With a veteran quarterback and its top receivers returning, along with the return from injuries of the top two running backs, Texas Tech doesn't figure to have many questions on offense going into the 2012 season.

Defense?

That's another story.

The Red Raiders frittered away some early successes that included a victory over Oklahoma in Norman and went on a five-game skid at the end of the 2011 campaign that cost them a bowl bid. They finished 5-7 overall, 2-7 in the Big 12.

A bad defense was a major reason.

Some new faces—the most notable one linebacker Will Smith, a transfer from Riverside Junior College—plus an old one in a new place give reason for some hope.

Leon Mackey, who arrived heralded as a key to an improved pass rush a ...More