Everything You Need to Know About Texas Tech vs Kansas

On Oct. 10, 2015, the Texas Tech Red Raiders did something they hadn't done since early 2013: they beat a Big 12 opponent they were supposed to beat by an appropriate margin.

Granted, Big 12 wins have been few and far between since early 2013, which was the last time you had back-to-back Big 12 wins. It's something the school would like to get back to in 2015 when they go against the Jayhawks in Lawrence, Kansas this Saturday, Oct. 17.

Texas Tech (4-2, 1-2 Big 12) has, in six games, matched their win total from the 2014 season and easily have the potential to double it. But to do that, they'll need to beat the teams they are favored against.

The Red Raiders are coming off a school-record 776 yards of total offense (515 passing, 261 rushing) this past weekend against Iowa State. They have the momentum and the ability to put 50+ points on the scoreboard consistently.

Speaking of teams Texas Tech is favored against, Kansas (0-5, 0-2 Big 12) is still looking for their first win of the 2015 season. I would love for Tech to leave them still looking next week.

The Jayhawks are on an eight-game losing streak dating back to a 34-14 win over Iowa State on Nov. 8, 2014. Kansas is 0-3 in home games on the year.

Offense

Texas Tech is averaging 51.0 points per game in Big 12 play despite already facing two top-five ranked opponents. I think they will get to 50 against Kansas. I think they have a chance to get there before halftime. The Red Raiders are just 50 points shy of their total from the entire 2014 season.

I think if Coach Kingsbury could write a script for Saturday's game, Texas Tech will have a comfortable enough lead by the 4th quarter to be able to put in the second team on offense and get Davis Webb some more time. More importantly, get Patrick Mahomes out of harm's way.

Before Mahomes leaves, he will beef up his resume and make a few more Romo-esque  turns in the backfield, scrambling while keeping his eyes downfield and launching 50-yard bombs. It's beginning to be his usual thing.

The running game will repeat its 30 carry, 250-plus yard performance from last week against Iowa State. I also think Devin Lauderdale will be back and provide an electric play or two.

This is shaping up to be a historic season offensively. And that will continue against Kansas.

Defense

The Kansas Jayhawks are down to their 4th string true freshman quarterback. They have four receivers who are questionable against Texas Tech. They are banged up and just plain bad on offense.

I think Pete Robertson comes to party this weekend and gets multiple sacks and pressures a young quarterback into some bad decisions and turnovers.

They average 130 yards a game rushing. I think they will get more than that against the holes in the Texas Tech defense.

Kansas will do some scoring this week, but it won't be extravagant. This is a week that the Texas Tech defense can gain some confidence before going through another tough Big 12 stretch that includes both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

Predictions

The Red Raiders will cover the spread and beat Kansas. There is always potential for upset in games like these, but I think Coach Kingsbury will have this team ready to play.

I'll take Tech 66, Kansas 24. That will put Tech at 5-2 and going to Norman on Oct. 24.

Texas Tech Tailgating Photos