This Breakdown was created by Russ Morris and Ethan Nieporte
TEXAS TECH vs KANSAS Breakdown
General Analysis
Texas Tech and Kansas enter the weekend coming off losses to Iowa State and Texas. This marks the 21st all-time meeting against the two schools. Tech is 19-1 all-time against the Jayhawks with wins in each of the past 12 meetings. The Red Raiders are a perfect 10-0 in Lawrence and the 12 game winnings streak is the longest streak against any Big 12 foe. Since the conference was formed in 1996, the streak for Tech is the second longest against any conference member which includes Mizzou, Colorado, and Nebraska when they were members. Ten of those wins have been in double digits and the Red Raiders are beating Kansas by 22.5 points in those games. However, Kansas is looking more competitive this season than they have in years past. It took a field goal to knock them off in Austin, with the final being 50-48. That game marked the 4th game since 2011 in which the Jayhawks have almost or beat a top Big 12 foe. (Lost a shootout to Tech in 2011, beat UT in 2016, beat Baylor in 2018, and lost a thriller to UT last week). There is a difference in what Les Miles is bringing there,so do not take these guys lightly.
Kansas Jayhawks: 2-5: Big 12 (0-4)
The Jayhawks return home this week to take on the Red Raiders. Kansas is seeking their first victory against the Red Raiders since their Orange Bowl season in 2007. They are led on offense by Pookah Williams and Carter Stanley. On defense they are led by their linebacking core. Their backers are not afraid to impose their will and get after the QB, so for proof the held Boston College to only 115 yds rushing. That same BC team finished third in their division last year but led the ACC in rushing. They also forced three turnovers that nigh as well. Pookah is their most explosive players and in one of the more under-rated running backs in the country due to the team he plays for. He is patient, agile, and likes to hit the hole hard.Overall this team is not to be taken lightly. They have a habit to play up to their competition and will look to do the same Saturday night. Expect them to play hard and fight to the very end.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: 3-4; Big 12 (1-3)
Texas Tech looks to return to .500 this weekend as they travel to Lawrence to take on the Kansas Jayhawks. Tech has had its way with Kansas the past 12 games but have had to fight adversity in three of those games. In 2011 where Tech won 45-38, 2012 with a score of 42-40 in OT, and in 2014 where Tech won 38-33. Other than those three games, Tech has handled the Jayhawks well by beating them in double digits and averaging a margin of victory of 22.5 pts, but those numbers do not matter anymore based on Kansas is currently playing. Kansas, and Kansas State for that matter, like to give Tech their best effort, and this year it looks to be no different. They major keys for Tech this week will be to start fast, protect the line of scrimmage, and impose your will over Kansas. Tech needs guys other than, Douglas Coleman, Jordyn Brooks, and Broderick Washington to make plays. Is it nice when they make plays, yes, but they can’t carry the defense. Guys like Eli Howard, Zach McPhearson, and especially Rico Jeffers must step up. Rico especially. He compliments Jordyn so well on the outside with his pursuit, but that instinct to impose your will must take place. Look for those three to step up big time this week. Offensively the route reading and running must improve. It is noted that Mannix and Rigdon are banged up, but the take off speed from the line must get better. Look for big play opportunities this week and expect the o-line to block better and allow Jett to make plays and give him time. Bowl eligibility is still with in reach and these next few weeks are doable, but for that to become a reality, Tech must make a statement. With that said, our chances are pretty good this week. WRECK’EM!!!!!
Saddle Tramp News:
With Homecoming week behind us, we are looking forward to these next couple of weeks to get caught up on school work and sleep. This past Tuesday was MidReview for our new guys. To make it through MidReview they needed to have a 70% average on their Saddle Tramp tests, half of the Actives signatures, and they must have attended half of the required events for this semester. We are happy to announce that ALL of our new guys have made it through MidReview. This is a huge accomplishment so if you know any of our new guys please congratulate them.
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Wreck Em!
