Texas Tech’s 2-0 start has the Red Raiders sitting in a familiar spotlight, and the conversation around them is already getting louder. Some fans, college football media members, and popular social media accounts are asking whether Texas Tech is really built like a national championship contender.
That debate comes with a Friday-night measuring stick. The college basketball national TV schedule is starting to roll out, and one of the early highlights is a Big Monday matchup between Texas Tech and Houston.
Big matchup for Big Monday 📅#TTW x @espn pic.twitter.com/I7cmbF8MbJ
On the football side, the Red Raiders are still getting plenty of respect even after a less-than-dominant showing against Oregon State. Texas Tech checked in at No. 13 in the AP poll and No. 12 in the latest Coaches poll heading into the game with the Cougars.
Staying put in the AP Poll pic.twitter.com/YG9yVYiepi
Back up to No. 12 in the Coaches Poll pic.twitter.com/vN9oMPMpY6
There’s also some intrigue around the injury front. Two key Texas Tech players who sat out the Oregon State game could be available Friday night against No.
22 Houston. Tight end Terrance Carter, who missed the game with a foot issue, and EDGE Trey White, who has not played yet this year because of a knee injury, are both expected to be monitored through the week and could become game-time decisions.
Sources: Two key Texas Tech players are expected to be game-time decisions for No. 22 Houston on Friday.
Tight end Terrance Carter (foot) missed the Oregon State game and EDGE Trey White (knee) hasn't played yet this year. Both will be monitored through the week, as there's a… pic.twitter.com/2YMCNrG4Nh
One of the more eye-catching honors from the Oregon State win went to an unusual winner. Instead of the usual kicker or return specialist, punter Will Karoll earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week for his work against the Beavers.
Will Karoll is your Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/0yQWxvqRmM
The victory itself was a grind, but Texas Tech found a way. The Red Raiders came from behind on the road, scoring two touchdowns in the final 6:30 to beat Oregon State 35-27 and remain unbeaten early in the season.
Away from the field, the Texas Tech football documentary The Program: Texas Tech has been getting positive reviews, with the show available now on Paramount+.
Standing ovations across the board for The Program: Texas Tech 👏👏👏Streaming now on Paramount+ #SuperSportsWeek pic.twitter.com/Vq3Ouwo7Ir
The week also brought some notable movement in another Texas Tech program. The school announced that volleyball head coach Tony Graystone has been dismissed, and Alisa Blair will take over as interim head coach for the rest of the season.
Texas Tech announces it has dismissed Tony Graystone as volleyball head coach.Alisa Blair will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/NrIpARNiiJ
Texas Tech women’s soccer, meanwhile, is off to a strong start. The Red Raiders are unbeaten at 4-0-3 and ranked in the top 20.
You showed up. We made history. pic.twitter.com/OO33vF0QJj
There was also a birthday celebration for one of the most recognizable mascots in college sports.
Happy Birthday, @TTURaiderRed! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/nksJqKh9CV
And Texas Tech had a couple of former defensive standouts turn heads in the NFL. Jets rookie pass rusher David Bailey posted a team-high six pressures in the season-opening win over the Titans, good for a 23.1% pressure rate, and he also recorded a sack after forcing Cam Ward out of bounds.
In Other News...
Texas Tech Suddenly Has A Friday Night Concern Fans Can't Ignore
Texas Techs first official injury report for its Big 12 matchup with Houston brought the kind of midweek uncertainty that always changes the conversation around a Friday night game. Cornerback Amier Boyd was ruled out, while wide receiver Kenny Johnson, tight end Terrance Carter Jr., safety Brenden Jordan and edge rusher Trey White were all listed as questionable, giving the Red Raiders a little less clarity than they would have liked heading into the stretch run of preparation.
Trey White drew the most attention because head coach Joey McGuire said the edge rusher is a game-time decision, which leaves Texas Tech waiting on one of the more important names on the report. For a team trying to line up its defensive plan and sort out its offensive and special teams options, the final hours before kickoff suddenly matter a lot more than they did earlier in the week. [Read more 🡒]
Texas Tech's Shakiest Defensive Issue Gets Tested Again Friday
Texas Techs secondary came out of the Oregon State game with some questions it still needs to answer, and the timing is not ideal with Houston up next Friday. The Red Raiders were stressed by freshman wide receiver Jessee Legree, a reminder that the back end can be vulnerable when an opponent finds the right matchup and starts winning cleanly downfield.
Houston brings another test with top receiver Amare Thomas having been productive this season, so this is the kind of matchup that can expose lingering issues if Texas Tech does not tighten up quickly. The Red Raiders do have some help on the way, though, with starting safety Brenden Jordan set to return from suspension and a chance that pass rusher Trey White will be back from injury, giving the defense a better shot at keeping pressure on the Cougars' passing game. [Read more 🡒]
Texas Tech Heads Into Friday With One Offensive Concern Still Lingering
Texas Techs buildup to Fridays Big 12 game against Houston has been about polishing what already looks sharp at quarterback and tightening up the parts of the offense that have been less reliable. Offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich said Will has been efficient and continues to trend in the right direction, giving the Red Raiders a steady presence as they prepare for another conference test. The overall picture sounds encouraging, with the passing game drawing the kind of confidence coaches like to hear this time of year.
The lingering concern is on the ground, where the running game has not yet found the same rhythm. Leftwich pointed to execution details rather than a lack of effort, and he made clear the burden falls on the offensive line and the rest of the offense to clean it up. For a team entering a short week with conference stakes attached, getting that part sorted out could matter just as much as whatever the quarterback does well. [Read more 🡒]