LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-1) host the North Texas Mean Green (2-0) on Saturday at 11 a.m.
The Red Raiders struggled in more than one area earlier this year, but Joey McGuire says the focus right now is on better defense.
Here’s what you need to know before heading to Jones AT&T Stadium on Saturday morning.
Vinny Sciury is out for the rest of the season
Transferred offensive lineman Vinny Sciury left Saturday’s game against Washington State with a knee injury and never returned. McGuire announced that Sciury will be out for the rest of the season.
The Toledo transfer was slated to play left guard for the Red Raiders, but now some changes have to be made to fill his position.
McGuire said Davion Carter, who didn’t practice much last week, could come in at right guard, and Caleb Rogers, who is comfortable at left tackle, could easily move to the left guard position.
As for Sciury’s future, he has already asked McGuire and the staff to prepare medical records for his return to Lubbock next season.
Eric Morris returns to West Texas
North Texas coach Eric Morris, known as “The Elf” during his time at Texas Tech, is visiting the Mean Green for the first time to face the Red Raiders.
In his eleven years as offensive coordinator, Morris was the leading scorer of eight top offenses.
Morris is from Shallowater and was a wide receiver and quarterback for the Mustangs.
Previously, he was head coach at Incarnate Word and offensive coordinator at Washington State.
McGuire stresses that he needs to improve defensively, Brooks on the way to action
The Red Raiders currently rank 128th in total defense – just five spots away from being the worst in the country.
McGuire said that’s where they need to get it right. For the third week in a row, the Red Raiders will host a coach who likes to let off steam, and Tech is allowing an average of 515.5 yards through two games.
“I know where I stand. I’m in Lubbock, Texas – home of Mike Leach, one of the greatest offensive players in the world… But one of the most important things we have to do is play better defense… That has to start on that side of the ball.”
I know nobody believes that this is wearing red and black and the double T, but it has to start with us getting better on defense. And then we have to worry about the football.”
A big piece of the puzzle missing from Texas Tech’s offense last Saturday was running back Tahj Brooks, who was out with an arm injury.
McGuire said Brooks is doing really well and that they need him to maintain the rhythm and momentum of the offense.
Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley brought in the two running backs – Cam’Ron Valdez and Cameron Dickey – to step in for Brooks, who was out on Saturday.
Brooks is on track to return to the field. McGuire said he warmed up before kickoff on Saturday and is expected to practice on Tuesday. And barring any setbacks, McGuire expects him to play on Saturday.
Three Red Raiders are inducted into the Ring of Honor
A trio of Red Raider greats will join the Ring of Honor on Saturday alongside the likes of EJ Holub and Patrick Mahomes II.
Wes Welker, Andre Tillman and Thomas Howard will be honored for their time at Texas Tech as the Ring of Honor expands to 11 members with their induction.
Welker, like Morris, had a nickname when he wore the double T. “The Natural” suited Welker because he fit easily into Mike Leach’s offensive scheme.
Welker posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in his final two years in Lubbock in 2002 and 2003. Welker is the third all-time leading receiving yards player at Texas Tech, behind Michael Crabtree and Jakeem Grant. He also contributed on special teams with eight punt return touchdowns in his career, which is the second-best mark in NCAA history since 1976.
Tillman was a popular target for the Red Raiders offense from 1971 to 1973. The tight end finished his career with the Red Raiders by being named a First Team All-American with 54 catches for 766 yards and five touchdowns.
He was a member of arguably the best Texas Tech team in history, which finished 11-1 with a Gator Bowl victory over No. 20 Tennessee in 1973.
Howard is considered one of Texas Tech’s best defenders to ever play in the scarlet and black. He was named an All-American his senior year and made well over 100 tackles that season. The Red Raiders finished the 1976 season 10-1.
The linebacker attended Dunbar High School in Lubbock and is a member of the Texas Tech Hall of Fame and the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame
Raiderland Red Pale Ale available throughout Jones AT&T Stadium
Since NIL’s founding, craft beer collaborations have been taking place between local breweries and universities across the country. In Lubbock, Raiderland Red Pale Ale is designed to capture the essence of Texas Tech.
Texas Tech’s official NIL beer made its debut prior to the start of this season in downtown Lubbock at Two Docs Brewing Co., an all-Texas Tech alumni-owned brewery located at 502 Texas Ave.
With every purchase of Raiderland Red, a percentage goes back to student athletes through the Matador Club. 16-ounce cans of Raiderland Red can be purchased at all locations at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Not only is Raiderland Red available at Saturday football games, but it is also available at all Texas Tech Athletics venues where beer is sold.
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