Texas Tech 2023 Season Preview
The Red Raiders was unexpectedly impressive for most. Finishing 4th in the Big 12 only behind TCU, Kansas State, and Texas was a result this program has craved for years. A rotation of QB’s with Shough being the primary makes their 8–5 campaign and Texas Bowl win over Ole Miss in 2022 even more impressive.
Sippin’ on a Nespresso medium roast, not sure which one to be honest with you. Forgot to check! Regardless, very good.
The Red Raiders have a key component going for them heading into the 2023 season. Experience, and a lot of it. I’m sure many of you have seen some of the early hype that this program has received in some pre-season predictions. All of these are a result of the experience the Red Raiders have. The biggest loss without a doubt is edge rusher Tyree Wilson who was selected by the Raiders in the first round and deservedly so. Wilson was a menace on defense and I’m sure every Big 12 team will be thankful to not have to see him on the other side of the ball in 2023.
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The defense for the Red Raiders is oozing with experience and talent. Every projected starter for the defense in 2023 is classified as a Junior or Senior. Not to mention 5 of the 11 utilized their redshirt season so you can tack another year of experience onto them as well. If there has been a build up for success in Lubbock, this year is what they have been waiting for and everybody is anticipating the years of work to pay off.
Offensively, Tech returns reliable QB Tyler Shough. Shough was reliable in practically every category except remaining healthy. Tech found themselves depending on their backups to come in and produce for times Shough was out with injury. Good news is Tech is expected to have 3 experiences seniors on the offensive line this season to hopefully provide Shough with significantly better protection in 2023. Tech ranked tied for 112th in 2022 with 41 (!!!) sacks allowed in 2022. Not pretty. I think* the only way is up for the Red Raiders in 2022 in terms of QB protection which would vastly improve their offense.
Tech won’t have a cake walk in 2023 to prove that they are as good as we are anticipating. Week 2 consist of the Red Raiders playing host to the Oregon Ducks. A game that could immediately put the Red Raiders on the radar of threatening teams in 2023. In conference play, Tech will get Kansas State, TCU, Texas, and a trip to Baylor for their toughest tests. No Oklahoma which is a plus as Tech ends up on the wrong side of that matchup more often than not.
For this upcoming season, I’m anticipating Tech to earn a record of 7–5. I ’m far from against the hype this program is receiving but believe the Big 12 to be very competitive and think we’ll see the toll be taken on a few teams and I expect it to be what keeps Tech from reaching the top of the conference standings at the end of the season.
