Football <\/p>\n
Josh Kelly stole the show last year, especially with that masterpiece in Ames. But while Kelly and Coy carried the spotlight, Douglas quietly showed flashes of being Tech\u2019s most dynamic weapon. He consistently created separation, won jump balls, and delivered explosive plays when the offense needed juice. With an expanded role, Douglas has the complete game to dominate the full route tree and establish himself as a true No. 1.<\/p>\n
Not to get too Lord Varys from Game of Thrones, but there are whispers that Micah has been everything they thought he could be last year, this year. I\u2019m still skeptical, there have been very few players succeed after a saga like Micah\u2019s, but there is a role available for him, that fits his skill set, and there\u2019s no real reason he can\u2019t take it. <\/p>\n
Williams has that rare blend of speed, agility, and versatility you just don\u2019t see often. Pair that with Leftwich\u2019s creativity, and you\u2019ve got the makings of a matchup nightmare. The only caveat: the Joyner injury may force him into too many traditional RB snaps, limiting how much his full skill set is showcased.<\/p>\n
Every offseason we hear about the tight ends, and every season it feels like smoke and mirrors. Last year had moments, but the position was still more window dressing than core weapon. This year should be different. Between Texas State\u2019s film under Leftwich and the undeniable talent in the TE room, it\u2019s hard to see this group not becoming a real, consistent part of the attack.<\/p>\n
OFEI<\/a> is the opponent-adjusted possession efficiency data representing the scoring advantage per non-garbage possession<\/a> an offense would expect to have on a neutral field against an average opponent defense. Tech was 57th last season. With better talent, scheme upgrades, and more explosive weapons, a jump into the top 20 feels realistic.<\/p>\n Turnovers have haunted Tech: +1 last year, -6 in both 2023 and 2022. That trend flips this season. If Tech hits +10, it\u2019s probably the single biggest indicator that this team is making a serious run.<\/p>\n Is \u201csack margin\u201d a thing? Idk, but it\u2019s important for us. Last season, Tech was -4, 2023 -3, 2022 +10. Prediction 6 & 7 are obviously related, and even more closely related to the work done in the transfer portal in the trenches. I\u2019m choosing to trust this staff\u2019s work here. <\/p>\n Drive Success Rate<\/a> is the opponent offensive drive success rate (DSR<\/strong>) on non-garbage<\/a>, regulation drives in FBS vs. FBS games. Drive success rate is the percentage of drives that end with a touchdown or field goal attempt. Last season Texas Tech was 76th, Houston was, uh, 106th. <\/p>\n Sharpe\u2019s 15-sack season in 2009 is legendary. By late October, we\u2019ll be tracking whether Bailey can break it. He\u2019s a technician with freaky efficiency off the edge , it\u2019s beautiful to watch. <\/p>\n Wisniewski looks the part of an NFL safety, fast, rangy, physical, and instinctive. The questions about his injury layoff and competition level will fade once he strings together consistent tape against Big 12 offenses.<\/p>\n I went into this with a prediction of 9-3 and still going\/winning the Big 12 title. As stupid as it may be, that was mostly because I could just not picture this program achieving this level of success. I also hate the schedule, and as much as I like the new coordinators, integrating two new schemes worries me. BUT, I cannot ignore what my eyes tell me. This is a 10-2 roster. I\u2019m going with the jimmy\u2019s and joe\u2019s over X\u2019s and O\u2019s approach here. <\/p>\n Yes, I already screwed up and booked a trip the same weekend. So I\u2019ll be chanting \u201cRaider Power\u201d through the streets of Paris, and if need be, \u201cPuissance du Raider.\u201d This team has the pieces. This should be the expectation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n6. Tech Will Be at Least +10 in Turnover Margin<\/h2>\n
7. Tech Will Be at Least +15 in Sack Margin<\/h2>\n
8. Tech Will Finish Top 15 in Defensive Drive Success Rate<\/h2>\n
9. David Bailey<\/a><\/strong> Will Put Brandon Sharpe\u2019s Sack Record in Play<\/h2>\n
10. Cole Wisniewski<\/a><\/strong> Will Lock in as a Day 2 Draft Pick<\/h2>\n
11. Texas Tech Will Go 10-2<\/h2>\n
12. Texas Tech Will Win the Big 12 Championship<\/h2>\n