Texas Tech preparing for Jayhawks’ best
Texas Tech is bracing for Kansas’ best effort, especially since the game will kick off at 7:30 Sept. 29 on FS1.
“It’s a good changeup,” Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “A couple of good games on TV. It’s a good showcase to show who they are.”
Kingsbury cautioned his players not to look at the six turnovers the Jayhawks (1-2) committed in the 43-7 loss to Memphis on Sept. 17.
“I think the last game was not a true statement of their football team,” he said. “I felt last year, they were more excited to play than we were. I think they’re better than their record indicates. I know we’ll have to play real well to give ourselves a chance.”
Kingsbury said the 30-20 win last season symbolizes why he believes the Red Raiders (2-1) need to enter this game ready to play. He called the Tech offense last season “unenergetic” during the contest.
“Their defense wanted it more than us,” he said. “We got outplayed and outcoached. I think the players are ready to get out there and do what we can do. Defensively we played great. Offense was a joke.”
He is looking for more consistency from the offense and for that unit to have a short memory when things don’t go their way.
“When something bad happens we can’t let it turn into four or five things in a row,” he said. “The main focus is handling adversity better.”
One of the new additions is a quarterback simulator based on something recommended by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer. Kingsbury said it’s like a flight simulator in that quarterbacks, specifically Patrick Mahomes, can use it for extra practice reps.
“Basically it double the reps,” he said. “He puts that on and it’s helped him. He can do his signals, his footwork and put his eyes where they need to be and not get beat up.”
One area Mahomes has improved is in limiting turnovers, the coach said. He has thrown only two interceptions.
“Still got to stay within yourself,” Kingsbury said. “He has protected the ball, he has been accurate. That’s a credit to him.”
