4. Texas Tech College Football Preview 2021: Defense
– The defense wasn’t miserable, but it didn’t generate enough big plays or key stops. It needs to find something it can do well – it needs a calling card. However, under defensive coordinator Keith Patterson, all this group has to do is hold serve and let the offense do the rest. With a TON of experience returning, improving shouldn’t be a problem.
– Good luck finding a defense in America that’s getting more of a break from the super senior season. In a normal year, the Red Raider D would be gutted, but instead, 11 of the top 13 tacklers are expected back and it all starts with a potentially great linebacking corps. Former Arizona transfer Colin Schooler, Krishon Merriweahter, and Riko Jeffers are big, veteran linebackers who’ll make a whole lot of stops.
– The pass defense wasn’t all that bad after a rough first half of 2020. With three veteran producers back in the secondary after their first senior seasons, expect even more. The front line takes a hit, though, losing Eli Howard off the end, but the defensive tackle rotation is experienced, big, and potentially a plus if it can do more to be disruptive.
– What You Need To Know: Offense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Texas Tech Schedule Analysis