Big 12 Football: Week 3 Power Rankings

5. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Record: 2-1)

I don’t know how much more we can possibly stress that Texas Tech’s entire defensive unit isn’t doing Patrick Mahomes any favors, but something has to change. Heading into defensive coordinator David Gibbs’ second year, Red Raiders had a heightened expectation to deliver, but perhaps expectations were too high, and maybe Tech needs another year or so to finally find a rhythm.

The flip side to that argument is that Tech needs to find a way to use what it has now, to make plays happen. Perhaps a few hours of Oklahoma Drills during Tech’s bye week will instill mental toughness, but defensive discipline is a problem that’s plaguing all Big 12 teams, too.

All I have to say, is that it doesn’t matter how prolific the offense is, no Texas Tech quarterback will be taken into serious Heisman consideration unless its defense can put that quarterback in a position to at least have a shot at a conference, or national title.

With that said, Mahomes celebrated his twenty-first birthday on Saturday night with 507 total yards, and six touchdowns against Louisiana Tech.

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