Texas Tech’s Rise to Prominence
HOUSTON — The nation’s top-ranked high school defensive lineman announced his commitment to Texas Tech an hour-and-a-half into his future team’s game at Houston Saturday night.
Cedar Hill junior Jalen Brewster, a five-star prospect, didn’t need to wait and see how the Red Raiders finished their fifth-straight win to begin the season before he pledged his allegiance.
But hey, in case he missed it, a recap is in order.
The Red Raiders — now 5-0 and ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25 — wore down the Cougars with their defensive line, stymied two different quarterbacks and won 35-11 to reach their highest point in nearly two decades. Their offense (which, for the record, totaled 500-plus total yards) was merely a subplot.
Team Performance
“We felt like coming into this year, with the defensive front that we’ve got, we could do a lot of things,” head coach Joey McGuire said. “It’s fun when you can get pressure rushing four and we’re able to cover the way we cover because we can rush four and still get pressure.”
How about that?
Texas Tech’s historical weakness is now a strength that’s fueled its rise.
That may qualify as an understatement.
Defensive Dominance
The Red Raiders have the top-graded overall defense, the top-graded run defense and the third-best pass rush nationally, according to Pro Football Focus, and are the only team in the country with a top-five defense and offense. They’ve allowed a single touchdown before the fourth quarter in their first five combined games this season and have won each by 24 points or more.
It’s foreign territory for a program best known for the Air Raid offense, gunslingers and Big 12 stereotypes. The Red Raiders haven’t finished a single season with a defense graded higher than 53rd nationally in the decade since PFF first evaluated every program in the country. They were, on average, the 89th highest-graded defense among all FBS programs from the 2014-24 seasons.
“It’s different from what I’m used to,” linebacker Jacob Rodriguez said, “but when you’ve got a coaching staff and good guys around you, it makes it way more enjoyable.”
Game Highlights
Saturday, at TDECU Stadium, defensive end David Bailey finished with 11 pressures, 6 hurries and 2 sacks while nose tackle Lee Hunter and linebacker Romello Height anchored a run defense that limited the Cougars to 3.4 yards per carry. Rodriguez deflected two passes and intercepted another while the secondary behind him held the quarterback duo of Conner Weigman and Zeon Chriss-Gremillion to five completed passes apiece. The Red Raiders shut Houston out in the second half and gave its offense room to breathe as it battled a case of redzone inefficiency.
“I feel like I get to play football the easiest way possible,” Rodriguez said. “There’s nobody climbing to me. There’s barely any time for the quarterback to get the ball out.”
He was also asked if there’s an offensive line out there prepared to stop Texas Tech’s defensive front.
“I’m going to give you a short answer,” Rodriguez said. “No, I don’t think anybody can block [Bailey or Height]. I say that respectfully with the teams that are coming up.”
Recruits and Opponents
Those teams, by now, are well aware.
The recruits certainly are.
Related Coverage
Find more college sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Find more Texas Tech coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Texas Tech’s rise to prominence is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. With their strong defensive line and impressive game highlights, they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.
FAQs
Q: Who is the nation’s top-ranked high school defensive lineman?
A: Jalen Brewster, a five-star prospect from Cedar Hill.
Q: What is Texas Tech’s current ranking?
A: They are currently ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25.
Q: What is the key to Texas Tech’s success?
A: Their strong defensive line, which has been able to get pressure rushing four and cover the way they cover.
Q: How has Texas Tech’s defense been graded?
A: They have the top-graded overall defense, the top-graded run defense, and the third-best pass rush nationally, according to Pro Football Focus.
