McGuire: "It's Been a Great Offseason"

This readiness means Saturdays are about to get loud again for everyone from students on campus to families tailgating along University Avenue. A strong team often brings tangible benefits: local businesses around the Depot District see an uptick in traffic, and the whole town catches a serious buzz. A winning culture affects more than just the scoreboard; it's an economic driver and a source of civic pride for Lubbock residents.

Whether this "great offseason" translates into a dominant Big 12 title run or a serious push for the expanded college football playoff remains the biggest question mark for the season.