Texas Tech gave away a game and then stole it back. Multiple times it felt like Saturday. Good programs win games they ”should” have lost. Texas Tech did that Saturday in a 33-30 2OT win over #25 Houston. Make no mistake, Texas Tech probably should have lost that game they way they played. In past years, Texas Tech would have done just that, snatching a loss from the jaws of victory. But something was different Saturday. Something happened.
Joey McGuire and his culture happened.
It was a pay-off win that Texas Tech players and fans needed after an off-season of equal parts hype and hope. It was tangible proof, at least for one Saturday that the process was working. The slogans, the energy, the expectations…it all found itself on the line late Saturday at Jones Stadium. And it paid off.
Not to make too much of an early season win, but what happened Saturday could well be the difference between Texas Tech making a bowl or making a better bowl than one of the last selections from the Big 12 at 6-6. It mattered. It mattered for so many reasons. So, how did we get there?
Culture.
First and foremost, Texas Tech players were able to borrow some confidence and credibility from the coaching staff as the day went on. Tech players haven’t won many games lately like this when things seemed to be falling apart. Meanwhile, McGuire and crew have experience doing that. I firmly believe a coaching staff has to transmit certain values early on to growing players that they may not naturally have. That’s not a knock against Donavan Smith or the o-line or anyone out there. Just a fact. It’s why you have coaches. Everything they preached in the off-season came to fruition late for Texas Tech. That’s why we call it a pay-off win.
After that, it was a huge, epic, wonderful to watch day by the Texas Tech defense. They controlled the line, stuffed the Houston run game for a second year in a row and showed a physicality that will be needed in Big 12 play. The concepts by the Tech defense are giving them a chance to maximize individual player abilities. Tim DeRuyter is flexible in his defense, allowing it to fit what he has to work with. It’s very evident early on with Texas Tech, as it has been for most of his stops. He doesn’t make square pegs fit in round holes. A lot of coaches could take a lesson from that.
As for the negatives, it was obvious early on. The Texas Tech offensive line has issues. Those issues can’t get fixed this year. Zac Kittley is gonna have to work around it, Smith and the other QBs are gonna have to get rid of the ball very fast and the running backs are gonna have to make yardage after contact. Houston has a decent defense, but not great. They gave up over 6.2 yards per play to UTSA. Tech averaged 4.36 Saturday.
The offense was much better when attacking downfield. But that means you gotta have protection so we understand some of the quick slants and hitch routes, just trying to get the ball out. That’s not gonna work in the Big 12 though. Tech’s got to be able to connect on intermediate and deep routes. Loic Fouonji must be involved more in my opinion. As far as the run game, Smith can’t be the sole focus. It was concerning to see the left side of the line get worked Saturday. That should be a strength.
This offense will be as successful in Big 12 play as the the o-line goes. Bottom line.
Lots of negatives overcome, lots of positives for Texas Tech to build off of, but the main thing is Texas Tech got a win, got to 2-0 and is playing on House Money at NC State.
For a day, McGuire and crew proved a little culture goes a long way. From here, a little blocking and a lot of good decisions with the ball will go even further.
Hyatt
