2021 Texas Tech offense non-existent, Red Raiders fall to 0-3

[rcarlson77]

The Red Raiders have added another game to the loss column, falling to UNLV by a score of 16-10. Once again, the team was plagued by an anemic offense that managed only 142 yards of total offense. That type of production is simply unacceptable, even more so against an opponent that was also 0-3 on the season.

 

Texas Tech would receive the opening kickoff and promptly go three and out. A three and out on their second possession would set the tone for the rest of the game. The consistent three and outs on offense is a feat that is all too familiar to Red Raider fans this season. UNLV would get on the scoreboard the following possession after a 41 yard field goal made the score 3-0. Texas Tech would tie the score 3-3 late in the first quarter after the two teams exchanged possessions.

 

The offenses would remain unproductive for most of the second quarter. Approximately midway through quarter two, UNLV would jump out front by a score of 6-3 after connecting on a 21 yard field goal attempt.

 

The second half would bring some life to the offense. With their first possession of the third quarter, Texas Tech put together their best drive of the game, marching 80 yards in 9 plays and capping the drive off with a 14 yard touchdown run from Fernando Gonzalez. The score and extra point would put the Red Raiders ahead by a score of 10-6. Unfortunately for Tech, UNLV would answer right back with an 11 play drive of their own. The Rebels would cap it off with a two yard plunge from running back, Robert Thomas. Just like that, UNLV was back in front by a score of 13-10 with a minute remaining in the third quarter.

 

Both teams would revert to the status quo on offense in the fourth quarter. Possession after possession, neither team could move the ball enough to get into scoring range. Late in the quarter, UNLV would connect on a 69 yard passing play that would put them in scoring range. They would ultimately settle for another field goal and increase their lead to 16-10 with only 30 seconds left to play. The inept Red Raider offense stood no chance and the clock would expire as Texas Tech dreadful season continued.

 

There was no sugar coating this one from first year head coach rcarlson77. “We just aren’t competing right now. I can deal with losing games when the effort is there, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the case. 142 yards of offense is completely unacceptable and that’s on me. Our defense has performed admirably this season, but we’re not helping them out offensively. Those guys can only do so much. We’ll use our off week to really take a good look at this roster and see what changes need to be made.”

 

We don’t know exactly what changes to expect and we were unable to get a firsthand look as the staff closed practice to the media this week. One would have to imagine the QB position will be looked at as senior Reggie Chavis has been absolutely dreadful this season. Fernando Gonzalez performed well in the first two games, but was shut down against UNLV as the Rebels held him to 50 yards on 28 carries. He will have to be better moving forward.

 

The Red Raiders will travel to Austin next week to take on the 18th ranked Texas Longhorns. This matchup will be the third ranked opponent that Texas Tech has faced through the first four weeks of the season.