Texas Tech Football: 5 Fixes Matt Wells’ must make in first season

3. Texas Tech must play with more discipline in 2019

Kliff Kingsbury’s teams in Lubbock were always remarkably undisciplined. Here’s where they ranked in penalties per game over his tenure:

2013: 119
2014: 126
2015: 92
2016: 122
2017: 119
2018: 110

Penalties were an issue for Matt Wells’ teams during his tenure at Utah State as well, though, as the Aggies’ average rank was 90th during his six years in Logan. Something has to give in that department if the Red Raiders want to make strides in 2019.

It wasn’t just the number of penalties for Kingsbury coached teams, it was that they always seemed to happen at the most inopportune of moments. In a nine-point loss to Iowa State in late October, the Red Raiders were flagged for 10 penalties for 105 yards, several of which coming in crucial situations.

They had two personal foul penalties in the first half of that game that turned would-be third-and-longs into first downs on drives that ultimately led to touchdowns. Miscues constantly plagued the Red Raiders in inopportune moments.

Cleaning up the penalty yardage in 2019 will go a long way in pushing Texas Tech up the standings.