The Red Raiders are a perfect 6-0 heading into Morganville, Theyve had several impressive wins and are at the top of the conference. West Virginia though has already shown an ability to hang with the better programs in the Big 12 and we're able to unseat Ok State who was the rpeseason favorite in Stillwater.
When Texas Tech has the ball:
The Red Raiders offense has rolled all seaosn, and will face a big test against a Mountaineers defense that hs been better than advertised. Tech has only gone three and out on 23% of their drives, and has averaged 33.4 yards per drive on just about six plays. They've put up 30 ponts in every game except the battle with TCU. Theyve generally been good on third downs, averaging a 47% conversion rate but were able to go just 5-16 against Iowa State last week. Davis Webb will likely go again this weekend for the injured Baker Mayfield. Webb performed admirably in spot time, leading a game winning drive against TCU and in his first start last week he tossed three TDs with a 7.4 yards per attempt mark. It is a bit easier to step in and have success when you have one of the most unheralded weapons in the nation in Jace Amaro catching your passes. Amaro has a 12.9 yards per catch average, with 13 catches of 15 yards or more and a first down rate of 66%. The Run game has struggled largely because the offensive line has allowed too many tackles for loss, giving up 7 per game.
West Virginia got gashed last week on defense, but prior to that had in half their games held opponents to 30% or under on third down conversions. Theyve been able to generate 41 tackles for loss, lead by Wll Clarke, who has 6.5 and three sacks. Darwin Cook has been the leader in the secondary with four Ints and a pass defended, with 40 tackles. Jared Barber leads the team with 41 tackles, 3.5 of them for loss and a pass defended.
When West Virginia has the ball:
The WVU offense still remains a bit of a mess, largely because of the swirling injuries to thw QB position. Against the Red Raiders it will either be Paul Millard, or Clint Trickett making the strat. Trickett completed only 32% of his passes last week against Baylor opening the door again for the competition. All in all the QBs for the mountaineers this year have completed just 52.9% of their passes for 6.6 yards per attempt with 8 TDs and 7 ints. Charles Sims and Dreamius Smith have provided solid attempts on the ground, with 154 carries for 762 yards. The running game though has only converted about a third of their third down attempts. The offensive line has to share its blame though for the offense's woes, allowing pressures on 13% of the QB attempts and 37 tackles for loss.
The Red Raiders have been stingy on defense, allowing just 4.4 yards per play on offense, including only 5.6 per pass attempt. Theyve only picked up 27 pressures through he six games though. Theyve only picked off four passes, at least partially because of the lack of pressure theyve been able to create. They have made a lot of plays in the backfield, with Kerry Hyder picking up nine tackles for loss. LB Will Smith leads the team with 38 tackles, 3.5 of them for loss and a pass defended.
What's our Take:
This is a big test for Texas Tech, who so far has held their own against just about all competition. Theyre in need though of a signature win, and West Virginia could provide that. The Mountaineers though have had their moments this season, and could provide another upset in the unsettled Big 12.
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