The 3-2-1: Tech's first big test lies in Tempe this weekend

Texas Tech will head out to Tempe, Ariz. to take on Arizona State for one of the only primetime Power Five matchups of the weekend and the first real test for this Red Raider team in 2016.

So what have we learned this week, what do we not yet know and what should we expect? We take a closer look in this week's edition of the 3-2-1.

1 - Expectations for physicality are high on both sides of the ball

I think most Red Raiders, whether they be fans or on the coaching staff, would tell you they were thrilled with how the defense played against Stephen F. Austin, especially the demeanor and physicality of the group as a whole.

But, I'll tell you one person who wasn't happy with the offense's physicality: Kliff Kingbsury. He was noticeably agitated with the soft and loose play of his offense across the board, whether it be the offensive line, receivers, and even QB Pat Mahomes at times. Which, seeing as they scored 69 points, might surprise some people.

But, I think that's a good thing. Kingsbury and his staff are clearly focused on making this a physical and tough team across the board, something that has been noticeably missing on a consistent basis.

The new standard of physicality set by the head coach and his staff is certainly noteworthy.

2 - Kliff doesn't care about offensive balance for balance's sake

When asked about how little the offense ran the ball against Stephen F. Austin last week and if that will change in the future in an attempt to have more balance, Kingsbury gave this response:

"When you've got a quarterback like we have and you can throw it every play, be accurate, and protect the football, and that's what's working, that's what we'll do. I'm not one that, hey we've got to work to establish a run game and bang our heads against a wall. We're not going to do that. If we can't run the ball, we'll throw it every play."

It's pretty clear: The head coach flat out does not care about run-pass balance in a game. It's not something he's going to concern himself with. However, I don't think that's a bad thing. Just look at the 2015 season.

The Red Raiders ran it 51 times in the regular season finale against Texas. Know what they did in the bowl game against LSU? Threw it 56 times.

Look at Kingsbury's trends as a play-caller over time, too. Last season, Tech had the second best passing offense in the country. Back in 2012, however, his A&M offense had the top ranked rushing attack in the SEC.

Kingsbury is going to do what fits his personnel and works against the defense they're playing. He's not going to do something just because people say you should. And that's worked for him so far.

Oh yeah, and he has this guy named Pat Mahomes lined up under center.

3 - The defensive line is confident after their performance against Stephen F. Austin

Whether you ask Kingsbury, nose tackle Ondre Pipkins, defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko or nose tackle Broderick Washington, they all felt great about the performance by the defensive line, specifically the interior linemen, after the season opener against SFA.

The group held SFA to minus-6 rushing yards going into halftime, and the Lumberjacks really only got the ball moving on the ground after the starters were pulled late in the 3rd.

That's some much needed proof in the pudding for a Texas Tech defense that's starving to see signs of success. And now, it seems to have worn off on the players in the unit.

That can't be anything but a good thing.

1 - Can this Texas Tech rush defense really slow down Arizona State's ground attack?

If you ask me, this is the major swing factor out in Tempe this weekend. Will the Red Raider front seven, led by Pipkins, prove that their Week 1 performance in the trenches was more than a simple fluke against an FCS team, or will they come out and get steamrolled like they have in so many games over the last few seasons?

That's the biggest key for Texas Tech to come away with a win against the Sun Devils on Saturday night. At the very least, they must stay disciplined and maintain gap integrity, which they mostly did against the Lumberjacks.

2 - Can this Texas Tech O-line keep Pat Mahomes clean?

There are pressure defenses, and then there's Arizona State. They blitz more than almost any other defense in college football, and they can overwhelm a young, green offensive line and quarterback in a hurry when their gambles work.

However, the Red Raiders clearly have the best quarterback the Sun Devils will play against all year, a guy with experience and rare elusiveness in the pocket.

And while that's great, it's also clear this offensive line is going to have to play better against the Sun Devils, who will bring much more pressure than SFA. In particular, the two youngsters in the crew - tackles Terence Steele and Madison Akamnonu - will have to grow and play with poise against some confusing looks and more talented edge rushers. Can they step up to the challenge and play well enough to give Mahomes at least some time?

If they do, the Red Raiders will likely shred ASU.

Tech will hold Arizona State to less than 200 yards rushing

When you look at the Red Raiders' performances against physical running games over the last few seasons, you might laugh at this number. But, hear me out.

First, I don't think what I saw from the Tech front seven in run defense against SFA was a fluke. While they definitely aren't going to likely stymie any other rushing offenses to roughly 60 yards this season, I saw more physical, sound play from that group in rush defense than I've seen in years.

Also, I just don't think this Arizona State offensive line is very good. They had a rough go of things against Northern Arizona last weekend until the talent difference kicked in during the fourth quarter, and that includes in both pass and run blocking.

Put all that together, and I think this Tech defense has relative success in at least slowing down the Sun Devils on the ground.