After three weeks of having a home field advantage, Texas will travel to Lubbock this weekend to compete against Texas Tech. Last year, the Longhorns blew out the Red Raiders with a 70-35 victory at Darrell K. Royal Stadium, but a change of scenery might cause a different situation. 

The last time Texas made an appearance at Jones AT&T Stadium was back in 2020, with the game going into overtime after a 56-56 tie at the end of the fourth quarter. The Longhorns ultimately came out on top with a 63-56 win.

As the Joey McGuire era begins, Texas Tech returned some key players that fans should be on the lookout for this Saturday.  

Donovan Smith, Quarterback

Sophomore quarterback Donovan Smith wasted no time taking charge of Texas Tech’s offense after returning from a preseason injury that delayed his true freshman season. Although he only has one season of experience under his belt, he appeared in 11 games overall, the most by any Red Raider quarterback and completed 85 passes for a total of 1,182 yards and seven touchdowns.

In Texas Tech’s win over then-No. 25 Houston, Smith set career highs in completions, attempts and passing yards. He also claimed the second-most total offensive plays by a Red Raider since 2000.  

Smith’s ability to complete passes mixed with his speed will be a crucial asset in giving the Red Raiders distance and scoring opportunities. With starting quarterback Tyler Shough out for at least another week, Texas Tech’s offense will be on Smith’s shoulders.    

Myles Price, Wide Receiver

Junior wide receiver Myles Price has built a stunning reputation ever since his freshman year. He became Texas Tech’s third-leading receiver during his sophomore year and had nine starts as an inside receiver. The Texas native was selected for the 2022 Paul Hornung Award watch list; the award is given to the most versatile player in college football.

Price had one touchdown in last week’s loss against NC State, but expect him to be ready to go on Saturday. 

Kosi Eldridge, Linebacker

As a major contributor to the Red Raiders’ defense, super-senior Kosi Eldridge has experience in every linebacker position and special teams unit. He had six tackles and one sack during Texas Tech’s upset win over Houston a couple weeks ago and is currently ranked fourth on the team with 147 snaps. 

Using his extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic will allow Eldridge to continue to utilize his defensive talents and give the Red Raiders an upper hand in taking down a tough Texas offense.    

SaRodorick Thompson Jr., Running Back

This senior running back is certainly somebody who should not be overlooked, especially after last season’s performance. Thompson ended the 2021 season with 500 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns and averaged 45.5 yards across 11 games. 

He led the team in attempts and rushing touchdowns his junior year and is ranked second for total rushing yards and rushing yards per game. 

Put together with junior Tahj Brooks, they become a two-headed monster that’s not afraid to take down anyone in its path.