Texas Tech Football: Will the Red Raiders shock the Big 12 in 2022?

How will the Red Raiders fare in 2022?

Texas Tech is routinely being picked at the bottom of the conference. Tech was picked ninth by Athlon, Lindy’s, Phil Steele, Pick Six Previews, and the Big 12 media poll. Is that underrated or is Tech really in for that long of a season?

There are a lot of “what ifs.” If the defense can improve. If the passing game reaches its potential. If Thompson stays healthy. If a new receiver steps up. If Schooler can be replaced. Still, it’s hard to look at the schedule and say “that’s definitely a win” or “that’s definitely a loss.”

Even if just a couple of those things happen, Tech might not contend for the Big 12 title, but they can certainly keep one of the big dogs out of it.

• Week 1: Murray State (W) — We’ve seen Tech struggle with these types of games, but if (there’s that word again) players have really bought in, this should be an easy W.
• Week 2: Houston (W) — Texas Tech beat Houston last season at a neutral site, but this year is at home. It’ll be tough and don’t be shocked if it’s a shootout.
• Week 3: at NC State (L) — NC State is a legitimate threat to win the ACC and a dark horse national championship contender. Tech is just not at that level yet.
• Week 4: Texas (L) — This could be another toss-up game. The Raiders remember last year’s embarrassment. This game should be close through at least halftime but expect the Longhorns to pull away towards the end.
• Week 5: at Kansas State (W) — I don’t quite buy into the Kansas State hype for this season yet. This game comes down to if Tech can limit Deuce Vaughn’s impact both on offense and special teams.
• Week 6: at Oklahoma State (L) — If this was a home game for Texas Tech, we might be looking at this differently. The Cowboys are coming off a Big 12 title rematch against Baylor and a road trip to TCU follows. Tech was close last year and it could be again this season.
• Week 7: Bye
• Week 8: West Virginia (W) — This might be a battle for ninth place. Tech won last year and the Red Raider offense should be ready to go after a bye.
• Week 9: Baylor (L) — Could this be the game where the Red Raiders shock the world? Baylor might be looking ahead to a showdown in Norman the following week. Tech is the wrong team to sleep on, but Baylor should be able to do enough to prevent the upset.
• Week 10: at TCU (W) — This is definitely a toss-up. TCU should be in bowl contention, but this would be a huge statement win for the Raiders. Expect them to lay it all on the line in this one.
• Week 11: Kansas (W) — Kansas may be improved, but they’re still a bit away. The only Texas team that should fear Kansas is the Longhorns.
• Week 12: at Iowa State (L) — Expectations are low (non-existent?) for the Cyclones this season and that’s when Matt Campbell seems to be at his best. They also weren’t nearly as bad as their record showed last season.
• Week 13: Oklahoma (L) — Don’t be shocked if this is an upset. Oklahoma is coming off of Bedlam and that game should determine what state of mind Oklahoma is in. A win and they might still be in Big 12 Title contention. A loss might throw things off for the Sooners and open the door for Texas Tech.

Final record: 6-6, 4-5 Big 12