Game Preview: #13 Texas Tech comes to Manhattan
- Derrick Kolle
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
Chris Klieman couldn’t be happier with his squad after a triumphant 42-17 win over in-state rivals, the Kansas Jayhawks. Klieman’s squad bounced back after going down 7 early in what Klieman called “a really good environment” in Lawrence. However, the celebration will be short, as the Wildcats shift their focus towards #13 Texas Tech, which comes to Manhattan this Saturday.
Texas Tech was busy during the offseason, utilizing its generous NIL donations and stacking up through the transfer portal, as well as adding a couple of high-profile high school recruits. It’s a method that has worked really well so far this season, making light work of most teams that have come through their path.
Texas Tech has one loss that came at the hands of Arizona State this season. However, make no mistake, Tech was without Its Senior starting QB, Behren Morton, against ASU and Oklahoma State over the past two weeks. However, Morton is expected to return to action this Saturday against Kansas State. A big lift for that Texas Tech offense.
Chris Klieman expects an “electric crowd” this Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Coach Klieman should absolutely be right as the Wildcats welcome in the #13 team in the country, and now with an outside chance at reaching the Big 12 Championship, should the Wildcats win out and get some help along the way. However, no game like this will be an easy one.
Klieman labels Texas Tech’s defensive line as “without a doubt” the toughest challenge the Kansas State offensive line has had all year. The defensive line was one of the biggest priority adds for Texas Tech in the offseason, and they sure did address it. Texas Tech’s defensive line is made up of high-profile transfers from other schools who have thus far been one of the top defensive units in the entire country. They create havoc in the trenches, holding other teams to mediocre run games and getting a ton of pressure and sacks on opposing quarterbacks. No question it will be a major focus in this game if Tech can create havoc in the trenches.
Kansas State will once again be without star running back Dylan Edwards due to injury. A loss that could be pivotal in trying to control and have success in the run game. In Edwards’ recent absences, Joe Jackson and DeVon Rice have taken the bulk of the carries and have found some success. It will be a big test for the young running backs and for the offensive line to create holes against an elite defensive line.
Klieman has also made note to credit offensive coordinator Matt Wells, who has called a really good Wildcat offense in recent weeks, scoring 34 or more points in each of the past 4 games. The offense starts with Dual Threat QB Avery Johnson, who is playing the best ball of his collegiate career this year. A passing game that has vastly improved this year comes with one of, if not the best, WR in the Big 12, Jayce Brown, who has amassed more than 100 total yards in 4/7 games this year, as well as finding the end zone 5 times.
Finding success in the passing game will likely be one of the biggest focuses should the Wildcats come out victorious on Saturday. The Wildcat defense will also need to keep Texas Tech’s high-profile offense in check. A squad that has gotten better as the year has progressed and is also third in the country in takeaways with 17. They have also held opposing offenses to 28 or fewer in all but two games this year. The Wildcats will have their hands full as they try and come out victorious this weekend.