We are one win away from an 11-win season in Austin. The Texas Longhorns (10-1) need a home win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-5) to accomplish that feat.
Texas Tech is having an underwhelming season, but there is reason to take the matchup seriously. Aside from past struggles with Big 12 foes, the Red Raiders have the makeup to give the Longhorns issues through the air.
Last season, the Raiders picked apart the ‘Horns in the short to intermediate game to the tune of 34 points in regulation time. 34 points might not guarantee a win against Texas this year, but would certainly give the team a chance.
Texas’ style of play at cornerback is concerning given what they concede. The Longhorns’ outside-leverage coverage (cornerbacks lining up slightly outside receivers and allowing in-breaking routes) has drawn criticism from multiple football analysts that cover the program, and with good reason.
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht picked Texas apart with slants last week on his way to 323 passing yards on 24 completions. It was the fourth time in five weeks that the Longhorns’ pass defense allowed 300 passing yards to its opponent.
Next up is a Texas Tech team that loves to throw slants and in-breaking routes. And, if you watched last year’s matchup, the Raiders beat the Longhorns with passes over the middle in 2022.
The Texas defense would be wise to better protect the middle of the field in the passing game this week. If they don’t, we could be in for another back and forth battle on Friday.