Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Baylor
Saturday’s showdown between the Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-1) and Baylor Bears (3-0) at AT&T Stadium pits a team that has been on an emotional roller coaster as of late against one that has yet to face its first true test of 2015.
The Red Raiders are fresh off a heartbreaking 55-52 loss at home to No. 4 TCU. Regardless of the outcome of that game, though, Texas Tech has proven itself to be a legitimate threat in the Big 12. Before their strong showing against a top-5 TCU team, the Red Raiders shocked the Arkansas Razorbacks in front of their home fans with a convincing 35-24 victory.
Baylor gets its conference schedule underway, after opening the season with three games against mediocre competition. The Bears are considered one of the top teams in the country, and will look to prove so against a competitive Texas Tech team.
Details for Saturday’s game are below:
Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Arlington, Texas
Stadium: AT&T Stadium
TV Info: ABC
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Radio: Texas Tech Radio Network, Baylor Bears Radio Network
Ticket information: For Texas Tech ticket info click here. For Baylor ticket info click here.
Keys to Victory
Texas Tech:
If the Red Raiders are going to upset Baylor, they are going to need to score on nearly every possession. The Bears have an offense that can light up the scoreboard in a hurry, meaning a pair of scoreless possessions could result in a 14-point swing.
They will also need to win the turnover battle and avoid penalties if they are going to have a chance. Baylor has a clear advantage in the talent department, and Texas Tech cannot afford to miss opportunities to sway momentum in its direction. Given the Red Raiders’ pass-heavy offense, the responsibility to protect the football will come down to sophomore quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. Mahomes did not commit a turnover against TCU, but did have two interceptions against Arkansas two weeks ago.
Baylor:
Just like Texas Tech, Baylor is going to need to put up a lot of points and continue to do so throughout the game. This should not be too much of a problem, considering the Bears have put up more than 700 yards for three consecutive games. While their offensive production may not reach quite that level on Saturday, it would not be unprecedented if such occurred. The Red Raiders gave up 750 yards to TCU last week, and do not appear poised to slow down the Baylor offense. As long as the Bears can protect the football, they should be able to cruise to a victory.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Baylor -17
Money Line: Texas Tech +575
O/U: 88.5
Prediction
In a matchup of high-powered offenses, efficiency will be a game-changer.
There is no quarterback who has been more efficient this season than Baylor’s Seth Russell, whose 12.4 yards per pass attempt is by far the best in the nation. A diverse rushing attack will also benefit the Bears, with three running backs rushing for greater than seven yards per carry on the season.
A lack of competition at the front-end of its schedule could cause Baylor to come out of the gates sluggish, but ultimately, the Bears’ offensive firepower will be enough to pull away from Texas Tech in the second half.
Final Score: Baylor 48, Texas Tech 38
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle