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Texas Tech got off to a 2-0 start before a 28-14 loss against Arizona and a blowout loss last weekend at Oklahoma. Jett Duffey will start at quarterback for the Red Raiders this weekend. With OSU looking to avenge a home loss to Texas Tech last season, let’s take a look at our players to watch.
Jett Duffey: Quarterback
Alan Bowman started and completed the first three games for Texas Tech before getting injured. Duffey split time with Jackson Tyner last week against OU, and Duffey gets the start this weekend. Against OU, Duffey was 11 for 20 with 120 yards through the air. Although he didn’t throw a touchdown or an interception, he did lose a fumble.
Duffey is a dual threat quarterback who is only 6’1” but has speed. Both Spencer Sanders (2017) and Duffey (2015) are former winners of the Mr. Texas Football award. Duffey led Mansfield Lake Ridge to the 5A DI State Championship Game in 2015.
That success hasn’t translated to college though. Coach Matt Wells mentioned Tech would build the playbook more around Duffey’s strengths this week. He will need to be more decisive with the ball and not turn the ball over for Tech to have a chance.
Armand Shyne: Running Back
Shyne scored the only touchdown for Texas Tech against OU. His final stat line was 18 yards and a touchdown on five attempts. Shyne had better stats in his first three games and is still averaging 6.9 yards per carry this season.
The Cal transfer has three touchdowns on the year, after only having nine in the two seasons before. Texas Tech has never had a dynamic running game, and Duffey presents a running ability as well, but Shyne is the best running back Tech has.
T.J. Vasher: Wide Receiver
Vasher is the most talented receiver Texas Tech has, and he leads Texas Tech in receiving this year. Through four games, Vasher has caught 19 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Against OU, Vasher had just one reception for two yards.
Vasher presents a tall target for Duffey to throw to. At 6’6”, Vasher towers above most cornerbacks. Because he’s a guy that can go up and get the ball over defenders, expect Vasher to be targeted early and often.