Texas Tech is expected to return three players to the starting lineup ahead of the ranked Big 12 opener.
LUBBOCK, Texas -- No. 13-ranked Texas Tech is hosting a rare Friday-night home contest for the Big 12 conference opener. It comes against No. 22-ranked Houston, who is also 2-0 on the season.
Who will be in uniform for the Red Raiders (which, I might add, will be the black-out Gladiator uniforms, nicknamed "Let's Ride", designed by Patrick Mahomes)?
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire started with safety Brenden Jordan, who will start in his season debut after missing the first two games due to a team rules violation.
McGuire noted that Jordan's return will be significant for a Tech secondary that allowed 413 passing yards and 472 total yards of offense in the 35-24 win at Oregon State on Saturday.
"You've got a guy that's played four years of college football ... that's seen a lot of football," McGuire said. "He's really the voice in that secondary. He's done a great job as far as staying ready.
"He's ready to go. I know he's excited."
Another likely debut is defensive end Trey White. The San Diego State transfer has dealt with a knee sprain and been out for the first two games.
McGuire looped tight end Terrance Carter Jr. in with White's update. Carter was a late scratch against the Beavers last week with a Lisfranc sprain in his foot.
Both players are "trending in the right direction," after running workouts earlier this week.
"Trey will get a little bit of individual [workout] this afternoon, and then TC will get some scout periods this afternoon," McGuire said on Monday. "So, feeling good, as long as we don't have any setbacks, getting those guys back."
White has recorded 19.5 sacks over the last two seasons and will likely provide a big impact rushing Conner Weigman, the Houston quarterback who McGuire views as a dual-threat athlete maneuvering in the pocket.
Carter, regarded as one of the most dynamic pass-catching tight ends in the country, was limited to just three receptions and 28 yards in the season-opening win over Abilene Christian.
Joining Jordan, White and Carter on the injury report, but listed as “probable,” is wide receiver Kenny Johnson, who currently leads the Red Raiders in receiving with 117 yards through two games.
Johnson also served on punt return, and regarding Texas Tech's playbook, he believes the team hasn't "shown even half of our playbook."
Texas Tech has five players listed as "out" for the matchup with the Cougars: cornerbacks Ashton Hampton and Amier Boyd and offensive lineman Elias Gillen, and safeties Mikal Harrison-Pilot and Oliver Miles III.
Boyd recorded an interception against Oregon State. After this designation, Davin Martin has surpassed him as a cornerback on Tech's latest depth chart.
Houston will be without receivers Jeffrey Strozler Jr. and Mulzz Tounkara, defensive back Mudassir Abdullah, linebacker Bryson Castle, and defensive lineman Quindario Lee.
