Texas Tech football: 3 quick takeaways from win over Montana State

Matt Wells took over Texas Tech football this offseason and immediately improved expectations. What’d we learn from his season opener?

Expectations are on the rise in Lubbock, Texas, for the Red Raiders football program as the men’s basketball team reached the national championship game after defeating Michigan State in the Final Four and making the song Old Town Road a victory celebration song long before it became the No. 1 song in the country.

Well, Texas Tech football got off to a good start defeating FCS opponent Montana State 45-10 in the season opener.

Let’s look at the three quick takeaways from the Red Raiders’ victory over Montana State.

1. Alan Bowman was solid

It’s obvious that Alan Bowman played well passing for 436 yards and two touchdowns in a home victory over FCS opponent Montana State. Even though his 84.0 QBR wasn’t perfect against a lesser-talented opponent, he didn’t make any noticeable mistakes. He did indeed throw the ball 55 times but he only had 15 incompletions.

Bowman is only a sophomore and he’ll at least be a little more tested against FBS in-state opponent UTEP in Week 2. However, he played well and did his job leading the Red Raiders to a season-opening win over Montana State.

2. Armand Shyne was very productive running the ball

Once again, it was obvious that the senior running back had a great game but he his yards per carry was very impressive even if it was against a FCS opponent at home. Armand Shyne’s 11.4 yards per carry helped the Red Raiders dominate the Bobcats defense on the ground. The senior running back had 125 yards on 11 carries, including a touchdown.

As the competition continues to get better, he will indeed get more carries. The Utah-transfer looks to be the main back as the Red Raiders look to surprise many and contend for a Big 12 title.

3. Weapons in the passing game are vast

Eleven different Red Raiders caught at least one pass in the victory against the Bobcats. Out of those 11 players, seven caught four or more passes and five caught passes totaling 40 or more receiving yards. Seven of the 11 players averaged 10 or more yards per reception.

All in all, it was important and impressive to get so many players involved in the passing game even if it was against a FCS opponent at home.

Texas Tech looks to remain undefeated by beating UTEP next week before having to go on the road in Week 3 to play Pac-12 foe Arizona.