Texas Tech is looking to have another elite defensive unit next season and Joey McGuire is more than okay with the lack of excitement that comes with that strategy.
LUBBOCK - After an offseason of headlines and controversies, Texas Tech is rolling into the upcoming season still primed to be one of nation's best squads and a serious contender for another trip to the College Football Playoff.
Building off a strong foundation from last season, the Red Raiders look to emulate much of the formula that went right for their predecessors while also taking the extra few steps that get them closer to the ultimate goal of a national championship.
During a stint at the THSCA Coaching School in Houston, head coach Joey McGuire focused in on the defense and explained how Texas Tech can find most of its success in the nitty-gritty details instead of the flashiness that can so easily captivate crowds.
"Everybody thinks offense is sexy. I thought having 40 plus sacks and leading the nation in turnovers last year and having the No. 2 overall draft pick was pretty sexy," remarked McGuire.
It might not be the most eyeball grabbing style of play, but it is hard to deny McGuire's mentality has paid off for Texas Tech.
That squad that McGuire spoke of was an absolute terror for opposing offenses all year long, with several complete game shutdowns culminating in a Big 12 title.
Granted, that No. 2 overall draft pick is not suiting up for the Red Raiders, as David Bailey is off to greener pastures with the New York Jets. Neither is Heisman Trophy hopeful linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who was responsible for many of those turnovers.
However, McGuire and defensive coordinator Shiel Wood had no problem bringing in some of the nation's best talent and promoted Red Raiders already inside the program to profile a unit that is sure to strike fear in Big 12 offenses once again.
These forces include Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year AJ Holmes Jr. and Wake Forest stud transfer Mateen Ibirogba, which are set to bolster the defense up front.
The linebacker room is also reforged with returners Ben Roberts and John Curry joined by K-State addition Austin Romaine.
While Texas Tech is shaping up to have another phenomenal defense, much to the pleasure of McGuire, the biggest question is can this group actually stack up with the best in the nation outside of the Big 12.
And last year's squad was arguably able to rise to that challenge, as they kept the Red Raiders in their Orange Bowl matchup with Oregon for majority of the affair before running out of gas late.
That may mean Texas Tech needs a little more spark on offense to ensure another all-time performance from its defense does not go to waste.
Whatever the strategy being cooked up by McGuire and company entails, it seems evidently clear that he is not worried about the opinions of those outside of Lubbock.
Similar to the attitude the program has carried throughout the entire offseason.
