Texas Tech Football: 5 Reasons the Red Raiders beat USF in Birmingham Bowl

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Douglas Coleman III #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders intercepts a pass intended for Collin Johnson #9 of the Texas Longhorns in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Douglas Coleman III #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders intercepts a pass intended for Collin Johnson #9 of the Texas Longhorns in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

5. Causing and cashing in turnovers will spell victory for Texas Tech.

Texas Tech’s victory over the Longhorns came down to some timely turnovers that ended up being the ultimate demise of those in burnt orange. That will be instrumental in their fight for a winning season.

As seen below, the Red Raiders improved their turnover total by 14 from the previous year, which was the best in the Power 5. They are currently first in the Big 12 in terms of turnover margin. Those numbers will be put to the test against a mobile South Florida offense.

The Texas Tech defense will need to hone in on quarterback Quinton Flowers, who has been dynamic with the ball this season both through the air and on the ground. They will need to contain him and force him to make mistakes. This will not be a one man job, but if the Texas Tech defense can play with the same level of fight they brought to Austin, this will be a good one to watch. If not, this may be South Florida’s game to lose.