What Is 2017 Texas Tech Red Raiders football

Overview

The 2017 Texas Tech Red Raiders football season marked the 96th season in program history and the 25th as a member of the Big 12 Conference. Competing at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level, the team was led by fifth-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury and played its home games at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.

Despite a high-powered offense, the Red Raiders struggled defensively and failed to qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2014. The season ended with a 5-7 overall record and a 3-6 mark in Big 12 play, placing them near the bottom of the conference standings.

• Record: The team finished 5-7 overall and 3-6 in Big 12 Conference games, missing postseason eligibility by one win.
• Head coach: Kliff Kingsbury remained the offensive architect, entering his fifth season with an evolving spread system.
• Quarterback: Senior Nic Shimonek started all 12 games, throwing for 3,423 yards and 27 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
• Defensive struggles: The Red Raiders allowed 430.2 yards per game, ranking 123rd out of 130 FBS teams in total defense.
• Home stadium: Jones AT&T Stadium hosted all six home games, drawing an average attendance of 49,285 fans per contest.

Offensive & Defensive Performance

The Red Raiders continued their tradition of pass-heavy football, but defensive shortcomings undermined overall success. While the offense ranked among the nation's leaders in passing, poor tackling and lack of depth on defense led to consistent point deficits.

• Passing yards: Texas Tech ranked 3rd nationally with 327.9 passing yards per game, led by quarterback Nic Shimonek.
• Receiving leader: Senior WR Keke Coutee recorded 76 receptions for 1,429 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final season.
• Turnovers: The team committed 25 turnovers, including 15 interceptions thrown by the quarterback position.
• Scoring average: The offense averaged 30.8 points per game, ranking 45th nationally, but defense allowed 37.5.
• Rushing attack: Running back Kyle Hicks rushed for 778 yards and 6 touchdowns on 177 carries, leading the ground game.
• Third-down efficiency: The offense converted 38.2% of third downs, below the national average of 40.1%.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2017 Red Raiders compared to key Big 12 counterparts across critical statistical categories:

While Texas Tech's offensive output was strong compared to lower-tier teams, their defensive performance ranked among the worst in the conference. The 450 points allowed placed them second-worst in the Big 12, only ahead of Baylor, highlighting systemic issues on that side of the ball. Despite individual bright spots, the lack of balance between offense and defense ultimately derailed the season.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a turning point for Texas Tech football, signaling growing concerns about defensive performance despite offensive prowess. It underscored the need for program adjustments, especially after missing a bowl game for the first time in four years.

• Coaching evaluation: Kliff Kingsbury’s future came under scrutiny, with calls for defensive coordinator changes intensifying.
• Recruiting impact: A losing season affected momentum in recruiting top-tier defensive prospects.
• Player development: The season highlighted the need for improved defensive discipline and tackling fundamentals.
• Conference parity: The Big 12’s competitive depth exposed Texas Tech’s lack of depth compared to rivals.
• Fan engagement: Attendance dipped slightly compared to previous years, reflecting declining confidence.
• Program trajectory: The season foreshadowed Kingsbury’s dismissal after 2018, marking the end of an era.

The 2017 campaign ultimately served as a cautionary chapter in Texas Tech’s pursuit of consistent competitiveness, emphasizing that elite offense alone cannot sustain success without defensive balance.