiving unit includes the top two pass catchers from last season, Erik Ezukanma (46 REC, 748 YDs, 16.3 YPC, 6 TDs) and Myles Price (28 REC, 300 Yds, 10.7 YPC, 1 TD).
The O-line sees five starters return, which should help the ground game. Texas Tech’s top three running backs return. Last season, SaRodorick Thompson rushed for 653 yards and eight TDs on 109 carries, averaging 5.6 YPA. He also recorded 21 catches for 124 yards, averaging 5.9 YPC.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Preview 2021 - Defense
The D-line is manned by three juniors all of whom started last season. DT Tony Bradford, who last season posted 28 tackles, five TFL, five QBH, and one sack, leads the group. Senior ILBs Krishon Merriweather and Colin Schooler, who in 2020 were number one and two in tackles with 75 and 63, offer top-notch defensive chops. Last year, Merriweather recorded two sacks, 4.5 TFL, and one QBH and Schooler posted 3.5 sacks, 1.5 TFL, and two PBU. Senior Brandon Bouyer-Randle will also start after recording 33 tackles, one sack, and four PBU.
Senior safety Eric Monroe, who came to Texas Tech last season from LSU, is the only starter from last season returning to the secondary. In 2020, Monroe had 60 tackles, five TFL, and two PBU. He’s joined by senior Duke transfer Marquis Waters. The corners will be manned by DeMarcus Fields, who last season posted 31 tackles and 11 PBU, and Adrian Frye. Both are seniors.
Specialists
Punter Austin McNamra is one of the best in the country. In 2020, he placed 11 of 41 punts within the 20 yard-line and averaged 46.3 YPP, which was the second-best average in the nation. Our Texas Tech Red Raiders preview 2021 observes that two placekickers are vying for the starting spot, Jonathan Garlbay and Trey Wolf. Garlbay has the inside track due to his accuracy and strength. Frye will likely bring back kicks while Chuck Nwabuko III handles punts.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Preview 2021 - Projection
Of all the Big 12 teams, the Red Raiders have one of the kinder schedules. Their first three games, all at home, are against Houston, Stephen F. Austin, and FIU. On September 25, they are away against the Texas Longhorns. That will be their first major test. If they start the season 3-0 and can give the Longhorns a game, our Texas Tech Red Raiders preview 2021 finds that this could be a solid season for this team.
Big 12 Football - Texas Tech Red Raiders 2021 - Predictions:
Eighth Place - Big 12
No Bowl Berth