2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Preview

2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official Texas Tech Red Raiders football preview as well as the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Schedule. If you dont know how to beat the odds, give Maddux's winning NCAA picks a shot.

Coach: Mike Leach (9th year at Texas Tech)
Team Name: Red Raiders
2007 Overall Record: 9-4
Returning Starters: 18

The Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-4 overall, 4-4 Big 12) tied for third in the South Division of the Big 12, earning a Gator Bowl invitation. In the Gator, the Raiders met and were victorious over Virginia by a score of 31-28. This year, expect a little more from Tech.

Senior QB Graham Harrell (713 ATT, 512 COMP, 5,705 YDS, 48 TDs, 14 INT) led the nation in passing, completing 71.8-percent of his tosses. Cutting back on interceptions could get the guy a Heisman. The entire O-line, which allowed just 18 sacks, is back. The running game is solid, especially due to the great work of the frontline. The amazing Michael Crabtree (134 REC, 1,962 YDS, 22 TDs) anchors the receiving unit.

This team struggled on defense last season as the Red Raiders gave up an average of 177.0 YPG on the ground, earning them a national ranking of 82. However, after Tech lost to Oklahoma State 45-49, defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich was fired and replaced by Ruffin McNeill. Under McNeill, the Red Raiders’ “D” led all Big 12 teams. That bodes well for this season. The frontline, which includes DE Brandon Williams (5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for a loss), comes back intact. Marlon Williams (81 tackles, 45 solo) is the centerpiece of a fine linebacking unit. The secondary includes Jamar Wall who had five picks last year.

The Red Raiders have one loss penciled in. That’s supposed to occur on November 22 when they travel to Oklahoma. But with this team, you never know. Their schedule also includes two straight swing games with the first versus Kansas on October 25 and the second against Texas on November 1. The Kansas contest is on the road, while Texas is at home.

Can this be the first year that a Tech QB wins the Heisman? Can the Raiders surprise everyone and go undefeated, winning the Big 12 and earning a BCS bowl berth? If they do all of that, it will be a Cinderella story. Over the past five seasons, the team has average 8.33 wins. If Texas Tech get 10 wins in 2008 that will be a major achievement. Anything is possible with this team.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Away
Aug 30	Eastern Washington	Home
Sep 6	Nevada	Away
Sep 13	SMU	Home
Sep 20	UMASS	Home
Oct 4	Kansas State	Away
Oct 11	Nebraska	Home
Oct 18	Texas A&M	Away
Oct 25	Kansas	Away
Nov 1	Texas	Home
Nov 8	Oklahoma State	Home
Nov 22	Oklahoma	Away
Nov 29	Baylor	Home

 

For more info on the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders football program, view the Red Raiders website or read up on the rest of the Big 12 ncaa football teams below.