The Daily Texan sat down with Chris Williams, sports editor for The Daily Toreador, to talk about what fans can expect from Texas Tech ahead of Saturday’s conference opener.

Daily Texan: What have you seen from Joey McGuire so far with his takeover of the program, and what’s been his identity as the man in charge?

Chris Williams: You use the word takeover, and he really did take over the program. He completely upended it. Every position coach is different from last year. I think he’s trying to bring in an identity. Texas Tech is not the prestigious recruiting program many other Big 12 schools and Texas schools (are), but he wants to make recruiting a big part of his coaching staff. I think he’s prepping for the future right now. 

DT: Like Texas, Texas Tech has some quarterback injuries. Who do you think will start on Saturday? Tyler Shough or Donovan Smith? Can you describe what each quarterback brings?

CW: (Shough’s) probably not going to play against Texas, it’s probably going to be Smith. Smith’s a young guy. That’s the biggest difference between them two. Shough’s been at every program in America basically. Smith’s very mature for his age, like we saw against Houston. He uses his legs. He made a couple mistakes on the interceptions in the fourth quarter (against Houston), but he pulled out the win. (His) teammates have expressed their trust in him.

DT: Obviously there’s been talk about a scheduling agreement, but there’s a very real chance that this is the last time the Longhorns come into Jones AT&T Stadium for a while. Could you describe what you think the environment is going to be like?

CW: Fans are going to come out like it is the last time Texas is coming to Lubbock. For a lot of students, it’s the last time (Texas) is coming to Lubbock while they’re in college. I think they’ll come out in force. It does bring back those memories, (such as) 2008 in Jones AT&T Stadium. I think a lot of alumni will come out. I think it’ll be electric. 

DT: What would a win against Texas on Saturday mean to Texas Tech for the rest of the season?

CW: It would definitely be huge. I’d have to look at their schedule right after Texas, but it’s tough right after that. I think it just means more and would definitely be a huge boost to the season. Broader implications would be if Smith is the one that leads them to that win, then I think he’s the starter for the rest of the season even when Shough comes back. That’s how big the game is.