Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Texas Tech Red Raiders open the 2011 season with a bit more optimism and head coach Tommy Tuberville hopes to improve upon his first season after replacing Mike Leach. The 2010 season was one of a bit of disappointment as the Red Raiders had losses to Iowa St. Cyclones and a Texas Longhorns team that ended up with a losing record, but also had wins against then-ranked Missouri Tigers.

Much of the 2011 season will depend on the success of junior QB Seth Doege, who is slated to be the starter. Doege will look to incumbent receivers Darrin Moore, Tramain Swindall, Eric Ward Alexander Torres and Austin Zouzalik and newcomer Marcus Kennard. Meanwhile, RB Eric Stephens looks to make his mark as the starting running back after biding his time behind Baron Batch. The Red Raiders return all five starters from the offensive line, LT LaAdrian Waddle, LG Lonnie Edwards, C Justin Keown, RG Deveric Gallington, and RT Mickey Okafor, and part-time starter Terry McDaniel.

Last year's defense was one of the country's worst defense in pass defense and total defense. Tuberville let go last year's defensive coordinator, James Willis, and then hired TCU secondary coach Chad Glasgow to coordinate the defense and bring with him TCU's patented 4-2-5 defense with the hopes of implementing more speed on defense with the thought that the defense will have more success.

There is quite a bit of turnover on defense and only five starters return, which could be good news considering the defense's struggles. Sophomore cornerback Tre Porter might be the best athlete on the team, will start at cornerback. Junior Cody Davis starts at strong safety to help guide the defense and receiver turned cornerback Derrick Mays should start at the other corner position.

JUCO transfer Leon Mackey should make an immediate impact at defensive end, while sophomore linebacker Cqulin Hubert, who saw plenty of playing time as a true freshman, should start at one of the linebacker spots and converted safety Daniel Cobb looks to start at the other linebacker. The defensive line will have returning lettermen Pearlie Graves, Donald Langley, Kerry Hyder, Dartwan Bush, and Scott Smith all be rotated in the line, while redshirt freshman Jackson Richards is slated to start at one defensive end and JUCO transfer Dennell Wesley will also see time at defensive tackle.