This past weekend Texas Tech had a very convincing win over Baylor. Tech played exceptionally well, putting an end to their four game losing streak. As we begin to look ahead to this weekends game against TCU, here are five of my thoughts about the Baylor game as well as this weekends coming contest.
1. Tech’s defense looked really strong on Saturday.
Not to say Tech’s offense didn’t play well (which in fact they did), but the way that Tech’s defense performed was what really stood out to me. Now, Tech’s defense did give up some easy points and did make some mistakes that kept Baylor in the game until late in the fourth quarter. However, the defense looked confident in everything that they did. The unit looked like they knew the game plan inside and out, which showed in their play. The defense was flying around on the field sealing holes, taking away running lanes and delivering punishing hits to Baylor’s offense. They were also making Baylor’s quarterback, Charlie Brewer, very uncomfortable by applying a hefty amount of pressure over the course of the game. The most impressive thing the defense accomplished this week was winning the takeaway battle, forcing Baylor to turn the ball over four times. Tech’s defense played with tremendous ferocity, which is very encouraging to see as they head into next week game against TCU.
2. Tech’s offense finally played more like who we thought they were.
To be perfectly honest, Tech’s offensive play in the last few games leading up to Baylor had been mediocre at best. But, they were finally able to turn it around this week and play much better. They didn’t put up any crazy numbers or do anything overly special, but they were smart and efficient. The Tech offense didn’t have the ball that much, only possessing it for a total of twenty-three minutes. In those few minutes they were able to put points on the board and only turn the ball over once. They were able to complete twenty-four of twenty-nine passes for an average of eight yards a pass, and also averaged three yards per rushing attempt. Again, these numbers aren’t eye popping, but they didn’t need to be since the defense was playing at an exceptional level. Hopefully the offense can keep it rolling next week as they face a very stout TCU defense.
3. While Tech did a great job on Saturday, it is important to remember that they were only playing Baylor.
Baylor isn’t a horrible team, but they’re not a great team either. They've struggled mightily on the field this year, but have managed to stay competitive against some very tough opponents. Many of Baylor’s issues have stemmed from growing pains as they try to adapt to a new coaching staff, as well as them having many young players with little experience being thrown into the fire. Tech played well against a team that is still trying to grow and figure out who they are, so it might be a leap of faith to say that their success will transfer over to next week. However, a win is a win, which can help a team’s confidence tremendously. So we can be optimistic that they will be able to carry some of it over to the TCU game and play at a high level.
4. TCU is a really good team.
This matchup has me worried for Tech because of TCU’s strong defense and quality offensive play. However, Tech has played TCU very tough in their last few meetings and hopefully this trend can continue in their latest match. My fingers are crossed that this will be an entertaining game and that Tech can pull out a win.
5. And finally, why for the love of God does it have to be an 11 a.m. game?
We can all agree that 11 a.m. games are the spawn of Satan and that the powers that decide game times hate Tech since they have given them a lot of these start times this year. Wreck us. Better luck next year I guess.
