The best defense in the Big 12 — and one of the best in the country — took a big hit in the trenches. Texas Tech defensive lineman Skylar Gale Howard will miss the year due to an injury he suffered in last week’s win over Kansas, according to Chris Hammer and Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.
Gill-Howard was a key part of the Red Raiders’ transfer portal this offseason, coming from NIU. Just like the rest of those extras, Jill Howard is like Provided a good return on investment. In six games with Texas Tech, Jill Howard recorded 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles, 0.5 sack and one interception.
Given the impact Jill Howard has made in the middle of Texas Tech’s defensive line, his absence will leave a big hole. Pro Football Focus rated Gil Howard as the fourth-best defensive tackle in the country, and along with Lee Hunter, he clogged everything between the tackles.
Gill-Howard and the rest of the Red Raiders’ transfer-laden defense is a big reason why they appeared in the Big 12 Championship Game and College football He clears his throat. Texas Tech sits at or near the top of the conference and nation in almost every statistical category.
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12.2 points |
the first |
Seventh |
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Total 256.8 yards |
the first |
9th |
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194.3 yards |
Sixth |
Forty-first |
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62.5 yards rushing |
the first |
the first |
There is talent all over the field when Texas Tech is on defense, but Gill-Howard has done a lot to contribute to those impressive numbers. Not only could he help get stops in the run game, but he really provided an interior pass rush.
The Red Raiders are still in a position to accomplish all of their goals — even without Jill Howard in the lineup. Players like Hunter, David Bailey, and Romelu Hite are game-changers in their own right. Furthermore, Texas Tech is the favorite to win the Big 12 (-170 on FanDuel), and is the favorite to reach the CFP (-470). It will be a little more difficult to get there without the No. 0 in the middle of the defence.
Texas Tech could get its first major test without Gill-Howard in less than 24 hours. The Red Raiders face Arizona State at 4pm on Saturday afternoon, and Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt is listed as likely on Thursday’s availability report.