2015
Texas Tech
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Once again there is hope for Texas Tech to be relevant, but hope and actuality are two different things. The Red Raiders were historically bad on the defensive end last year giving up 41.3 points per Game, almost last in the nation. Their two Conference wins came against the worst teams in the Big 12, although showed some fight against Oklahoma and Baylor at the end of the year.
5 dimes sportsbook lists the Texas Tech at odds of 275 to 1 to win the National Championship and 25 to 1 to win the Big 12. Their total wins are posted at over or under 6 and bettors are favoring the under with that prop.
The Red Raiders are in an interesting position with Davis Webb and Patrick Mahomes fighting for the starting quarterback spot. Both played significant time last year and both looked more than capable. Mahomes had the better numbers on average, but threw 150 less passes. No matter who wins, this offense should once again be successful under Kliff Kingsbury. They also return plenty of top running backs and wide receivers to make matters easier for the QB. DeAndre Washington (1,103 yards) is the lead back, but sophomore Justin Stockton is expected to get a few more touches (8.3 yards per carry) as he’s probably one of the fastest players in the conference. On the receiving end, Jakeem Grant (67 receptions) will likely lead the crew again with a few other guys that have plenty of experience.
Even the offensive line is returning Four starters with three of them being seniors. Depth may be a concern, but if they stay healthy, this group will be set.
After the terrible defensive season, Texas Tech brought in new coordinator David Gibbs, who has experience in the NFL, and is coming over from the Houston Cougars.
The line is working with Four senior players that include Branden Jackson and Pete Robertson off the edges, which Gibbs is excited about. DT freshman Breiden Fehoko is set to be a stud as well. The one addition to this defense that may have the biggest impact is Ohio State transfer Mike Mitchell at linebacker. He hasn’t played the last two years, but his talent should be a step up for this defense along with middle backer Micah Awe. The secondary may need the most work with a young group, but that’s not a bad thing after what happened in 2014.
We’ll get to see if this defense has improved at all right away. After two early Games that should be wins, Texas Tech gets to travel to Arkansas and then face TCU and Baylor. That’s a brutal Schedule early in the season. Wins may not be expected, but if they compete, that’ll definitely be a positive for this team. The Red Raiders will then face Iowa State and Kansas (last year’s Big 12 wins) with a chance to get back on track. The real tests to see if they can increase their win total will be home Games against Oklahoma State and Kansas State.
This team is right on the edge of a bowl Game, but if the defense does improve, which it should, the offense has enough weapons returning to get to at least five wins this season. That elusive sixth win will be there for the taking as well.
2015 Texas Tech Football Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Sam Houston State
Sept. 12 vs. UTEP
Sept. 19 at Arkansas
Sept. 26 vs. TCU
Oct. 3 vs. Baylor (AT&T Stadium)
Oct. 10 vs. Iowa State
Oct. 17 at Kansas
Oct. 24 at Oklahoma
Oct. 31 vs. Oklahoma State
Nov. 7 at West Virginia
Nov. 14 vs. Kansas State
Nov. 26 at Texas