Texas Tech Football: Can Red Raiders bounce back after disappointing 2019?

Defense looking to become more than just Swiss cheese

The defense does return the majority of starters but loses two of their biggest contributors.

Jordyn Brooks being the biggest name as he was taken by the Seahawks in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Brooks left Texas Tech finishing seventh in school history in tackles (367). They also lose Douglas Coleman who led the Big 12 in interceptions, snagging eight for the Red Raiders.

Even with a first-round pick on the unit, the defense still struggled mightily overall. The Red Raiders finished dead last in the Big 12 in total defense allowing 480.3 yards per game.

Two players that will be relied on heavily are Eli Howard and Riko Jeffers. Howard led the team in sacks in 2019 with five and will need to continue that production in his final season as a college player. Jeffers will replace Brooks, but he proved last year that he can hold his own finishing with 9.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

If Texas Tech wants any chance at being competitive in 2020, the defense must step up. Keith Patterson enters his second season as defensive coordinator and all eyes will be on him in hopes that he is the man that finally turns this struggling unit around.