First Look at the LSU vs Texas Tech Bowl Matchup

At first glance, the upcoming Advocare V100 Texas Bowl match-up between LSU vs Texas Tech may look like a tough challenge for the Tigers. After all, Red Raiders have one of the best air attacks in the country and LSU is coming off a streak of shaky defensive performances.

Upon closer inspection, this bowl game may prove to be a blessing for the Tigers on many fronts.

LSU Head Coach Les Miles and his staff could not have asked for a better location.

LSU recruits Texas heavily. The Tigers currently have 4 commitments from Texas and are recruiting other players in the state.

That is on top of the four Texas players that signed with LSU in 2015 and seven in 2014, and it’s not even counting the upper classmen that are already on the roster from Texas such as safety Jamal Adams for example, pictured here.

Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) intercepts a pass intended for Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Jeremy Sprinkle (83) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Every local TV station will run Bowl previews that double as free LSU commercials in the largest media market in the Texas.

This is also good for the fanbase. Houston is an easy drive for the bulk of LSU season ticket holders and LSU should be able to fill Reliant Stadium up with purple and gold.

Of course there is the issue of facing the nations second ranked passing offense.

Texas Tech is putting up nearly 400 yards a game in the air. Starting QB Patrick Mahomes has hit 65% of his passes, amassing 4283 yards with 32 TD’s and 14 picks in the process.

Nov 26, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes II (5) passes the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas Tech beat Texas 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

With a passing game like that you might think that Texas Tech is a scary opponent, particularly for a team that has allowed some big plays in the air. That would not be taking the Texas Tech defense into account.

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Well, calling it a defense is pretty much a courtesy at this point. The Red Raiders are currently the 114th ranked passing defense in the country, and they are ranked 126th out of 128 teams in rushing defense.

Texas Tech gives up nearly 272 yards per game rushing and almost six yards per carry. Leonard Fournette’s own mother could not have gift wrapped this one better.

We will have more detailed breakdowns of the Red Raiders depth chart and some of the matchups Tigers fans can look forward to in this game. For now though the table looks to be well set for a hungry Tiger team.

They are getting massive free media coverage in the Houston recruiting hotbed.

They are suiting up to play in a bowl a short drive away form their loyal fans. And they are playing against a flashy team that gets run on by far lesser opponents than Fournette and Guice…