After a tough loss to a great team on the road, the Red Raiders head home to take on the Longhorns in Lubbock for one last time. First, we will break down Saturday’s game and then look towards the coming weekend’s matchup.
NC State Notes
Well it was not a pretty game by any means, but the Red Raiders hung in there. If it wasn’t for a (very) questionable fourth down attempt on their own 35, they would have covered at least. It’s hard to give an accurate reaction to the offensive production in this game because of these several factors.
This is the best defensive front Tech will play all season, and the O-line weakness will remain a problem. They could not run the ball hardly at all because the elite NC State defense was teeing off on the O-line. Seriously, 26 carries for 54 yards even counting the 4 sacks taken is nasty business.
Donovan Smith made some poor decisions, specifically the pick-6, but he’s running for his life and forcing things. Yes, he looks down his reads too much, but he’s also won the two biggest games for the school since Mahomes was drafted. That is winning the Leach Bowl and beating Iowa State after the Matt Wells firing in my opinion. (Don’t even try to tell me Texas in 2017, winning that game then losing in the bowl to USF immediately after was horrible.) Overreacting to a massive road test that was closer than the final score is a waste of everyone’s time.
Defensive Battle
First, send positive and healing thoughts to linebacker Bryce Ramirez, who is being monitored for his leg fracture still in North Carolina. This was a horrible injury and we wish him the best recovery possible during the rehab process.
Overall, the defense played extremely well minus the free running receiver on this double pass. This play came right after the horrible fourth down try, and killed whatever momentum Tech had left.
TRICKERATION!!!
Fourth career TD pass for WR @thayerthomas1 as he finds @kingmetrius_ for the 38-yard score in the 4th quarter.#HTT | #1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/hQ9konf0Qu
— NC State Football (@PackFootball) September 18, 2022
The pass game was forced into checking down a lot besides that lone play. Highlighted Tech player Tyree Wilson had a monster day, earning 2 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. The EDGE prospect had 11 total tackles, and heavily impacted Wolfpack QB Leary’s performance with his pressure. The Wolfpack threw for barely over 150 yards, and the rushers had to earn every ground yard gained.
NC State ran 37 times for an average of 3.0 yards per attempt, which is a very inefficient mark. Our highlighted opposing player, running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, was the MVP for the Wolfpack on Saturday. He rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown, while catching 4 passes for 93 yards and the double-pass touchdown.
Additionally, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson had a 1000 IQ play to save another touchdown to keep Tech in the game. Defensive backs act like they’re trying to do this all the time, so it was awesome to see one properly executed.
Playing ’til the whistle 😤 @TexasTechFB pic.twitter.com/oZwvqMGiBp
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 18, 2022
Longhorns in Lubbock: Opposing Talent
Texas Hate Week is one of the most important recurring holidays at Texas Tech, and happens in every major sport. Sending them to the SEC with a black eye would be a treat, especially in football where Tech has struggled. With million dollar man Quinn Ewers still injured, the Red Raiders are chomping at the bit to send them off with an L.
I have seen rumblings that Ewers could be available for the Tech game, but that seems risky to rush given the timetable for his injury. Starting Ewers this weekend would be a decision based on rivalry emotions and not the long-term health of the player.
The improved defense of the Red Raiders must contain future NFL running back Bijan Robinson for the Red Raiders to win. He ran all over Texas Tech last time these teams met for almost 200 total yards. Robinson had over 200 total yards and three scores last week, so he is coming into Lubbock red-hot. The Texas running back is a legit first round prospect even in an era that has devalued his position.
One thing that's important to remember about Bijan Robinson is he is better than the other players on the football field. pic.twitter.com/PvAWHCwAms
— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 18, 2022
Even possibly without Ewers, the passing game of Texas has elite talent in receivers Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington. DC Tim DeRuyter will look to keep them underneath the coverages and not let them take the top off of the defense. Backup Texas QB Hudson Card is more of a game manager, but he just has to get these weapons the ball to be successful. The Red Raiders have to pressure Card into mistakes and misfires to help keep the dangerous pieces in check.
Keys to Victory vs. Longhorns in Lubbock
The last time the Longhorns came to Lubbock was an absolute shootout, 63-56 for Texas in OT. This match has potential to be another showcase of firepower. It’s hard to believe in Texas’ defense when they allow the same amount of points to Alabama and UTSA. They’ll be able to pass rush and break up run plays, so it is vital for quick passes to be a big part of the game-plan. Donovan needs some easy completions to get into a rhythm to start the game. He has to accept what the defense is giving him, and sometimes that means checking it down.
One of the best ways for a poor blocking team like Tech to beat a strong defense is passing to the running back. The old Air Raid wisdom of “use the pass game as an extension of the run game” rings true. Quick pass sets and a prompt throw to the flat gets defenders moving laterally instead of downhill.
Another area Tech must grow in is the play-action pass usage to open up deeper passes. It would really help the young QB to have higher quality opportunities downfield instead of forcing it deep. However, the Red Raiders have to effectively run the ball out of the backfield for that to be possible.
If his reads aren’t open, it is vital for Donovan to take off with his rushing ability rather than stand in. Waiting in the pocket for somebody to get open with the protection he’s received is an invitation. This meaning an invitation to the defense to take his block off like they have the lost two weeks. The 6’5″, 230 pounder has great speed with his size and should go Cam Newton on fools more often.