Just to remind you, Buffington is Texas Tech basketball’s new general manager and I think this is going to be a very good hire.
— Kellen Buffington (@BuffThe806GM) August 22, 2023
Action Network takes a look at the Big 12 from a betting perspective, lots of thoughts on each team. Action Network thinks that betting the over for 5.5 or 6 wins is an easy bet for Texas Tech.
Action Network projects Texas Tech at 8.1 wins with a market number at 7.5, but the better bet may be on the conference win total. The Red Raiders are projected to win six conference games on a schedule that includes winnable road games at Kansas and West Virginia.
Also from Action Network, Action Network’s Brett McMurphy predicts the bowls and he thinks Texas Tech is in the Cotton Bowl against LSU.
College Football News is predicting games (a good week ahead of time) and I had not paid attention to the line and Texas Tech is favored by 14.
ESPN’s Matt Miller ($) is looking at draft prospects with the most at stake and outside linebacker Steve Linton gets a look:
Linton will move to an outside linebacker role in Lubbock after 31 games (and four seasons) at Syracuse. He posted 11 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks in a rotational role, but the expectations are now high for him based on Texas Tech’s ability to coach up defenders and his first-step speed at 6-5 and 235 pounds. If he can successfully transition into his new scheme and bump up the production, we could be talking about him a lot in draft season. With the lateral agility to play in space and the speed to stun offensive tackles, Linton has the traits to thrive coming off the edge of the Tech defense.
I’ve spoken with NFL scouts who have a top-100 grade on Linton, but one Big 12 area scout says that’s way too low. “Linton will blow up [at Texas Tech]. His length and quickness are perfect for playing the outside in the Big 12. Watch him get 12 sacks and become a first-rounder.”