Texas Tech Football: Complete 2018 preview, prediction

Defense

I don’t think there’s a more underrated coordinator in America than David Gibbs. Since being hired in early 2015, he’s turned one of the worst defenses in all of college football into a respectable unit, and this may be the year he puts it all together.

Up front, the Red Raiders have just one player to replace, in nose tackle Mychealon Thomas. They should have the depth and talent to soften the blow. In his place, Broderick Washington Jr. and Quentin Yontz should both be very good.

Beside them, Kolin Hill is one of the country’s best edge rushers, and both Tony Jones and Eli Howard were solid last year. For the first time in a long time, Tech has a line than can compete. If they can rush the passer well, it’ll go a long way.

All three starting linebackers are back too. Dakota Allen is easily the best of what should be a really good group. With Jordyn Brooks and Riko Jeffers helping him out, the linebackers should be as good, if not better than they were last year.

I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. On top of a borderline elite front seven, Texas Tech returns every single defensive back that mattered in 2017. Jah’Shawn Johnson and Vaughnte Dorsey will serve as excellent last lines of defense, and could force quite a few turnovers.

Damarcus Fields and Justus Parker both flashed shutdown cornerback potential last year. If they develop like they should, this defensive backfield is terrifying. Throw in Octavious Morgan, Desmon Smith and Jaylon Lane, and there’s just no way this group isn’t even better.

Reasonable expectations?

With so much experience back, it’s hard to not get excited about this defense. They got quite a bit better last year, and basic logic shows that they should improve again this year.

This defense was probably around the 80th best in the country last year. Knowing their track record, it feels crazy to say they can jump into the top 30. Looking at this lineup however, it feels crazy not to.