#21 Texas Tech: Building a QB-Friendly Pass Game
Aug 03, 2025 4:11 pm
Coach -
Texas Tech’s offense under Mack Leftwich is fast, balanced, and built for clarity—not chaos.
In his Pass Game clinic, Leftwich shows exactly how he teaches layered route structure, leverage-based reads, and answers vs. every coverage, giving QBs clean progressions and defined throws.
Video: Backside High Low Concept
Marrying Concepts: Option + Backside High-Low
A key sequence Leftwich breaks down is how to pair Slot Option routes with a Backside High-Low read. It’s about solving the coverage puzzle pre-snap—and giving your quarterback options post-snap.
“If the defense vices the option, the dig and under on the backside should let us high-low the Will backer. It’s built-in.”
Here’s how he teaches it:
- Attack the inside leg of the second-level defender
- Run the under at five and keep it moving vs. man, sit it down vs. zone
- Let the QB confirm the man/zone picture, then throw on rhythm
In practice clips, you see the same principles—snap reads, route leverage, and timing—show up over and over again. Receivers trigger throws before their break. QBs trust the window. It’s drilled until it’s predictable.
“We rep this stuff a ton. And when they see it, they don’t think—they trigger.”
Scheme for Leverage. Teach for Rhythm.
Later in the clinic, Leftwich shows how Texas State schemed a 4th down slant by forcing Baylor into an in-and-out call from motion. They got exactly what they wanted—and the quarterback delivered.
“If we motion into a stack, they’ll in-and-out it. We’ve seen it. So we create the leverage we want before the snap ever happens.”
This kind of detailed, defensive-aware planning is what makes Leftwich’s system more than just tempo—it’s organized and efficient, giving your QB structure against man or zone.
🔴 #21 Texas Tech: 2025 Outlook
The Red Raiders return a deep WR corps, veteran QB Behren Morton, and new OL pieces to protect the system. If the defense stabilizes, this offense can lead a Big 12 dark horse run.
Strengths:
- Proven QB + explosive passing concepts
- Tempo-based, rhythm-driven offensive identity
- Major upgrades to defensive front
Concerns:
- Replacing Tahj Brooks in the run game
- Secondary and pass rush still question marks
- Staying healthy in key spots
Organize your passing game.
Coach Grabowski & the CoachesClinic Team
Other Clinics from the Texas Tech Staff:
Be Special on Special Teams - Joey McGuire & Kenny Perry
Defense - Shiel Wood, Defensive Coordinator
Run Game & Pass Game - Josh Cochran & Juice Johnson