Texas Tech Secondary Still A Concern After Houston Escape
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Texas Tech is 3-0, unbeaten in Big 12 play and coming off a ranked win over Houston.
And the Red Raiders still have a problem.
The Texas Tech secondary remains the biggest concern on Joey McGuire’s roster after Friday night’s 28-26 escape against No. 22 Houston.
MORE: Texas Tech Survives Houston 28-26 In Big 12 Opening Thriller
The Red Raiders found a way to win, but quarterback Conner Weigman consistently found room to operate, completing 27 of 38 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.
That performance comes one week after Oregon State threw for 417 yards against Texas Tech.
One bad night can be dismissed. Two in a row is a trend worth watching.
Houston finished with 458 total yards, 27 first downs and converted nine of 15 third downs.
Weigman posted a 71.1 percent completion rate and a 159.4 passer rating, keeping the Cougars within striking distance until the final minute.
The most alarming part wasn’t just the yardage. It was how comfortable Houston looked throwing the football.
Amare Thomas caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Patrick Overmyer added eight receptions for 72 yards and scored with 49 seconds remaining to pull Houston within two.
The Cougars then came within inches of tying the game before Weigman was stopped short on the two-point attempt.
Texas Tech deserves credit for surviving.
But survival isn’t the same thing as solving the problem.
The Red Raiders did generate pressure, and getting players such as Brenden Jordan and Trey White back into the mix should help the defense become more disruptive as the season develops.
The pass defense, however, still has to prove it can consistently prevent quarterbacks from settling into rhythm.
That matters because the schedule won’t stay forgiving forever.
Texas Tech’s offense can score. Will Hammond threw for 257 yards Friday, and the Red Raiders averaged 7.1 yards per offensive play. The rushing attack added 168 yards and three touchdowns.
But expecting the offense to win shootouts every week is a dangerous way to navigate a Big 12 title defense.
MORE: No. 13 Texas Tech Outlasts No. 22 Houston with Goal-Line Stand – Live Game Updates
McGuire can leave Friday night pleased with the result. He shouldn’t leave satisfied with the pass defense.
Texas Tech is 3-0, but the secondary still has something to prove.
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