Defensive Grades: Bend, don’t break

Defensive Line: C+ There was some effort to get pressure from the DL on that late night game in Tuscon. But still, most of what this group gets requires sending numbers through exotic blitz packages. There is just not a true pass rushing threat from this group. Against the run in critical short yardage plays… read more

DPOW: There can only be one

There is only one possible answer for this question. One of the best linebackers in the country, and one of the highest graded of Week 6, is just too easy. Jacob Rodriguez was phenomenal against Arizona. Not only was constantly harassing the Wildcat quarterback, he was everywhere else on the field as well. 8 tackles,… read more

Texas Tech digs deep to hang on against Arizona

That was exhausting. And I mean that literally, with the latest kickoff in program history, and emotionally. At half, Texas Tech had a commanding 18-3 lead. They were in control, looked comfortable on the road, and while the offense was a bit anemic they were finishing drives. Then everything turned in the second half. Arizona… read more

How to Watch: Arizona

ESPN Predictor: Texas Tech 41.8% Spread: Texas Tech +6 (Opened +4) Over/Under: 63.5 How to Watch:10:00 PM, Fox What to Know: Texas Tech hung on against Cincinnati and won another ugly game. Now leaving the safety at home, can they show this is a new team capable of being in the conference race? Or will… read more

Keys to the Kingdom: Arizona

Texas Tech defended their house, but now has to run on the road to Arizona and take on a hot Wildcats team. Protect Morton Texas Tech faces an Arizona defensive line that sacked the Utes poor backup three times, and had pressure all night. Behren Morton is prone to getting spooked, and the Red Raiders… read more

Defensive Spotlight: The Secondary

This is a bit of a cop-out answer for this week, but the reality is no single player is going to be bigger than the secondary both getting healthy and just playing better. Noah Fifita is not a great quarterback, but McMillan is a great receiver and if Tech leaves him running free both could… read more

Trash-Talk Thursday: The Inferior Wildcats

Another new Big 12 foe, this time on the road to Tuscon to take on the inferior Wildcats. From the crappier desert climate, to the fact their fans are trying to weirdly claim cactuses without understanding why Tech started that in the first place, Arizona is another team I peg as a future rival of… read more

Offensive Spotlight: Offensive Line

Arizona shutdown a Cam Rising-less Utah, and a big reason why was pass rush. The Wildcats registered 3 sacks, and allowed only 93 yards on the ground. They won the point of attack, and dominated made life hell for the Utes back-up quarterback. For Texas Tech to win, The Red Raiders must protect Behren Morton…. read more

Defensive Grades: It was ugly against Cincinnati

Here we go, some defensive grades after a high scoring affair in Lubbock. Defensive Line: C- Look, the pass rush has just not been there this year. Coach DeRuyter loves to blitz, but right now it feels like a necessity to do so. This group, helped by the linebackers, has been good against the ground… read more

Defensive Player of the Week: A.J. McCarty

This secondary is dinged up beyond all belief. We are down potentially four or five defensive backs if I recall correctly? And on Saturday night, the secondary got torched to the tune of 426. With all the justified pressure on that unit, it seems reasonable to shine a spotlight on a play this group made… read more

SUBSCRIBE TO FFSN!

Sign up below for the latest news, stories and podcasts from our affiliates

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.