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Tale of the Tape: Texas vs. Texas Tech

Joe Cookby:Joe Cook•09/23/22•

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(Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

As the Longhorns travel to Lubbock to face the Red Raiders, where does Texas have an advantage? Conversely, where might the Red Raiders have the upper hand?

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A look at each position in the tale of the tape.

Quarterback

Some intrigue exists at this position for both teams. Texas Tech pulled Donovan Smith for Behren Morton late in the Red Raiders’ loss to NC State. No matter who has been under center for Tech, they’ve turned the ball over. Whether Hudson Card or Quinn Ewers, Texas has the advantage. Due to their health, it is not a major one.

Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas 

Running back

Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson are two of the top backs in the Big 12. SaRodorick Thompson and Tahj Brooks are capable runners and Texas should respect their ability, but they aren’t the same quality as the Longhorn duo.

Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas

Wide receiver

When will Xavier Worthy get going and find the end zone? That’s one of the biggest questions facing the Longhorn offense away from the quarterback position so far. The Red Raiders have tall receivers that could give Texas fits, as well as a player in the slot in Myles Price who is a tough matchup. This one borders on even, but flip a coin to see whether it stays there or on advantage Texas.

Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas

Tight end

Between Mason Tharp and Baylor Cupp, there are talented players at the position for the Red Raiders. Ja’Tavion Sanders is single-handedly outpacing them and making an impact without the football in his hands.

Tale of the tape: Major advantage Texas 

Offensive line

The Longhorns have fared decently in recent matchups and seemingly found their groove in the run game against UTSA. Tech has protection problems, but does get a quality player back this week. In the interests of fairness, this one is even.

Tale of the tape: Even

Defensive line

Texas Tech has a lot of veterans on its defense, but so too do the Texas Longhorns. This may be where the game is won and lost.

Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas

Linebacker

Being without DeMarvion Overshown for a half is a significant loss for the Longhorns as a result of a targeting penalty, but Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey has played good football and Pete Kwiatkowski’s unit should be able to overcome the absence of Agent Zero for 30 minutes.

Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas

Secondary

Many of the same players who were on the field when the Red Raiders surrendered 70 points to the Longhorns, most of them to the Texas offense, return this year. They have experience and homefield advantage, but Texas’ defensive backs have made sure to keep things in front of them this season in addition to tackling at a good rate.

Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas

Specialists

Daniel Trejo and Bert Auburn might be the unsung heroes on this team. An uncertain group is now more and more sure each week.

Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas

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