5 Keys To West Virginia Vs Texas Tech Upset

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The world of college football is always full of surprises, and one of the most exciting aspects of the sport is the possibility of an underdog team pulling off a major upset. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the upcoming matchup between West Virginia and Texas Tech, and explore five key factors that could contribute to a potential upset.

1. West Virginia's Strength on Defense

One of the main reasons why West Virginia could potentially pull off an upset against Texas Tech is their strength on defense. The Mountaineers have a solid defensive unit that has been able to shut down opposing offenses, and they'll look to do the same against the Red Raiders. With players like linebacker Josh Chandler and defensive back Daryl Worley, West Virginia has the talent and depth to make life difficult for Texas Tech's offense.

Key Defensive Statistics

• West Virginia is allowing just 23.4 points per game, which ranks 25th in the country.
• The Mountaineers have held opposing offenses to under 300 total yards in three of their last four games.
• West Virginia's defense has forced 12 turnovers in their last five games, including six interceptions.

2. Texas Tech's Struggles on the Road

Another factor that could contribute to a West Virginia upset is Texas Tech's struggles on the road. The Red Raiders have had a difficult time winning away from home, and they'll face a tough test in Morgantown against the Mountaineers. With a raucous crowd and a hostile environment, Texas Tech may struggle to find their rhythm and get into a groove.

Key Road Statistics

• Texas Tech is just 1-3 on the road this season, with their only win coming against a struggling Kansas team.
• The Red Raiders have been outscored by an average of 10 points per game on the road.
• Texas Tech has turned the ball over six times in their last two road games, which has contributed to their struggles.

3. West Virginia's Explosive Offense

While West Virginia's defense is certainly a strength, their offense is also capable of putting up big numbers. The Mountaineers have an explosive offense that can strike quickly, and they'll look to take advantage of Texas Tech's defense. With players like quarterback Skyler Howard and wide receiver Shelton Gibson, West Virginia has the talent and speed to make big plays.

Key Offensive Statistics

• West Virginia is averaging 34.4 points per game, which ranks 20th in the country.
• The Mountaineers have scored 40 or more points in four of their last six games.
• West Virginia's offense has produced 12 plays of 40 or more yards this season, which ranks 10th in the country.

4. Texas Tech's Injuries on Defense

Another factor that could contribute to a West Virginia upset is the injuries that Texas Tech is dealing with on defense. The Red Raiders have lost several key players to injury, including defensive lineman Keland McElrath and linebacker Luke Stice. These losses could make it difficult for Texas Tech to stop West Virginia's offense, especially if the Mountaineers are able to get into a rhythm.

Key Injury Information

• Texas Tech has lost three defensive starters to injury this season, including two defensive linemen.
• The Red Raiders have been forced to play several true freshmen on defense due to the injuries.
• Texas Tech's defense has allowed an average of 35 points per game over their last three contests.

5. West Virginia's Coaching Advantage

Finally, West Virginia's coaching advantage could play a significant role in a potential upset. The Mountaineers are led by head coach Dana Holgorsen, who has a proven track record of success in the Big 12. Holgorsen has a deep understanding of the conference and knows how to prepare his team for big games. This experience and expertise could give West Virginia an edge over Texas Tech.

Key Coaching Statistics

• Dana Holgorsen has a 44-24 record as head coach at West Virginia.
• The Mountaineers have won 12 of their last 15 games at home under Holgorsen.
• West Virginia has beaten three ranked teams under Holgorsen, including two top-10 teams.

As we can see, there are several factors that could contribute to a West Virginia upset over Texas Tech. From the Mountaineers' strength on defense to the Red Raiders' struggles on the road, there are plenty of reasons to think that West Virginia could pull off a major upset. If you're looking for a team to root for in this matchup, consider the Mountaineers!

We hope you've enjoyed this article and found it informative. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out. And don't forget to share this article with your friends and family who are interested in college football!