No team wants to go into the week of an open date coming off a loss or a poorly played game. Texas Tech made sure that won’t happen by blasting Massachusetts 56-14 Saturday night in the Red Raiders’ most complete game in their first four.

Even Tech coach Mike Leach says there are positive signs. Asked how the Raiders shape up on offense, defense and special teams going into Big 12 Conference play, Leach said, “Better than average, but you’ve got to consistently improve.”

Tech, which on Sunday moved to No. 9 in the USA Today coaches poll and No. 10 in The Associated Press Top 25, has shown improvement in some key areas in the first month.

• Tech has 10 interceptions, tying both the national lead and its season total from last year.

• The Raiders rank tied for third nationally in third-down defense, a category in which they ranked 90th a year ago. In non-conference games, Tech yielded only 12 conversions in 54 third-down situations.

• Tech also ranks in the top 20 in red-zone defense efficiency, turnover margin and sacks.

• Tech’s rushing offense was dead last in the country last year. Now it’s up to 72nd, and the Raiders are averaging 5.92 yards per carry. Only nine teams in the nation average more per rush.

That’s mostly because Baron Batch has recovered remarkably well from career-threatening ankle problems, and Shannon Woods has returned from exile. In the last two games, the two have combined for 585 yards rushing and receiving.

Tech’s defensive strides have started with the front four setting the tone.

“We’ll go as far as those guys lead us up front,” defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill said after Saturday’s game. “We’re going to ride their shoulders and coattails the rest of the year.”

The Raiders were optimistic going into the season that they had the personnel and experience to be much better.

There still have been some uneasy moments: Eastern Washington passed for 341 yards on Tech. Nevada zipped up and down the field, forcing the Raiders to make numerous stops in the red zone. In a stat line reminiscent of years past, Tech allowed Nevada 224 rushing yards and 488 overall.

In the two games since, however, the Tech defense has allowed only one fourth-quarter touchdown apiece.

“It’s still a work in progress,” McNeill said. “I told them I think we have a chance to be a special group as long as we stay focused on little things, ordinary things – only worrying about us and how we play.”

McNeill said he’s still holding back blitzes, probably because Tech’s front four has been able to control opposing offenses and get pressure without help.

“The turnovers have come because, even though we are playing base (defense), there is some attacking mode to it with the front and the collision part,” McNeill said. “And if you watch, we’ve really been beating up the receivers, which is what I want to do.

“I think when we do blend the blitzes in, it’ll carry over.”

In an unexpected development, a Leach team is winning with running backs and defense. Tech has 12 rushing touchdowns – the same number the Raiders have passing.

Batch is averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Woods, who ran for 108 yards and three touchdowns Saturday, has a 6.4-yard average and seven TDs.

Last year, he was benched the last month, then suspended from the Gator Bowl.

“I don’t think my mentality for the game has ever changed,” Woods said. “I always want to be productive. I always want to pull for my teammates. … I know that I felt like I was trying (last year), but this year it does feel different, maybe because we’re having a lot more fun. This is what football’s all about.”