FACTS & STATS: Site: Jones AT&T Stadium (60,454) — Lubbock, Texas.
Television: FSN. Home Record: Kansas 2-2, Texas Tech 1-2. Away Record: Kansas
0-2, Texas Tech 1-2. Neutral Record: Kansas 0-0, Texas Tech 0-0. Conference
Record: Kansas 0-3, Texas Tech 0-3. Series Record: Texas Tech leads, 14-1.
GAME NOTES: Something has to give when a pair of winless Big 12 Conference
teams meet up at Jones AT&T Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as the Texas Tech
Red Raiders play host to the Kansas Jayhawks.
Kansas impressed during its non-conference schedule with wins in two of three
matchups, but since entering league play it has slipped up in three straight
contests. The Jayhawks most recently hosted Oklahoma State last weekend, and
despite erasing a double-digit second-half deficit, they fell on the wrong end
of a 27-20 final.
Texas Tech has been even colder of late, as it has lost four consecutive games
since a quick 2-0 start. The Red Raiders appeared in great shape to win their
first Big 12 game of the season last Saturday leading West Virginia by two
touchdowns with under six minutes to play, but they surrendered 17 unanswered
points down the stretch to suffer the 37-34 loss and fall to 0-3 in the
league.
The Red Raiders have dominated the Jayhawks in the all-time series, winning 14
of 15 matchups, which includes seven straight victories dating back to 2004.
The Jayhawks have been held back this season by the poor play of their
offense, as they rank last in the Big 12 in scoring a mere 15.8 ppg.
Michael Cummings made his first start of the season a week ago, completing 20-
of-37 passes for 288 yards with an interception while adding a rushing
touchdown. Montell Cozart (.496 completions, 693 yards, five TDs, seven INTs)
is still in the picture as well.
Corey Avery earns the majority of the backfield work and has turned 81 carries
into 348 yards and three touchdowns. De’Andre Mann (63 carries, 322 yards)
also sees plenty of work.
Nick Harwell leads the team in every receiving category (24 receptions, 214
yards, two TDs), while Tony Pierson is utilized both as a rusher (146 yards,
TD) and a receiver (16 receptions, 191 yards, TD).
Kansas’ defense has been a middle-of-the-road unit, allowing 27.0 ppg and
395.3 ypg while forcing 12 turnovers in six games.
Ben Heeney anchors the unit with 63 tackles, 10.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, a forced
fumble and a fumble recovery. Dexter McDonald has a pair of interceptions and
Michael Reynolds (7.5 TFL, 4.0 sacks) has impressed on the defensive line.
Generating offense hasn’t been an issue for Texas Tech this season, as the
unit amasses 30.3 ppg and 486.2 ypg
Davis Webb has been largely impressive this season, completing 62 percent of
his passes for 325.2 ypg with 20 touchdowns (one rushing), but he’s be plagued
by turnover issues, as he’s tied for second in the nation with 11
interceptions. Webb is questionable with an ankle injury, and in the event of
his absence, Patrick Mahomes (7-of-12, 74 yards, TD, INT) would likely get the
call.
Jakeem Grant (44 receptions, 557 yards, five TDs) and Brad Marquez (35
reception, 447 yards, six TDs) make up one of the country’s best receiving
duos. Reginald Davis has also been involved with 22 receptions for 269 yards
and four scores.
DeAndre Washington (89 carries, 458 yards, TD) has three times as many touches
as anyone else coming out of the backfield. Justin Stockton (263 yards, three
TDs) has been used sparingly as a freshman yet still averages an outstanding
9.4 yards per carry.
The Red Raiders’ offense hasn’t been strong enough to mask one of the nation’s
worst defense, as they rank 122th in the nation in allowing 39.5 ppg. The unit
hasn’t been very opportunistic either with just six takeaways.
Keenon Ward (46 tackles) and Pete Robertson (45 tackles, 5.0 sacks) are two of
the lone bright spots on the porous defense.
Texas Tech’s struggles on the defensive side of the ball should allow for
Kansas to fix some of its offensive woes, but whether or not Webb can suit up,
the Red Raiders shouldn’t have much of an issue outscoring KU in their home
stadium.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Texas Tech 35, Kansas 27
