THREE AND OUT: HOUSTON

The Red Raiders beat Houston on the road and start the season 3-0. Here's the post game three and out.

FIRST DOWN

The defense took a huge step forward this week. As of today, Texas Tech ranks #2 in forced turnovers and #43 in total defense. Take a moment and let that sink in because for the last three seasons Tech has consistently ranked in the bottom three in defense.

The Red Raiders recorded five turnovers against the Cougars in the form of three fumbles and and a pair of interceptions by Jordyn Brooks and Dakota Allen. The defense also managed to hold Houston to 110 rushing yards after being dead last in run defense last year.

SECOND DOWN

Offensively, the Red Raiders had a decent day. Shimonek went 29/45 for 321 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Keke Coutee was the leading receiver with 11 catches for 161 yards and one touchdown.

Despite the pressure from Ed Oliver and the Cougar defensive line, Tech was able to average 6.1 yards per carry for 200 total yards rushing. Stockton led the way with 10 carries for 102 yards and one receiving touchdown. Trè King was right behind with 9 carries for 98 yards. Nisby only had two touches for two yards but one of those was good for a touchdown. Nibsy's limited action was possibly due to a turf toe injury from a couple weeks ago.

THIRD DOWN

The biggest blemish in what was an otherwise solid offensive outing was a drop by Derrick Willies inside the 20 which would have resulted in a touchdown. There was also an interception which bounced off of Willies hands and resulted in a Houston touchdown drive.

Another huge issue was the missed field goals by the freshmen Michael Ewton, who went 1/3. Clayton Hatfield was still out with an injury sustained in fall camp. Ewton was solid with extra points against Eastern Washington but it looked like the heat and the pressure may have gotten to him. With any luck, Hatfield will be back for Oklahoma State. If not, it will be hard to overcome missed field goals if Ewton isn't on his game by Saturday.

AND OUT

Penalties were also a huge issue particularly from the offensive line. False starts were rampant in Houston and I think the heat and humidity may have been a factor for a unit that played a very clean game against Arizona State last week. Defensively, penalties were cleaned up after being an issue last week.

On a final note. Vaughnte Dorsey is back in Lubbock after being treated for a concussion in Houston. Kingsbury said on Sunday that Dorsey “feels great” and they will see “where it goes from here”.