1. Install the Offense and progress from there
Obviously, priority number one
is to get the offense installed and see what Coach Kingsbury and his staff can
instill in his team.
Kingsbury has been very vague
about what he believes the offense is going to look like, but as he has said
numerous times, he will adapt his system to the abilities of his players.
That’s the major reason his
offense was so successful at “that other school.” Coach Kingsbury’s goal, first
and foremost, is to move the chains and that is something that many Texas Tech
fans have to grown to expect over the years.
2. Discipline
At a clip of 69 penalty yards per game, Texas
Tech led the Big 12 last season in penalties, and in many cases, it cost the
Red Raiders some opportunities late in the season.
Discipline issues are nothing new to
Texas Tech fans. The Red Raiders had their fair of problems last decade and as
a result, some games were lost. Penalties at the wrong time can cost your team
that coveted momentum.
Discipline will be a key factor
in the success of the 2013 campaign and players must keep their composure, as
well as keep their heads on straight. This is an area in which I think Coach
Kingsbury can demonstrate immediate improvement, but it all starts in spring
practice.
3. Strength and Conditioning Program
With the departure of many staff
members to the University of Cincinnati, Texas Tech had to find a new strength
and conditioning coach as Joe Walker moved up north with former head coach,
Tommy Tuberville.
Just about every year, it seems
injury problems arise for the Texas Tech football program. Many Tech fans may
believe it is directly attributed to the strength and conditioning program, but
the weekly Big 12 grind has a lot to do with it as well.
If you don’t believe me, just
ask the TCU Horned Frogs.
However, with Kingsbury hiring
Chad Dennis, it appears the Red Raiders might have finally found their man.
There are no guarantees that injuries won’t suddenly come up once again for
Texas Tech, but hopefully Coach Dennis can get these guys in the best shape
possible to get them ready for the weekly Big 12 grind.
4. Team Camaraderie
Spring ball is a great time for
veteran players, incoming freshman and Junior College transfers to develop some
sort of team bond as they prepare for the coming months of both team practice,
as well as individual workouts during the summer months.
It’s also crucial that new
Quarterback Michael Brewer develops chemistry with his multiple wide receiving
weapons throughout the spring and during the summer months.
If Brewer’s play last season in
his limited playing is a sign of what is to come in the coming years at the
Quarterback position for Texas Tech, I don’t think the fanbase
will be disappointed.
Brewer has shown signs that he
may very well develop into one of the top QBs in the Big 12 conference one day.
5. Defense, Defense, Defense
Defense has been an obvious issue for Texas Tech in years
past. With five defensive coordinators in five years, Tech fans hope that new
DC Matt Wallerstedt will be the answer. Art Kauffman
showed in 2012 that this team does have defensive talent, but you just have to
put them in the right situations in which they can achieve success.
Wallerstedt was the Linebackers
coach at “that other school” last season, but he has prior DC experience at
places such as Air Force and Wyoming. I know many Red Raider fans will be
interested to see what Coach Wallerstedt can bring to
the table.
Stay tuned and you will all find your answer.