Texas Tech Fans Need Realistic Expectations for Red Raider Football

Ten days remain until Texas Tech Red Raider Football kicks off against the SMU Mustangs in Dallas on Friday, August 30^th.

The Red Raiders have questions at quarterback, a new offensive line, and another Defensive Coordinator with another defensive scheme (Matt Wallerstedt is the fifth DC is as many years for the Red Raiders if you’ve lost count).

Fan expectations are high after the hiring of Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury in December of last year. Fans were divided after the firing of Mike Leach and Tommy Tuberville couldn’t quite capture the fan base support he coveted to succeed in Lubbock.

Fans are still high with expectations in spite of the uncertainty at quarterback with most expecting 8 wins, excitement, and a bowl game.

Before the injury to Michael Brewer was released, I initially predicted Tech to finish at 7-5 this season and a 7^th place finish in the Big 12 Conference. You can read my preview of the Red Raiders here.

I’m uncomfortable with the prospect of a true freshman starting under center for Texas Tech, but Davis Webb was a highly touted prospect and Baker Mayfield from Lake Travis isn’t a scrub either.

Both are vastly more talented than what SMU with trot out in the season opener. Yes, both are better than Garrett Gilbert and the talent around them is superior.

Both QB’s offer different skill sets than the other and would be able to adequately run the Kingsbury offense. The pressure for the Texas Tech Offense will be on their deepest and most talented position, the running backs.

If backs Kenny Williams, DeAndre Washington, and Tyler Middleton can effectively run the ball and take pressure off which ever freshman starts for Tech at SMU if Brewer isn’t ready.

The other key position for the Red Raiders to help take pressure off the freshmen who could start at QB are the receiver position. Senior Eric Ward, Tight End Jace Amaro, and the return of Bradley Marquez will be safety nets for Webb or Mayfield when they take the field.

Fans need to check their expectations at the stadium entrance for this season if Brewer can’t go. The fate of the team this season doesn’t rest on his shoulders, but a true freshman or redshirt freshman at QB for Tech will provide growing pains for the fans no matter how talented they are.

The Red Raiders will be exciting again this season, but let’s try to hold realistic expectations. 7-5 will be a good season considering where the team is at today, on August 20^th.