Texas Tech is preparing for more than one possibility at quarterback as it gets ready to open Big 12 play against Colorado.
The No. 12 Red Raiders are preparing for both Julian Lewis and Isaac Wilson, Colorado’s two options after a quarterback change during the Buffaloes’ loss to Baylor. But Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said the potential change does not alter the central challenge for his defense.
“The offense really doesn’t change that much,” McGuire said. “The one thing about their OC (Brennan Marion) that he has consistently done is find a way to run the football.”
McGuire expects Colorado to use formations that add blockers and create running lanes, then build off the ground game with play-action passes. He also cautioned that the Buffaloes will look to throw deep, putting pressure on Texas Tech’s safeties and coverage.
Defensive coordinator Shiel Wood described Colorado’s rushing attack as direct and physical.
“They want to run the ball downhill,” Wood said. “They want to run it straight at you.”
Wood said the Buffaloes can also attack the perimeter and feature talented receivers. Texas Tech’s preparation, then, is about being disciplined against the run without giving up plays over the top.
Colorado enters the matchup at 2-2 after a difficult start that included a quarterback change and questions about the team’s direction. McGuire said he has listened to Deion Sanders’ postgame comments and understands why the Buffaloes believe they are better than their record and performances have shown.
“They feel like that they’re a really good team and they’re better than what they’re playing,” McGuire said. “And I completely understand that.”
McGuire and Sanders have a longstanding friendship, but McGuire said they had not spoken during game week. He said both coaches have a job to do Saturday: win a conference game.
For Texas Tech, the focus is on improving its own execution. The Red Raiders are unbeaten at 4-0, but McGuire has challenged the team to start faster and carry its practice work into the game.
“The message this week is take practice to the game,” he said.
The Red Raiders have not won at Colorado since 2010, a stat McGuire acknowledged when asked about the challenge of playing in Boulder. He said the team should embrace the atmosphere and be ready for a nighttime road game.
The game will kickoff at 5:30 p.m. MT, this Saturday, from Folsom Field, and will air on FOX.
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