Weekly Review: New Mexico

Texas Tech will take on New Mexico, Saturday at 6 p.m. at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock.

In case you haven't been glued to RedRaiderSports.com all week, here is what has happened in the week leading up to the game:

Getting started

*Texas Tech has the fourth-best total defense in the country after holding Texas State to 270 yards last week and it held Northwestern State to 64 total offensive yards.

*New Mexico runs a similar option game as Texas State. These two teams are providing great preparation for when Tech returns to action against Iowa State's zone-read option after a bye week this upcoming week.

*Tech had a few plays defensive coordinator Art Kaufman would like to have back so watch for the Red Raiders to try to play a complete game defending the option.

*Javares McRoy will miss a second consecutive game.

Roster news

*Last year's leading receiver Eric Ward is back after missing last week due to a concussion.

*Jeremy Reynolds and Derrick Mays are the backup corners.

*Tyson Williams is starting ahead of Jace Amaro at Y, according to Tech's depth chart.

*Bradley Marquez, who leads the team in receptions is back up Ward.

Injury news

*Marcus Kennard is doubtful with a pulled hamstring.

*Starting cornerback Cornelius Douglas could play if he had to, but head coach Tommy Tuberville said he won't play due to an abdominal strain since New Mexico relies so heavily on the run anyway. Bruce Jones will take Douglas' spot opposite Eugene Neboh.

*True freshman Trey Keenan is backing up Terry McDaniel at right tackle.

Five Red Raiders to watch

WR 14 Darrin Moore

Moore had a field day against New Mexico last year. Look for quarterback Seth Doege to go to him early and often.

LG 56 Alfredo Morales

Morales, a redshirt freshman, will start at left guard for the third straight game. Tuberville said he's allowed a big hit on Doege in the first two games. Watch to see if he sures that problem up.

LG 72 Beau Carpenter

Carpenter is backing up Morales but is closing the gap according to the coach staff. Carpenter should see some playing time against New Mexico and make a case for himself.

CB 24 Bruce Jones

Jones, a junior college transfer, will get his first start at cornerback.

SLB 1 Terrance Bullitt

Bullitt had a great game defending the option. Watch for him against New Mexico's option attack. He's taking great angles and is pursuing very well.

Quote of the Week

"I think most of it, we have experience in some spots. We have some depth, but I think it's confidence. You play defense, number one. You just get lined up to understand your responsibility you can play a lot harder. We have more speed, but we're using our speed a lot more than what we did last year because there is less confusion."

-Tuberville on the early season defensive improvement.