“Player-led defense”: Shiel Wood’s formula for Red Raider success
After a dominating defensive performance in Manhattan this past Saturday, Shiel Wood sat down and answered some questions on facing the upcoming No. 8 team in the nation and Big 12 title competitor BYU. Wood was pleased with how the defensive side of the ball performed against the Wildcats.
“I thought we had a lot of guys play at a really high level, in terms of that especially this week we just need to focus on doing our job to the best of our ability, owning our assignment and leverage and prepare against a really good football team”
How to shut down BYU?
Wood was specific on stopping the run and how that has been the key for BYU to get back into their games when they are down. He mentioned that limiting their ground attack early will be critical in keeping momentum on Texas Tech’s side.
“They run the ball really well throughout the football game, and they are well-disciplined. They will run it and keep running it late, so you’ve got to do a good job of stopping the run the whole game. Then just trying to win those down-the-field throws that they have.
Bear (Bachmeier) is a really good runner and maybe a little different than some of the other quarterbacks we have seen and they do a really good job of putting their guys in situations to be successful. They are undefeated and are doing great so we are going to have a great week of practice.”
Wood continues to promote consistency
After all the hype that goes into this dominant Red Raider defense week in and week out, Wood wants to maintain a sense of consistency and keep the message clear.
“We want to improve on consistency. I think at times throughout these ball games when we struggle a little bit, I look at myself and see that and wonder what I can do better
and for our guys, just having the resiliency to let the plays come to them and not try to do too much, not try to do somebody elses job”
The cohesion that has led to the success for the Red Raiders
Wood explained that he does not have the need to ‘micromanage’ this defense. They know their roles and jobs and they go out and execute. He understands the importance of player leadership and how that benefits the team.
“We are a player led defense, and a player led football team, I think that is the best kind of team. When those guys take ownership, it’s outstanding and that is what they have done
They put in the extra work, so as a coach if you could teach them how to study their film and learn from their film it builds a great foundation. Each level of our defense has done that.”
The take home message for Shiel Wood
Wood’s confidence in his defense reflects a culture built on trust, preparation, and player leadership. As Texas Tech turns its focus to BYU, that mindset will be key to sustaining their momentum and proving once again why the Red Raider defense has become one of the Big 12’s toughest units.
“I think it all comes back to our players. Our players are invested and believe in this mission—they have been since day one. That leadership and work ethic have only continued to grow throughout the offseason, fall camp, and now that we’re into the season.
I’m really proud of them and their ability to prepare and understand the concepts we’re teaching each week. They step into game situations with a heightened awareness of what’s going to happen on each play. Those are the things that allow them to adjust and succeed during the game.”
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