Preview: KU vs. Texas Tech

Source: ESPN

And today, opportunity presents itself. The 4-0, 20th ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders visit Memorial Stadium today to face the 2-1 Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas comes off the walk-off victory two weeks ago, and Texas Tech hasn't really been challenged all year outside of the TCU victory three weeks ago. It will be a tough challenge for the crimson and blue, but if Kansas wants to break streaks and get over the hump, today might be a nice day to do so.

I'll run the numbers: it has been 1,063 days since the Jayhawks knocked off a Big 12 team-- and that was a comeback win against a non-current member (Colorado in 2010). The last time they beat a current conference team was 1,455 days ago (Iowa State in 2009).

So if KU has more points than Texas Tech when the fourth quarter hits triple zeros, those field goal posts are coming down. Potter Lake has been lonely.

Can they do it?

Well, KU played Tech tough on the road last year, falling in Lubbock 41-34 in double overtime. But a lot has changed since then.

Tight end Jace Amaro and receiver Bradley Marquez are nice, new tools for quarterbacks Baker Mayfield (walk-on freshman) and Davis Webb that Kansas didn't see last year. I think we will see both quarterbacks on Saturday, although Mayfield has put up better numbers so far.

And GQ head coach Kliff Kingsbury will be making his first road Big 12 appearance.  

Defensively, the Red Raiders run a 3-4, and bring the heat a lot. I expect Kansas to utilize a lot of play-action to try to thwart/negate the speed of the defense. Defensive tackle Kerry Hyder, linebacker Terrance Bullitt, and safety Tre' Porter are all guys to watch. Heaps and TE's Jimmay Mundine/Trent Smiley have been effective out of the play-action role out, so hopefully they can get that going early in the game.

On Special Teams, I'd have to say at least the two teams will break even. KU has drastically improved in this facet, and should be competitive all game.

Defensively, Kansas may benefit from Tech's lack of rushing game. Sure, Tech is averaging 400 yards passing per game and is scoring close to 40 points per game, but the rushing attack is almost non-existent. KU has played well on defense from outside in, so this may be actually a better matchup than if Kansas was going up against a more run-heavy offense. Even still, this will be a good measuring stick for the rest of the year.

And offensively, KU has got to find a way to score 4 touchdowns if they want to win. Either that, or they will need to DOMINATE time of possession to keep the defense fresh. KU will not be able to preserve as much depth in the secondary because they are going to need almost every defensive back on the roster on the field at all times to defend this high-powered attack.

Prediction:
Texas Tech 30, Kansas 20

Kansas just simply does not have the weapons on offense to go toe to toe with Tech for the entire game, but the defense will get some key stops and keep this a very competitive game. Who knows? If Kansas returns a punt or interception for a touchdown, things could get interesting on this chilly, October Saturday in Lawrence...