For Texas Tech defensive players who mentioned multiple times throughout preseason practice that they wanted to improve stopping the run, the chance to prove themselves starts Saturday.
Sam Houston State is loaded in the run game, starting with quarterback Jared Johnson, who rushed for 999 yards — actually, 1,275, less sacks and tackles for loss.
Behind him are Donavan Williams and Texas transfer Jalen Overstreet who combined for 1,387 yards and 16 TDs last season.
Then there are Ridgeway Frank and Cory Avery, a transfer from Kansas. During his season in Lawrence, Avery rushed for 631 yards and five TDs as a freshman.