No. 12 Texas Tech expects repeat after 1st Big 12 title and playoff appearance last year
Texas Tech, ranked 12th, anticipates another successful year following their first Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance last season. The team, which drafted 12 players, including six defensive ones, appears well-prepared despite the off-season turmoil surrounding transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was initially their starter before his eligibility was called into question.
The Red Raiders bolstered their roster significantly through the transfer portal, adding 10 upperclassmen to the defensive line, which should bolster their chances of success. Key additions include linebacker Austin Romaine, who amassed 162 tackles over his two seasons at Kansas State, and edge rushers Trey White and Adam Trick. Both White and Trick have impressive sack records of 19.5 and 13, respectively, from their stints at San Diego State and Miami, Ohio.
Recurring starter Ben Roberts returns as a three-year starter, leading the Big 12 in 90 tackles and securing two interceptions during the championship game. Cornerback Brice Pollock, who recorded a Big 12-leading five interceptions, also reprises his role.
Quarterback Will Hammond, drafted in the NFL, is set to fill the shoes of Behren Morton, who suffered an ACL injury in October and Sorsby's transfer from Cincinnati. Hammond is confident he will be fully fit for the season opener and has a strong support system in place.
On the offensive side, running backs Cameron Dickey and J'Koby Williams, with 1,124 and 868 yards, respectively, will return from last season. Their combined effort was instrumental in Texas Tech's offensive strategy. Dickey also contributed six touchdowns on the ground, while Williams added six rushing touchdowns and four more through the air.
Defensively, the team's new starting lineup is expected to gel well, as many players are backed up by fresh transfers. The defensive front features DL Bryce Butler from Washington, DT Mateen Ibirogba from Wake Forest, WR Kenny Johnson from Pittsburgh, Romaine, WR Malcolm Simmons from Auburn, and linebackers David Bailey (New York Jets), Romello Height (San Francisco), Lee Hunter (Carolina), and Jacob Rodriguez (Miami).
They will face off against No. 23 Houston on September 18, Arizona State on October 17, and TCU on November 26.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
