Big Twelve Preview: Lack of defense spells problems for Texas Tech; Mahomes II is a great one

Big Twelve Preview:  Texas Tech University

Head Coach:  Kliff Kingsbury, Fourth Year (19-19)

The Red Raiders will continue to score on their opponents, but how many scores a porous defense gives up will determine the success of Coach Kliff  Kingsbury’s fourth season in Lubbock.  This is a make or break year for the former Red Raider quarterback turned Head Coach, and if a week five contest at Manhattan against Kansas State comes up a victory, the men on the South Plains will have a fighting chance to have a winning season.

Offense:  Quarterback Patrick Mahomes II (6’3 230) is an experienced and talented man that provides Tech will a leader as good as any in the Big Twelve, if not the country. He is damn good.  With over 4600 passing yards and 36 touchdown passes, Mahomes II could even do better in his junior campaign. Justin Stockton (5’10 200) will be the feature back and a good veteran group of receivers provide Mahomes II nice targets.  The offensive line will need to protect and pass block at an efficient level for the Red Raiders to click on all cylinders which should happen in games against team with less than stellar defenses. Can they go the same with the better teams is a question but with Mahomes II it gives Tech more than just hope.  This offense will have to score in bunches to some games like at Baylor and Oklahoma State.  Offense grade:  A-

Defense:  As usual, the stoppers for Tech will be challenged almost every Saturday. Giving up fifty, sixty points is a recipe for disaster and the hope for a winning season.   Let us get to the heart of the matter.  Texas Tech was at the bottom of the ladder in defense last season, only one team gave up more yards.  It was so bad that a three touchdown lead was never safe, even at home.  Jah’Shawn Jackson (5’10 180) is the best defender returning, making 85 tackles and four fumble recoveries last year as a freshman.  Yet, it was bombs away against that defensive secondary in 2015 and don’t look for much better in 2016.  Tech, I repeat, is a very bad defensive team that might not be much better in 2016.  Defense Grade:  F

Special Teams Grade:  C   Again nothing special here.

Tech will have their chances this season, and if the defense can come up with some stops, they could win some games that many might think they should lose.  The Arizona State road game in Tempe in week two is a winnable with the Sun Devils in a rebuild.  And again, Kansas State is key.  The Wildcats will be looking for payback from a loss in Lubbock in 2015.   Look for Mahomes II and a good offense to provide a chance for wins in Lubbock. With that, nothing has changed with this program.

Games that Tech will win:  Stephen F. Austin, La. Tech, Kansas

Games that Tech could win:  Arizona State, Kansas State, West Virginia, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Baylor  (yes, Tech has a chance in every game with that offense if the o-line does it’s job…….and the defense does make some stops)

Prediction:  4-8 and 2-7 in conference –  8th place

Feature Photo:  Brendon Maloney, USA Today Sports