Joey McGuire Makes Honest Admission On Team Performance Amid Tough Schedule
In the world of college football, the stakes are always high, and the timing of a game can be pivotal to a team’s success or failure. This Saturday, the Texas Tech football team finds itself in a challenging situation as they face off against a familiar foe at an inopportune time. The game pits the Red Raiders against the Washington State Cougars, with each team bringing its own storylines, strengths, and weaknesses to the field. The clash is particularly intriguing because of the personal connection between the two teams’ offensive coordinators, who will be on opposite sidelines for this matchup.
Six years ago, when Texas Tech’s current offensive coordinator, Zach Kittley, was in a different role as the offensive coordinator at Houston Baptist University, he was in the process of hiring a volunteer quality control staff member. This position, typically a stepping stone for young coaches, was unpaid but crucial for those looking to build a career in football. As Kittley sifted through a stack of resumes, one stood out not for its content but for its area code—806. This area code is synonymous with West Texas, and Kittley, with his deep ties to the region, couldn’t help but make a lighthearted comment to his colleagues Jared Kaster and Tyler Schovanec. “I said, ‘This guy’s probably the one, man. He’s a West Texas guy,’” Kittley recalls.
The resume belonged to Ben Arbuckle, a former quarterback for the Canadian Wildcats. Despite the position being unpaid and entry-level, Arbuckle’s passion and enthusiasm shone through. After some investigation and a favorable recommendation from a cousin who had worked with Arbuckle, Kittley decided to bring him on board. Their professional relationship blossomed, and Arbuckle’s dedication was evident. He quickly became a trusted member of Kittley’s staff, and their connection grew to the point where Arbuckle and his wife Lauren became godparents to Kittley’s second son.
Fast forward to today, and the two coaches find themselves in a highly competitive environment, facing each other in a game that could be a defining moment for both their careers. Kittley now serves as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, while Arbuckle holds the same role at Washington State. Their shared history adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
The timing of this game could not be more challenging for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are coming off a dramatic 52-51 overtime victory against Abilene Christian, a game that exposed significant vulnerabilities in their defense. Despite the high-scoring affair showcasing Maverick McIvor’s remarkable performance—he threw for 506 yards, nearing the school’s single-game passing record—the Red Raiders’ secondary struggled significantly. The defense allowed numerous big plays, which raised concerns about their ability to handle potent offenses.
On the other side, Arbuckle and the Washington State Cougars are riding high after their impressive 70-30 win over Portland State. The Cougars’ offense was unstoppable, with new quarterback John Mateer making a sensational debut, throwing for 352 yards and five touchdowns. The Cougars’ offensive performance was a testament to Arbuckle’s coaching prowess, especially given the departure of last year’s standout quarterback, Cam Ward. Ward’s transfer to Miami could have been a setback, but Washington State’s offense showed no signs of slowing down.
The Red Raiders’ defensive struggles could be a major point of concern heading into this game. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire has been candid about the team’s defensive shortcomings, emphasizing the need for better communication and alignment in the secondary. “On the secondary, we’ve got to communicate a lot better,” McGuire said. “We’ve got to do a lot better job of being on the same page. Some of those big plays, we weren’t on the same page. There’s no excuse for it.”
With Arbuckle’s deep understanding of offensive schemes and his familiarity with effective passing strategies, it’s likely that he and the Washington State coaching staff will look to exploit these weaknesses. Arbuckle’s experience with prolific passing attacks, both at Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky, where he and Kittley shared successful tenures, will be invaluable. His coaching philosophy has consistently focused on high-powered, efficient offenses, and Texas Tech’s recent performance suggests that the Red Raiders may be vulnerable to such strategies.
As Kittley and Arbuckle prepare for their reunion on the field, their personal connection adds a unique dimension to the game. The mutual respect and history between the two coaches highlight how football relationships can evolve over time, from early career encounters to high-stakes confrontations. The game will not only test the Red Raiders’ ability to shore up their defensive lapses but also serve as a significant benchmark for Arbuckle and the Washington State offense as they face a Power Five opponent.
For both teams, the outcome of this game could have far-reaching implications. For Texas Tech, it’s an opportunity to address defensive issues and gain momentum for the rest of the season. For Washington State, it’s a chance to demonstrate that their offensive success is not merely a product of facing less formidable opponents. The game will be a test of both teams’ adaptability and resilience.
However, the matchup between Texas Tech and Washington State is more than just another game on the schedule. It’s a clash of coaching philosophies, a battle of high-powered offenses against defensive challenges, and a reunion of two coaches who have supported and challenged each other throughout their careers. As the Red Raiders and the Cougars prepare to face off, all eyes will be on how these storylines unfold on the field. For fans, it’s a chance to witness a thrilling contest, rich with personal and professional significance, and for the teams, it’s an opportunity to prove their mettle in a high-pressure environment.
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