Texas Tech Football 2024: Analyzing the Wyoming Defeat – What Went Wrong?
The Texas Tech Red Raiders’ 2024 season opener against Wyoming was a surprising setback, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what went wrong. The 31-24 overtime loss exposed several critical weaknesses that the team needs to address moving forward.
One of the most glaring issues was the inconsistency in the Red Raiders’ offensive line. Quarterback protection broke down multiple times, resulting in hurried throws and missed opportunities.
Wyoming’s defensive front capitalized on these lapses, sacking Tech’s quarterback on crucial downs and disrupting the offensive rhythm.
Another significant factor was the defense’s struggle to contain Wyoming’s ground game. The Cowboys’ running backs found gaps in the Red Raiders’ defensive line, racking up substantial yardage and controlling the clock. This inability to stop the run proved costly, especially in the second half and overtime, where the defense appeared fatigued and outmatched.
Special teams also played a role in the defeat. A missed field goal in the third quarter and poor punt coverage gave Wyoming favorable field positions, ultimately leading to points on the board for the Cowboys.
Despite these challenges, there were bright spots. The Red Raiders showed resilience by rallying late in the game to force overtime. However, to compete at a higher level this season, Texas Tech must address these deficiencies. Improving line play, shoring up the run defense, and tightening special teams will be crucial as the Red Raiders look to bounce back from this early setback.
