There is no better way to see how two teams stack up than to have them duke it out on the field. But since we are still four days away from the Holiday Bowl, we decided to provide a statistical breakdown for both Arizona State and Texas Tech. After all, numbers never lie.
Offense:
Texas Tech
When it came to passing the ball, Texas Tech was one of the top schools in the country. They ranked second overall in the FBS with 392 passing yards per game. What's even more impressive is the fact that they started two different freshmen quarterbacks this season. Baker Mayfield started eight games for the Red Raiders and threw for 2,315 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Davis Webb (who will start the Holiday Bowl) also threw for 2,315 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
However, Kliff Kingsbury's pass-happy offense did not leave a lot of room for a running game. The Red Raiders ranked 107th nationally with 121.3 rushing yards per game. Running back Kenny Williams was the leading rusher on the team with 117 carries for 480 yards and eight touchdowns. Williams split carries with DeAndre Washington, who rushed for 399 yards and four touchdowns.
Arizona State
The Sun Devils were second in Pac-12 in scoring this season (Oregon was first), and were ranked tenth in the country at the end of the regular season with an average of 41 points per game. The Sun Devil offense was certainly more balanced than the Red Raider offense. Quarterback Taylor Kelly started all 13 games under center for the Sun Devils and was a threat both running and passing the ball. Kelly threw for 3,510 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also ran for 473 yards and eight touchdowns.
Running back Marion Grice (who will likely be out against Texas Tech) was a touchdown scoring machine for the Sun Devils. Grice finished with 20 overall touchdowns, and at one point led the FBS in total touchdowns. His back up D.J. Foster, played the majority of the season as a slot receiver but he was still an extremely useful weapon in Mike Norvell's offense. Foster gained 999 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone nine times.
Defense:
Texas Tech
The Texas Tech defense was ranked seventh overall in the Big-12 and allowed an average of 420 yards per game. In the Red Raiders' five losses this season, they allowed an average of 48.6 points per game. They were ninth overall in the Big-12 in rushing defense as opposing offenses averaged 194.3 rushing yards per game. The defense intercepted seven passes this season which ranks them 107th nationally.
Arizona State
The Sun Devil defense turned out to be an offensive threat as it led the Pac-12 with five defensive touchdowns. The defense's 21 interceptions were third overall in the FBS behind only Florida State and Houston. Despite the fact that the defense forced a lot of turnovers, it still gave up an average of 364 yards per game.
Special Teams
Texas Tech
Kicker Ryan Bustin has been solid all season for Texas Tech. He's made 22 of 26 field goals, and 48 of 50 extra points.
Arizona State
Kicker Zane Gonzalez was a sight for sore eyes in Tempe this season. After last season's kicking woes, Gonzalez stepped up as a freshman and hit 22 of 26 field goals and 61 of 63 extra points. He was also named first-team all-Pac-12 as a kicker.