Sports

Texas Tech Football Preview: Looks for Bounce Back Win Against Kansas

Graphic of ttu running back SaRodrick Thompson celebrating with football texas tech vs kansas game preview
Graphic by Campus Live staff

TTU Red Raiders Look To Improve on Big 12 Record Against Kansas

In this preview, Texas Tech football is looking for a bounce-back win against Kansas. Many would argue that the Red Raiders are not having a successful season. Tech is coming off their second Big 12 loss that also happened to be Homecoming. However with a 4-2 record, there is plenty of time to turn that around. The matchup will be played Saturday, October 16th at 3 pm in Lawrence, Kansas, at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and be a must-win for both teams. 

Kansas is currently 1-4, with their one win coming in their season and home opener against South Dakota. They would go on to win by only three points with a final score of 17-14. The other four games on their schedule, they have lost all of them by 19 points or more. 

On the other side, the Red Raiders’ loss came to a ranked Texas. As well as a solid squad in TCU that took Texas to the edge. With all things considered, this should be a fair game between the two, with Texas Tech coming out on top in a bounce-back victory. 

Kansas Players to Watch

Offensively 

While the Jayhawks record may not be impressive. They do have several players on their roster that can make an impact. The leader for the Kansas offense this year is junior Jason Bean. Bean leads the team not only in passing but rushing as well. Passing-wise, Bean has 66 completions on 118 attempts for 852 yards. In their five games, he has just three interceptions and has thrown five touchdowns. 

Bean also leads the team with 291 rushing yards on just 60 attempts on the rushing side of things. Their next leading rusher is Devin Neal, who has 27 yards less with 264 rushing yards on just 54 carries. Between Neal and Bean, the two have a combined four rushing touchdowns with two each. 

While the Jayhawk’s run game has been consistently stagnant all season. Their receiving core has two receivers, each over 225 receiving on the season. Those receivers being sophomore Trevor Wilson and senior Kwamie Lassiter II. Wilson has 15 catches for 271 yards and a single touchdown on the season and has proven that he is a major threat down the field. Lassiter II has also proven he is a significant threat with 18 catches for 235 yards and a single touchdown.

Defensively 

Gavin Potter and Kenny Logan Jr. lead the team with 36 tackles on the defensive side of things. Potter plays Linebacker for the Jayhawks, has 18 solo tackles and 18 assists. He consistently has been a vital part of the Kansas defense. Logan Jr. is one of Kansas’s top pass defenders playing at the safety position. Thus far this season, he has 23 solo tackles and 13 assists and could be a problem heading into Saturday’s matchup. 

Keys to Winning

TTU is looking for a bounce-back win against Kansas this weekend. But they will need to do a few things to get themselves in the position to do so. I repeat this week after week with what the Red Raiders need to do, but it all starts with the line of scrimmage. Tech will need to set the tone and line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball if they wish to succeed. 

Offensively setting the line of scrimmage will open up running lanes for the Red Raider run game. Once the run game is established, the secondary will open up, making the passing game easier. But again, this all starts with the line of scrimmage. 

Defensively they will need to control the line of scrimmage as well. Getting pressure on the quarterback and sending more than three Tech can shut down the Jayhawk offense early. 

Overall Texas Tech Football Game Preview vs Kansas

Overall, TTU is looking for a bounce-back win against Kansas. With a 4-2 record, the Red Raiders are having a fair season and will look to get their fifth win after dropping their homecoming last week to TCU. The game will be played on Saturday, October 16th at 3 pm in Lawrence, Kansas, at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

You can still purchase tickets for the game at TexasTech.com or watch on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and Texas Tech Sports Network. The highly anticipated matchup will be a must-watch as the Red Raiders should be able to take care of business as they prepare for the rest of the Big 12 Conference. 

Checkout out last weeks Texas Tech Football Recap!

Click here for Texas Tech Football full schedule.

Story by Campus Live Employee Trinity Porter

Related posts

TTU Men’s Athletics: A Year in Review Pt 2

Campus Live Staff

Texas Tech Vs. TCU Men’s Baseball Preview

Campus Live Staff

TTU Soccer Defeats UTEP

Campus Live Staff