LSU and Texas Tech don’t cross paths often in the college football world.
The last time the two teams met was 1957. Plenty of things have changed for both teams since then and many Tiger fans don’t remember the game anyway. So who are the 2015 Red Raiders?
Head Coach: Kliff Kingsbury
Record at Texas Tech: 19-18
Bowl Record: 1-0 (won Holiday Bowl in 2013)
Experience: First head coaching job
Kingsbury is one of the youngest head coaches in college football at only 36 years old. He was the Red Raiders’ quarterback 1998-2002. In fact, Les Miles faced Kingsbury as the head coach at Oklahoma State in 2001 and 2002. Miles lost both meetings to the now Red-Raider head coach. He totaled 865 yards and 8 touchdowns in the two games.
Offensive Scheme: Uptempo Spread Offense
Texas Tech runs the same offense as much of the Big 12. The Red Raiders like to spread you out with four and five receiver sets and move uptempo throughout the game. Many of LSU’s players compared their tempo to Auburn’s, but unlike the Tigers, the Red Raiders are a passing first offense.
Offensive Playmakers
QB Patrick Mahomes (So.)
Passing Stats: 65% completion pct., 4283 yards, 32 TDs, 14 INTs
Rushing Stats: 118 carries, 484 yards, 10 TDs
Mahomes is a two-way quarterback. He is an accurate thrower and can run when it’s available. Look for Mahomes to put pressure on LSU’s defense with both his skills.
RB DeAndre Washington (Sr.)
Rushing Stats: 233 carries, 1455 yards, 14 TDs
Receiving Stats: 34 receptions, 304 yards, 2 TDs
Washington saw a huge jump in rushing touchdowns this season. He only had 2 all of last season. He enters the bowl game with seven times that number this year. Washington’s increase in production has been a big boost to the Red Raiders offense. But at only 5-foot-8 201 lbs, don’t look for Washington to run over any LSU linebackers.
WR Jakeem Grant (Sr.)
Receiving Stats: 80 receptions, 1143 yards, 7 TDs
The Red Raiders start three receivers shorter than six-feet. Their spread attack centers around smaller, quick pass catchers. Grant is the leader of the Tech receiving corps and could cause problems for LSU unless they find an answer at the nickel corner. Look for LSU to try to jam the Tech receivers to help out the Tigers’ bigger defensive backs.
Defensive Scheme: Aggressive 4-3
The Red Raiders run a typical 4-3 defense except one of the defensive ends is considered a rush end. Tech may change this philosophy facing LSU’s run heavy offense. If the Tigers fall behind, expect the Red Raiders to use their base scheme.
Defensive Playmakers
LB Michael Awe (Sr.)
Defensive Stats: 109 tackles, 70 solo, 5.5 TFL
Awe is the Red Raiders’ middle linebacker and defensive leader in tackles and solo tackles. He made the All-Big 12 Second Team.
LB Pete Robertson (Sr.)
Defensive Stats: 61 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 5 sacks
Robertson is the Red Raiders sack leader. He plays predominantly from the rush end position discussed above. He’s aggressive to the opponent’s backfield and leads Tech in tackles for loss by more than double any other player.
DB J.J. Gaines (Sr.)
Defensive Stats: 4 Interceptions, 79 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2 forced fumbles
Gaines leads the team in interceptions, including a pick six in the season opener. He’s a senior leader on the Tech defense and has played in every game.
2015 Schedule
Sept. 5 – Sam Houston St. W 59-45
Sept. 12 – UTEP W 69-20
Sept. 19 – @ Arkansas W 35-24
Sept. 26 – TCU L 52-55
Oct. 3 – @ Baylor L 35-63
Oct. 10 – Iowa State W 66-31
Oct. 17 – @ Kansas W 30-20
Oct 24. – @ Oklahoma L 27-63
Oct. 31 – Oklahoma State L 53-70
Nov. 7 – @ West Virginia L 26-31
Nov. 14 – Kansas State W 59-44
Nov. 26 – @ Texas W 48-45
