Dec 28, 2021 Memphis, TN, United states Texas Tech Pink Raiders wide receiver J.J. Sparkman (84) reacts with Texas Tech Pink Raiders offensive linemen Caleb Rogers (76) following a touchdown throughout the next fifty percent in opposition to the Mississippi Condition Bulldogs at Liberty Bowl Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Petre Thomas-Usa These days Sports activities

It is not a stretch to suggest that the 2022 Texas Tech soccer routine is the most challenging slate of video games this method has undertaken in two a long time.  In actuality, just one search at the preseason Coach’s Top 25 poll confirms how challenging this year’s agenda is.

Launched on Monday, the 1st poll of the calendar year has six Crimson Raider opponents in the top rated 25 (Oklahoma, Baylor, Texas, NC Condition, Oklahoma State, and Houston).  Which is 50% of the teams that Joey McGuire’s squad will facial area this season.

It’s shaping up to be the most tough plan Tech has had because 2002.  That yr, Kliff Kingsbury’s senior period, the Pink Raiders opened the year at No. 13 Ohio State (the eventual nationwide champions) when also experiencing Eli Manning and Ole Miss on the road and Phillip Rivers and No. 17 NC State in Lubbock.

What’s extra, that season observed Tech face No. 23 Texas A&M, No. 11 Iowa Point out, No. 21 Colorado, and No. 4 Oklahoma with only one of people video games coming at home.

Ideal now, Tech is favored in only four of this season’s games in accordance to the ESPN Soccer Power Index Matchup Predictor.  Individuals 4 video games are Murray Point out, Houston, West Virginia, and Kansas.

Of class, people odds could change as the year unfolds currently being as ESPN’s matchup predictor is primarily based on stats.  Thus, if the Red Raiders conduct effectively early in the 12 months, they could find that they are provided more of the benefit of the doubt by prognosticators.

But as it stands right now, Tech is likely to have to pull off a couple of upsets in purchase to attain bowl eligibility.  Of course, the Pink Raiders also should acquire care of business enterprise in the video games that they are supposed to get.

So these days, let us seem at the a few video games that the Red Raiders need to win this year.  And we will start off with a huge non-meeting matchup.