Texas Tech Football: Complete 2018 preview, prediction

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Justus Parker #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Kolin Hill #13 celebrate after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Justus Parker #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Kolin Hill #13 celebrate after the game against the Texas Longhorns 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) /

Offense

If there’s a season to test Kingsbury’s offensive chops, it’s this year. His quarterback is gone, as is Justin Stockton, and most of his receiving corps. If there’s one consolation, it’s the offensive line, which should be spectacular.

Starting at quarterback, there are concerns, but they may not be justified. Losing Nic Shimonek will certainly help, but yet another young quarterback, fresh off the air raid QB assembly line is on his way. McLane Carter has just about everything Kingsbury wants, except for real experience.

That isn’t to say he’s completely green. He filled in for Shimonek several times, and while he wasn’t great, he wasn’t awful either. With a whole offseason to prepare him, I have no worries that Kingsbury will have Carter ready to go.

The running back isn’t a huge deal in this offense, but the depth looks pretty solid. Tre King carried plenty last year, and will slide into the top spot pretty easily. Behind him, Da’Leon Ward flashed explosive potential last year, and will be a big play back.

The biggest questions are at receiver. Keke Coutee, Dylan Cantrell, Cameron Batson and Derrick Willies are all gone. That’s a lot of talent to replace, especially when you depend so much on the pass.

Luckily, Texas Tech has recruited more receivers than previously thought human possible. They’ve found an unending source of fast, small receivers to put up 1000 receiving yards, and a fresh batch of them is just coming in.

The new names to know this year are TJ Vasher, Antoine Wesley, Ja’Deion High and Jojo Robinson. At least three of those guys will certainly step up, and if they don’t, there’s even more behind them. Seth Collins, and freshman duo Erik Ezuknma and Myller Royals fit the mold just fine as well. The loss of Quan Shorts hurts quite a bit, and we’ll see how they respond to it.

Like I said, if there’s one place on this offense I have no concerns about, it’s on the line. Every single starter is back, and there’s nearly a full line with experience behind them. This could be the best line in the conference.

Shootout ready?

I have no doubts that this offense will be good. Kingsbury puts out top 30 offenses in his sleep, and even with so much youth, his system is just too dynamic to fail.

However, good may not cut it in the Big 12. This is the best offensive conference in America. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, and West Virginia can’t be beat by good offense. You need a great offense, or a great defense, or both to topple them. I don’t think Tech has either, but they’re getting closer.