HC Tommy Tuberville is entering his third year as the HC in Lubbock, and it is typically during the third year that things start to really take shape for a HC. Finally, many of the guys on the field are guys that the HC recruited for his system, and left over attitudes from the old regime have finally matriculated out. What will this me of Texas Tech in 2013 then?
SR QB Seth Doege is coming of a season where he was tops in the country in completion percentage. It speaks to how accurate a passer he is, and bodes well for his 2013 prospects. Unfortunately, he is not mobile under center, and that will lead to him coming out of the game from time to time, in favor of the athletic understudy, rFR Michael Brewer. Brewer is a Tuberville recruit, and the future signal caller for this offense, but that will have to wait until 2014 to fully take. For now, it will be Doege's team. Doege has a nice battery of wide receivers at his disposal this year, all of whom can get it done. SRs Alex Torres and Darrin Moore, along with JR Eric Ward make for an experienced unit who should be quite reliable barring injuries of course. Unfortunately, the running game does not to appear to be in the same shape. SR Eric Stephens is coming off an injury, and is uncertain to even return. Behind him are some decent, but not outstanding ball players. Up front, this o-line is questionable, except for SR OT LaAdrian Waddle. He could become a mid round prospect with another strong season.
Defensively, this Red Raider's team has some guys who will stand out, but unfortunately, not enough of them. The defensive front is comprised of mix of upper and underclassmen. My expectations for this unit are low, and it will take one of these guys really stepping it up to help them to compete. The linebackers have an emerging ball player, JR Terrance Bullitt who will fly around making plays all season. He can penetrate and tackle, and that will be so valuable for this team. Also helping will be the addition of JUCO transfer, MLB Will Smith. Smith has already emerged as a leader for this team, and if his play is as advertised, the linebackers will be leading the charge in 2013. The secondary will need to find two reliable corners, and be able to stick with them if they are going to avoid duplicating their terrible performance from a year ago. The safeties are talented though, especially SR Cody Davis. If the unit can stay healthy and gel together, they should show improvement over last season.
Although it will be that all important third year with Tuberville at the helm, I am not expecting much from the Red Raiders. I think despite having some talent on offense, they will be too one dimensional. On defense, they have some talented players, but no real depth, and a very questionable front. Last season Texas Tech went 5-7, and I expect similar numbers from them in 2013.
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