Big 12 Football: Week 1 Power Rankings
By Hayden Hyde
Sep 5, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Kliff Kingsbury shouts instructions during the game with the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Jones AT&T Stadium. Texas Tech defeated Sam Houston State 59-45. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Houston State is no slouch, but there is no reason why this game should’ve been close.
Pundits everywhere wondered if David Gibbs could improve Tech’s defense after a dismal year in 2014. Well, I think we’ve got our answer: it’s going to be a process.
The Red Raiders shut out the Bearkat’s offense in the third quarter and looked to be on their way to an easy victory. Sam Houston State didn’t havae that in mind though and gave the Red Raiders a scare when they posted 2 touchdowns in the fourth.
Texas Tech was clearly the better team and they looked really good on offense, by the way. Patrick Mohomes played incredible; he threw for 425 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kliff Kingsbury’s offense also racked up 174 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. All around, Tech’s offense looks to be among the top in the Big 12 this season.
However, no matter how good they are on offense, their defense will hold them back. Tech gave up 317 yards rushing and 320 yards passing to the Bearkats. That was Sam Houston State; imagine what Art Briles could do to this defense.
The Red Raiders still have a ways to go until they are competing in the Big 12.
Next: Iowa State