The perfect protection within the Massive 12 — and the most effective within the nation — has taken an enormous hit within the trenches. Texas Tech defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard is out for the yr with an damage he suffered in final week’s win over Kansas, based on CBS Sports activities’ Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz.
Gill-Howard was a key a part of the Purple Raiders’ switch portal haul within the offseason, coming over from NIU. Identical to the remainder of these additions, Gill-Howard as offered a pleasant return on funding. In six video games with Texas Tech, Gill-Howard recorded 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles, 0.5 sacks and one interception.
Given the influence Gill-Howard has had in the midst of that vaunted Texas Tech line of defense, his absence will depart an enormous gap. Professional Soccer Focus graded Gill-Howard because the fourth-best defensive sort out within the nation, and together with Lee Hunter, he clogged all the things between the tackles.
Gill-Howard and the remainder of the Purple Raiders’ transfer-laden protection are an enormous purpose why they appear certain for a Massive 12 Championship Sport and College Football Playoff. spot Texas Tech is at or close to the highest of the convention and nation in nearly each statistical class.
|
12.2 factors |
1st |
seventh |
|
256.8 whole yards |
1st |
ninth |
|
194.3 move yards |
sixth |
forty first |
|
62.5 rush yards |
1st |
1st |
There’s expertise all around the discipline when Texas Tech is on protection, however Gill-Howard did loads to contribute to these eye-popping numbers. Not solely may he assist get stops within the run recreation, however he actually offered an inside move rush.
The Purple Raiders are nonetheless very a lot in place to perform all their objectives — even with out Gill-Howard within the lineup. Gamers like Hunter, David Bailey and Romello Peak are game-changers in their very own proper. Apart from, Texas Tech is the clear favourite to win the Massive 12 (-170 at FanDuel), and they’re a heavy favourite to achieve the CFP (-470). Getting there’ll simply be a little bit harder with out No. 0 in the midst of the line of defense.
Texas Tech could get its first main check with out Gill-Howard in lower than 24 hours. The Purple Raiders face Arizona State at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, and Solar Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt is listed as most likely on the Thursday availability report.
