2021 Week 6/7: Red Raider Review and Preview

[rcarlson77]

 

Week 6 Review

 

Final Score: Baylor 13 Texas Tech 3

Pre-game Prediction: Baylor 35 Texas Tech 17

POTG: Baylor QB Evan Cooper - 27/48 for 263 yards, 1 TD/1 INT

 

What happened: The Bears and Red Raiders played one of the ugliest games of the 2021 season. Texas Tech’s offense was once again virtually non-existent managing a measly 172 yards of total offense while punting the ball on 13 possessions. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a winnable game on the schedule for Texas Tech.

 

Baylor’s passing attack wasn’t nearly as prolific as we have previously seen managing under 300 yards passing. They struggled to find the endzone and their kicking game hurt them as they finished 2 for 5 on field goals.

 

This was not an enjoyable game for either fan base, but at the end of the day, Baylor walks away with the win and maintains their undefeated record in conference play. For Texas Tech, it will be back to the drawing board again, though it doesn’t seem like any changes really matter. This is just simply a poor team with a lack of talent throughout.

 

 

Week 7 Preview

 

Match-up: TCU (3-3) at Texas Tech (0-5)

 

Week 7 will feature the Red Raiders facing another in-state foe in the TCU Horned Frogs. TCU was ranked as high as #2 early in the season, but have fallen outside of the Top 25 with a record of 3-3 on the season. TCU is led by quarterback Luke Trahan. Trahan isn’t as much of a threat as the last two quarterbacks Texas Tech has faced, but he’s no slouch either. Trahan is averaging 227 YPG and has thrown for 10 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. TCU will be looking to bounce back after dropping a close game to Kansas State by a score of 26-21. With a 2-1 record in Big 12 play, TCU is very much in the conference race.

 

Texas Tech will continue to search for answers after yet another loss. The Red Raiders now sit at 0-5 on the season. This team has to figure something out on offense. If they continue to perform like they have, it’s hard to see them winning a game this season. The quarterback play has been abysmal and running back Fernando Gonzalez seems as if he has fallen out of favor with the coaches as he was outtouched last week.

 

What to watch for (TTU): Can Texas Tech show life on offense? This topic has been beaten to death, but the Red Raiders are plagued by an inept offense that managed only 172 yards of offense last week. That type of production will beat no opponent. Quarterback Jordan Madero has to step up his game or we won't be surprised to see former starter, Reggie Chavis, back under center. Running back Fernando Gonzalez performed admirably earlier this season but has been very disappointing the last few weeks. Texas Tech will need more from him as well.

 

What to watch for (TCU): Can TCU control the game? The Horned Frog offense has not set the world ablaze, but has been efficient enough to have won three games. Quarterback Like Trahan isn’t flashy, but he’s effective and doesn’t turn the ball over much. If he can continue this type of play, TCU’s talent should be enough to win the game. While the Red Raider offense has been abysmal, the defense has kept them in games. If Texas Tech can pressure Trahan and force some errors, the game could be closer than most expect.

 

What will happen: Texas Tech has given us no reason to believe they are capable of knocking off any opponent, especially a conference foe. Until they put one in the win column, we don’t see a path to victory. Expect Luke Trahan to continue his steady performance en route to a TCU victory.

 

Prediction: TCU 24 Texas Tech 10