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NCAA Basketball: Smart’s hot seat, Duke’s weakness and more takeaways

By Brian Rauf

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Shaka Smart of the Texas Longhorns reacts as his team plays the Citadel Bulldogs at the Frank Erwin Center on November 16, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Shaka Smart of the Texas Longhorns reacts as his team plays the Citadel Bulldogs at the Frank Erwin Center on November 16, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 08: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders talks with Jarrett Culver #23 at a time out during the second half of the game on January 8, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 66-59. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 08: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders talks with Jarrett Culver #23 at a time out during the second half of the game on January 8, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 66-59. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

5) Are we sure Texas Tech is good?

The Red Raiders have been a top 15 team for the past month and we’ve all accepted that they’re one of the best teams in the country.

I’m not arguing that they aren’t…but what have they shown us to actually call for that line of thinking?

Texas Tech looked good in November, beating the likes of USC and Nebraska by double digits on their way to winning the Hall of Fame Classic, but neither of those wins seems impressive now. They kept their undefeated record intact against lesser competition all the way until December 20, when they challenged Duke before losing late.

Now the wheels have fallen off with them losing three of their last four games, and that one win was a narrow three-point win over Arkansas. Looking at their resume, they don’t have a win over a team ranked in the NET top 25 and have an offense that has really struggled, ranking 142nd in efficiency.

Yes, Chris Beard is one of the best coaches in the country and, yes, Jarrett Culver is a bona fide star. I think Texas Tech is a good team but I need them to start proving it. Games this week against TCU and Kansas should tell us one way or another with this group.

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