The 2022 Texas Bowl features the 7-5 Texas Tech Red Raiders against the 8-4 Ole Miss Rebels. Here is the 2022 Texas Bowl preview.
Under first year head coach Joey McGuire the Red Raiders had their best season since 2015. Texas Tech picked up four wins against bowl eligible teams including then ranked No.25 Houston and No.22 Texas. The five losses came against teams that were all currently ranked at the time outside of a home loss to Baylor.
Texas Tech averages 33.6 points per game which ranks 31st in the country. They average 309.8 passing yards per game (ranked 12th) and 152.5 rushing yards (ranked 67th).
The offense should be at pretty much full strength despite a handful of opt outs. The passing offense can be very potent despite rotating through several quarterbacks this season. While they put up a lot of yards they are susceptible to turnovers. SaRodorick Thompson and Tahj Brooks split time in the backfield. Both runningbacks have at least 132 carries and 600+ yards.
Where the offense succeeds the defense lacks. The Red Raiders allow 29.5 points per game which ties for 98th in the country. They allow 248.1 passing yards per game (ranked 98th) and 166.4 rushing yards per game (ranked 90th). There are a couple opt outs from somewhat minor players but who played significant time. One is at defensive tackle and two others are in the secondary. Linebackers Krishon Merriweather and Kosi Eldridge lead the team in tackles and both are playing. However the lack of depth in the secondary could be cause for concern.
Ole Miss followed a strong 10-2 season with a somewhat disappointing 8-4. The Rebels had just one power five win over a bowl eligible team in then No.7 Kentucky. They had another bowl eligible win over a good Troy team however to open the season. The losses came all to bowl eligible teams including Alabama and LSU. The season spiraled towards the end however with disappointing losses against Arkansas and Mississippi State.
Ole Miss’s offense averaged 34.2 points per game which ties for 27th. They pass for 229.7 yards per game (ranked 67th) and lead the power five in rushing per game with 261.6 yards per game (ranked 3rd).
Lane Kiffin’s offense was once again very potent this year though more from the ground game. There are no significant opt outs offensively to change this. Keep your eyes on SEC Newcomer of the year Quinshon Judkins who led the SEC with 1,476 yards along with 16 touchdowns in his true freshman season. Transfer Jaxson Dart might be relied on more at quarterback against a week passing defense. Dart had a modest season with 2,613 yards, 18 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He also ran for 548 yards.
The defense also struggles. They allow 24.17 points per game which ties for 51st in the country. They allow 218 yards through the air (ranked 56th) and 161.8 yards on the ground (ranked 82nd). The only opt outs which will impact the defense is from defensive back Miles Battle. Battle played significant time over the past three seasons including 322 snaps over 12 games this season. Transfer All-SEC linebacker Troy Brown leads the team in tackles with 91 and will have a busy day against Texas Tech’s high powered offense.
The lack of significant opt outs on both sidelines should make for an interesting game. With both defenses struggling it will likely be a slightly higher scoring game. Texas Tech is facing slightly more troubles with injuries and opt outs which will give Ole Miss a slight edge. With both teams being very even, turnovers might make the difference in this game.
Texas Tech 27 Ole Miss 31
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