Nothing earth shattering here, but a nice write up:
He lists Oklahoma State among his list of Power 5 teams poised to improve, which is no surprise.
But Lassan also singles out Texas Tech as a team that could be on the rise.
"While this team underachieved in 2014, a rebound is in store in 2015," Lassan wrote.
I can understand his line of thinking in picking the Red Raiders, especially since Kliff Kingsbury's teams have been explosive on offense during his first two seasons in charge.
But an improved defense is critical for Tech under new defensive coordinator David Gibbs. His focus on creating more turnovers has been well documented, but another key for Tech will be its defensive line. There is hope in the form of true freshman Breiden Fehoko, who could push for plenty of playing time during his first season, and Big 12 sack master Pete Robertson's ability to slide down to defensive end as needed. But the depth at the position is lacking with unproven players needing to be counted on in the fall.
Until someone emerges as a defensive playmaker up front, it's hard for me to consider the Red Raiders on the rise.
While this team underachieved in 2014, a rebound is in store for 2015. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-foo...most-improved-teams-2015#sthash.lSplZvrv.dpuf
While this team underachieved in 2014, a rebound is in store for 2015. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-foo...most-improved-teams-2015#sthash.lSplZvrv.dpuf
Article
http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/100407/a-pair-of-big-12-teams-could-be-on-the-rise
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Brandon Chatmon, ESPN Staff Writer
He lists Oklahoma State among his list of Power 5 teams poised to improve, which is no surprise.
But Lassan also singles out Texas Tech as a team that could be on the rise.
"While this team underachieved in 2014, a rebound is in store in 2015," Lassan wrote.
I can understand his line of thinking in picking the Red Raiders, especially since Kliff Kingsbury's teams have been explosive on offense during his first two seasons in charge.
But an improved defense is critical for Tech under new defensive coordinator David Gibbs. His focus on creating more turnovers has been well documented, but another key for Tech will be its defensive line. There is hope in the form of true freshman Breiden Fehoko, who could push for plenty of playing time during his first season, and Big 12 sack master Pete Robertson's ability to slide down to defensive end as needed. But the depth at the position is lacking with unproven players needing to be counted on in the fall.
Until someone emerges as a defensive playmaker up front, it's hard for me to consider the Red Raiders on the rise.
While this team underachieved in 2014, a rebound is in store for 2015. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-foo...most-improved-teams-2015#sthash.lSplZvrv.dpuf
While this team underachieved in 2014, a rebound is in store for 2015. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-foo...most-improved-teams-2015#sthash.lSplZvrv.dpuf
Article
http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/100407/a-pair-of-big-12-teams-could-be-on-the-rise
