SMU only returns 12 starters (6 on each side), but I think this match up favors them as Texas Tech only returns 5 starters on offense. Hal Mumme takes over as the new offensive coordinator and will run his air raid offense which is very similar to the offense this unit ran a year ago and going up against a Texas Tech secondary that graduated a lot of experience that rarely forced turnovers. Texas Tech also has issues at linebacker size and you can certainly run on them, but more importantly the front 7 was 91st in sack% which means SMU should be able to run their offense without worrying about getting sacked.
Garret Gilbert returns for his senior year and should have a chip on his shoulder. He did not play that well last year and was once a highly touted recruit at Texas, but he's got some weapons on the outside and this unit should be able to move the ball at home against a below average defense on Friday night. Gilbert just can't turn the ball over and facing the Red Raiders it's likely he won't. Texas Tech meanwhile has a new QB and new offensive line and a new head coach. A lot changes and it's a lot to ask to go on the road on a Friday night and win especially when your strength is passing the ball and SMU return all 4 starters from last year including Kenneth Acker and Chris Parks one of the better duos in the nation. They were 20th in opponent completion % despite being 86th in sack %. This unit was also 23rd in takeaways and I think that will be the difference on Friday night.
