Spring football begins in earnest next week when colleges across the state return from spring break. A few programs began work a week prior to spring break, while others dust off the pads beginning on March 21. Spring games are littered throughout April with the season set to start the first week of September. 

The 2022 season is an intriguing one inside the state of Texas. The Aggies and Longhorns hope to climb back to the top of the perch as a collision in the SEC approaches. Baylor hopes to stay atop of the Big 12 under the cool, calm, and collected leadership of Dave Aranda. And Texas Tech and TCU begin new eras under exciting new regimes. 

But what is the best and worst that can happen in 2022? Here's what think regarding the Red Raiders:

Texas Tech Red Raiders

2021 record: 7-6

Best case for 2022: The energy provided by first-year head coach Joey McGuire lifts Texas Tech back into Big 12 contention and makes Jones AT&T Stadium one of the hardest places to play in Texas, especially at night, like it was before Mike Leach walked the plank out of Lubbock. The team that beatdown Mississippi State in the bowl game, and the one that knocked off Houston and Iowa State and narrowly missed sending the season-finale against Baylor into overtime, plays consistently for the 12-game regular season. 

Texas Tech does play most of its hardest games at home. The Red Raiders host the likes of Houston, Texas, Baylor, and Oklahoma in Lubbock during the 2022 season. A quick start with wins over Houston and Texas before the start of October gives the Red Raiders plenty of momentum. 

Worst case for 2022: Growing pains should be expected in the first year of a new tenure. Losses at home early in the year to Houston and Texas derail some of the momentum McGuire and his staff are building in the fan base and on the recruiting trail. A tough end to the season, which includes Baylor and Oklahoma, keeps the Red Raiders out of bowl season and drops the recruiting class back towards the ranking of previous cycles.