Neal Brown's coaching career went to the next level against WVU in Lubbock back in 2012. His offense racked up almost 700 yards in an epic dismantling of the #5 ranked Mountaineers. That 2012 offense Neal put together was really good, maybe the best non-Mahomes offense in the last decade plus. Neal parlayed success at Tech into the Troy job and, ultimately, the WVU job. I like Neal.
However, I got a bad feeling about his career trajectory after what might happen Saturday. WVU's defense is no bueno. That's been well discussed around here. They can't defend the pass. They also could be without their best 3 cover guys in the first half of Saturday's game because of injury or suspension.
They have 2 linebackers that essentially play every snap of the game. Both are objectively bad at football. In fact, they each have the lowest coverage grade on PFF that I've seen for an everyday-starter.
One of their better edge rushers (Sean Martin) should be out or compromised in this game.
Tech's offense is also due. Really due to go off.
We are going to tempo the hell out of them -- this could be a 15+ possession game, which I think favors the deeper Red Raider defense compared to the issues WVU has defensively.
I think our pass rush also causes problems for a QB that can't evade pressure like the ones we've seen the last few weeks. Tyree Wilson and our veteran interior guys are due to take over a game.
Last but not least, I ran into one source very close to Red Raider Sports the other morning. He had his hood pulled up over his head and he was walking in a parking lot, about to get into a massive jacked up Dodge Ram pick-up truck. I asked for his thoughts about JT Daniels overall, as a QB and as a leader of men. His response... "straight trash, homie"... that's what this RRS source said. Straight trash, homie.
Needless to say, I feel good about this game. For the first time since Murray State, we will have the better team. We're playing at home. Coming off of a bye week.
It may not be obvious, but it's a must win game for Texas Tech. If we want to make a bowl game and have a season that we all feel good about, winning Saturday just has to happen. I don't think we come out flat like we have seen a couple times the last 3-4 weeks.
It will make me a teeny tiny bit sad that a beat down by the Red Raiders puts a nail into the Neal Brown coffin at WVU. Oh well.... Tech crushing WVU in Lubbock will be the circle of life for Neal Brown's coaching career.
Texas Tech 47
West Virginia 23
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