8. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Record: 15-1 (4-0 Big 12)
Last Week: No. 9
Texas Tech is in the midst of potentially posting a historically great defensive season. Not only is the Red Raiders’ adjusted defensive efficiency rated as the best in the nation but their current mark (82.8) would be the best in the KenPom era…and by a significant margin (next best AdjD – 84.2 by 2009 Memphis). Head coach Chris Beard clearly has his team playing at a ridiculously high level on the defensive end of the floor and they can shut down just about any team that gets in their way.
With all of this said, though, Texas Tech’s adjusted offensive efficiency mark barely ranks within the nation’s top-100 (92nd) and they rely on superstar sophomore Jarrett Culver to make things happen on that end of the floor. And while he is certainly great, he will need a bit more help in order for the Red Raiders to survive games in which opponents simply get hot. After all, good offense beats good defense, for the most part.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech has a legitimate shot to win the Big 12 this season. Their defense is strong enough to shut down anyone and that facet of the game is something that typically travels away from home quite well.