Texas Tech drops in Week 2 AP Poll despite season-opening victory

Regardless, the Red Raiders can focus on the task ahead: a matchup with the Kent State Golden Flashes in Week 2, which could be heavily swayed by the health of quarterback Behren Morton.

Texas Tech's senior quarterback is dealing with an injury, as he reportedly hyperextended his knee and is considered day-to-day heading into the next game. Regardless, he and offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich showed synergy in the first half of the season opener and the energy is high for the Red Raiders.

"The game literally could have been called at halftime,” head coach Joey McGuire said about the Week 1 blowout. “It’s the first time I’ve been part of an eight-minute quarter since 1994 coaching junior high football."

Heading into Week 2, the Red Raiders will be able to reflect on what worked and what did not in their first contest. The running game looked smooth, with Cameron Dickey carrying the ball 13 times for 90 yards (6.9 yards per carry) and J'Koby Williams taking six carries for 56 yards (9.3 yards per carry).

Even redshirt freshman Adam Hill got in on the action, carrying the ball seven times for 78 yards, averaging 11.1 yards per carry as the team's third running back.

Furthermore, 12 different players caught at least one pass, with eight players catching two or more, and five scoring a receiving touchdown. Reggie Virgil led the team with four receptions, 56 yards, and a score, a promising start for the Miami (OH) transfer.

If the Red Raiders want to climb up the poll, the answer is simple: keep winning. The Red Raiders kick off their Week 2 game against Kent State at home on Saturday, Sept. 6, at noon ET (11 a.m. local time).