The best defense in the Big 12 -- and one of the best in the country -- has taken a big hit in the trenches. Texas Tech defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard is out for the year with an injury he suffered in last week's win over Kansas , according to CBS Sports' Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz.

Gill-Howard was a key part of the Red Raiders' transfer portal haul in the offseason, coming over from NIU. Just like the rest of those additions, Gill-Howard as provided a nice return on investment . In six games with Texas Tech, Gill-Howard recorded 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles, 0.5 sacks and one interception.

Given the impact Gill-Howard has had in the middle of that vaunted Texas Tech defensive line, his absence will leave a big hole. Pro Football Focus graded Gill-Howard as the fourth-best d

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