Texas Tech Football Defensive Grades After Non-Conference

Texas Tech Red Raider Football is 3-0 after defeating New Mexico in Lubbock 49-14, a game they were up 42-14 at halftime. Here are my team grades for the Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams after the first three games of the season in non-conference action.

Defense

A unit that was dead last in the country could only go up this season and so far the defense has been nothing, but exceptional after three games. Yes, the teams they played aren't dynamic on the offensive side of the ball and a top 80 finish in total defense could mean Tech finishing with 7 or 8 wins this season.

The defensive front seven for the Red Raiders have been exceptional at stopping the run. Tech has played three option teams and stopped the option cold. Kerry Hyder has been great on stopping the run and newcomer Will Smith is 3rd on the team in tackles with 12. Cody Davis at safety leads the team with 16 tackles and a sack, but his presence on the field has helped a new look Art Kaufman defense lead the conference in total defense.

Both times the defense has given up a touchdown drive in the previous three games, they have comeback the next possession and forced a three and out on the opposing offense. New Mexico had a 17 play, 79 yard drive that went for 7:41 from the end of the 1st quarter through the 2nd quarter to make the game 14-7. After a Texas Tech turnover, the defense forced a three and out. Big time stops by defense that couldn't buy one.

The defense has come onto the field four times after Tech turnovers and yielded only three points off those turnovers. Three points given up after four turnovers. Let that sink in for a second.

The Tech defense has stopped cold opposing teams after turnover which could have swung momentum the other way in the game and it was stopped by a three and out or missed field goal or an interception like Cody Davis had against Texas State.

Grade: A

Total Defense: 160.33 YPG (1st in Big 12, 2nd in NCAA)

Passing Defense: 85.0 YPG (1st in Big 12, 2nd in NCAA)

Rushing Defense: 75.33 YPG (2nd in Big 12, 13th in NCAA)

Scoring Defense: 10.0 PPG (3rd in Big 12, T8th in NCAA)