Tech has good chance to knock off Longhorns

By John Hillman  |   Wednesday, October 29, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Texas Tech Red Raiders
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

Statisticians state that numbers don’t lie. It that idea holds true, Texas Tech figures to win against Texas on Saturday.

Commentary: The Red Raiders have posted some incredible numbers in 2008. Texas Tech leads the nation in passing, averaging 418 yards per game, and completes 70 percent of its attempts.

Graham Harrell ranks sixth in the country with a quarterback rating of 167.4 and has thrown 28 scoring passes. Four of his receivers -- Michael Crabtree (60), Detron Lewis (45), Eric Morris (42) and Tramain Swindall (31) -- have snared over 30 catches in eight games. Tech’s receiving corps averages 34 catches per game and over 12 yards a reception.

Part of Harrell’s success results from outstanding offensive line play. The Red Raider front five has given up only three sacks this season.

An improved running game also benefits the Red Raider offense. This year, Tech averages 25 runs per game with each carry generating 5.4 yards. Last year, the team ran only 19 times per game and averaged 3.1 yards per carry.

Some numbers work against Texas as the Longhorns have struggled a bit in their secondary. Texas holds the 111th spot in pass defense, allowing a completion rate of 58 percent and 266 yards per game. Opposing teams have also scored 13 passing touchdowns against the Horns.

Injuries and inexperience also plague Longhorn defensive backs. Cornerback Chykie Brown missed the Oklahoma State game with a bad ankle, and Texas starts freshmen Blake Gideon and Earl Thomas at safety.

Fan Pulse: The Double T nation can hardly wait for the Longhorns and ESPN Gameday to arrive in Lubbock. This link gives some of their thoughts: http://www.doubletnation.com/2008/10/26/646726/why-i-think-tech-beats-tex.

Injury Report: Defensive tackle Rajon Henley remains questions for the Longhorns with a leg injury, and running back Aaron Crawford’s status is also in doubt (turf toe).
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About John Hillman

John Hillman graduated from Baylor University in 1974 with a BBA in accounting and earned an MBA from Baylor in 1987. He worked for accounting firms until 1982 when he became the chief financial officer for an independent insurance claims adjusting service, a position he still holds today. ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report