5 Reasons Texas Techs Ranking Is Lower Than Expected

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The anticipation and excitement that surround college football rankings every year are unparalleled. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the release of the rankings, speculating about which teams will rise to the top and which will falter. Texas Tech, a team with a rich football history, has often been a topic of discussion in these rankings. However, in recent years, the team's ranking has been lower than expected, leaving many wondering what factors have contributed to this disappointing trend.

College football rankings are a complex beast, taking into account a multitude of factors, including strength of schedule, team performance, and statistical analysis. While Texas Tech has shown flashes of brilliance on the field, there are several key reasons why their ranking has not lived up to expectations.

In this article, we will delve into five key reasons why Texas Tech's ranking is lower than expected, exploring the intricacies of college football rankings and the challenges that the team has faced in recent years.

Reason 1: Strength of Schedule

One of the primary factors that contribute to a team's ranking is the strength of their schedule. The NCAA uses a complex formula to calculate the strength of a team's schedule, taking into account the performance of their opponents. In recent years, Texas Tech's schedule has been marred by games against weaker opponents, which has negatively impacted their ranking.

While it is true that Texas Tech has played some tough games against top-ranked teams, their overall schedule has been criticized for being too soft. The team's non-conference schedule, in particular, has been lacking, with games against lower-tier teams that have not provided the same level of competition as some of the other top teams in the country.

For example, in the 2020 season, Texas Tech's non-conference schedule included games against Houston Baptist, Texas Southern, and Kansas. While these games may have provided an opportunity for the team to fine-tune their skills and gain some much-needed experience, they did little to impress the rankings committee.

Impact on Rankings

The impact of Texas Tech's weak schedule on their ranking cannot be overstated. When a team plays a schedule that is perceived as soft, it can be difficult for them to gain the respect of the rankings committee. This is because the committee takes into account the strength of a team's opponents when determining their ranking.

In the case of Texas Tech, their weak schedule has likely contributed to their lower-than-expected ranking. While the team may have performed well against weaker opponents, they have not been able to demonstrate their ability to compete against top-tier teams. This lack of competition has made it difficult for the team to gain the recognition they deserve.

Reason 2: Inconsistent Quarterback Play

Another factor that has contributed to Texas Tech's lower-than-expected ranking is inconsistent quarterback play. The quarterback position is one of the most important in football, and a team's success is often dependent on the performance of their quarterback.

In recent years, Texas Tech has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position. The team has cycled through several quarterbacks, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. While some of these quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance, they have not been able to sustain their performance over the course of a season.

For example, in the 2019 season, Texas Tech's quarterback play was inconsistent, to say the least. The team's starting quarterback, Alan Bowman, struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, which made it difficult for the team to establish a rhythm on offense.

Impact on Rankings

The impact of inconsistent quarterback play on Texas Tech's ranking cannot be overstated. When a team's quarterback play is inconsistent, it can be difficult for them to establish a rhythm on offense. This lack of consistency can make it difficult for the team to score points and win games, which is ultimately what the rankings committee is looking for.

In the case of Texas Tech, their inconsistent quarterback play has likely contributed to their lower-than-expected ranking. While the team may have shown flashes of brilliance on offense, they have not been able to sustain their performance over the course of a season. This lack of consistency has made it difficult for the team to gain the recognition they deserve.

Reason 3: Defensive Struggles

Another factor that has contributed to Texas Tech's lower-than-expected ranking is defensive struggles. A team's defense is just as important as their offense, and a strong defense can make all the difference in the world.

In recent years, Texas Tech's defense has struggled to find consistency. The team has given up big plays and struggled to stop the run, which has made it difficult for them to win games. While the team's offense has shown flashes of brilliance, their defense has not been able to hold up their end of the bargain.

For example, in the 2020 season, Texas Tech's defense struggled to stop the run, giving up big plays to opposing running backs. The team's defensive line was unable to generate pressure, and their secondary was exposed by opposing quarterbacks.

Impact on Rankings

The impact of defensive struggles on Texas Tech's ranking cannot be overstated. When a team's defense is struggling, it can be difficult for them to win games. This is because a strong defense can make all the difference in the world, and a team that can't stop the run or generate pressure on the quarterback is going to struggle to compete.

In the case of Texas Tech, their defensive struggles have likely contributed to their lower-than-expected ranking. While the team's offense has shown flashes of brilliance, their defense has not been able to hold up their end of the bargain. This lack of consistency on defense has made it difficult for the team to gain the recognition they deserve.

Reason 4: Coaching Changes

Another factor that has contributed to Texas Tech's lower-than-expected ranking is coaching changes. Coaching changes can be difficult for any team, and Texas Tech is no exception.

In recent years, Texas Tech has experienced a number of coaching changes, including the departure of head coach Kliff Kingsbury. While Kingsbury's departure was not unexpected, it was still a blow to the team. The team's new head coach, Matt Wells, has had to work to establish a new culture and system, which has taken time.

For example, in the 2020 season, Texas Tech's coaching changes were evident on the field. The team's offense, which had been so potent under Kingsbury, struggled to find consistency under Wells. The team's defense, which had been a strength under Kingsbury, also struggled to stop the run and generate pressure on the quarterback.

Impact on Rankings

The impact of coaching changes on Texas Tech's ranking cannot be overstated. Coaching changes can be difficult for any team, and Texas Tech is no exception. When a team experiences coaching changes, it can take time for the team to adjust to the new system and culture.

In the case of Texas Tech, their coaching changes have likely contributed to their lower-than-expected ranking. While the team's new head coach, Matt Wells, has had to work to establish a new culture and system, it has taken time. This lack of consistency has made it difficult for the team to gain the recognition they deserve.

Reason 5: Injuries

Finally, another factor that has contributed to Texas Tech's lower-than-expected ranking is injuries. Injuries can be devastating for any team, and Texas Tech is no exception.

In recent years, Texas Tech has experienced a number of injuries, including injuries to key players such as quarterback Alan Bowman. These injuries have made it difficult for the team to establish a rhythm on offense and defense, which has ultimately impacted their ranking.

For example, in the 2020 season, Texas Tech's injuries were evident on the field. The team's starting quarterback, Alan Bowman, struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, which made it difficult for the team to establish a rhythm on offense. The team's defense, which had been a strength, also struggled to stop the run and generate pressure on the quarterback due to injuries.

Impact on Rankings

The impact of injuries on Texas Tech's ranking cannot be overstated. Injuries can be devastating for any team, and Texas Tech is no exception. When a team experiences injuries, it can be difficult for them to establish a rhythm on offense and defense, which can ultimately impact their ranking.

In the case of Texas Tech, their injuries have likely contributed to their lower-than-expected ranking. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance on offense and defense, their injuries have made it difficult for them to sustain their performance over the course of a season. This lack of consistency has made it difficult for the team to gain the recognition they deserve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Texas Tech's ranking is lower than expected due to a number of factors, including strength of schedule, inconsistent quarterback play, defensive struggles, coaching changes, and injuries. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance on offense and defense, they have not been able to sustain their performance over the course of a season. This lack of consistency has made it difficult for the team to gain the recognition they deserve.

However, with a new head coach and a renewed focus on defense, Texas Tech is poised to make a comeback in the world of college football. With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, the team may finally be able to live up to their potential and achieve the ranking they deserve.

What's Next for Texas Tech?

As the 2022 season approaches, Texas Tech fans are eagerly awaiting the team's next move. With a new head coach and a renewed focus on defense, the team is poised to make a comeback in the world of college football. Will they be able to live up to their potential and achieve the ranking they deserve? Only time will tell.