Big 12 Football: Week 5 Power Rankings

4. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Record: 2-2)

It’s always scary when a player comes out of a game injured, but it’s especially nerve racking for a head coach when that player happens to be the nation’s leading passer. Thankfully for Texas Tech, rainmaker Patrick Mahomes II’s injury appears to be a mild strain, but it could have him sidelined for 2-3 weeks. As of right now, however, coach Kliff Kingsbury has him listed as day-to-day.

The Red Raiders came out of the gate in Thursday’s 55-19 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks trying to find its post-bye rhythm, but managed to rally and come back in dominating fashion after Mahomes’ injury. He left the game 27/34 for 277-yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Backup quarterback and Iowa transfer Nic Shimonek came in and served up 271-yards and four touchdowns, and between Mahomes and Shinomek, 11 Texas Tech receivers were targeted.

Tech’s defense looked improved both schematically, and by giving up marginal penalties. The unit managed four total sacks, 61 tackles, and an interception by Jah’Shawn Johnson. Another defensive silver lining: Kris Williams registered three sacks against Kansas–the most from a Red Raider in a single game since 2010.

While pundits are putting Tech’s season as a whole on when Mahomes returns, the Red Raiders showed it has the skills and weaponry across the board to be successful with, or without him in the game. With Shimonek firing at will, this should give Tech fans the vote of confidence they need in the quarterbacking, and hopefully buy Mahomes time to heal his shoulder properly.

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