TEXAS TECH
The Red Raiders travel to West Virginia to battle the Mountaineers.
Records: No. 24 Texas Tech 4-1, 1-1 Big 12; WVU 3-2, 1-1
Series history: West Virginia leads 4-2
Key players: Texas Tech — QB Nic Shimonek, RB Justin Stockton, LB Dakota Allen; West Virginia — QB Will Grier, RB Justin Crawford, WR Ka’Raun White.
Who has the edge
Offense — Texas Tech. The Red Raiders’ advantage is slimmer than expected. The Mountaineers actually average more total yards — their third in the FBS with 577, behind only Oklahoma and Oklahoma State — and rushing yards (213.2). But the Red Raiders still are scoring more points, they’re slightly better throwing the ball, and they’re committing fewer turnovers. Shimonek is 140-of-195 for 1,811 yards, 14 TDs and three interceptions.
Defense — West Virginia.
Again, the edge still goes to the Mountaineers, but barely. The Red Raiders are much improved, especially against the big play, after allowing 554.3 yards per game last season. West Virginia is 70th in scoring defense and Texas Tech is 80th. West Virginia’s run defense is one of the worst in college football, and the Red Raiders are forcing more turnovers, including seven interceptions.
Special teams – Even.
WHEN: 11 A.M. SATURDAY WHERE: MILAN PUSKAR STADIUM; MORGANTOWN, W. VA. TV: ESPNU | RADIO: 1230 AM
Texas Tech continues to roll without injured kicker Clayton Hatfield, rotating in three kickers in his stead. K Michael Barden was 4-of-4 until missing a 44-yarder last week. West Virginia K Mike Molina is 3-of-6 on FGs after a 29yard miss against TCU.
Notable: Texas Tech cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2013 following its win over Kansas, debuting at No. 24. … West Virginia beat Texas Tech in the past three meetings, winning 31-26 two years ago at home and rolling 48-17 last year in Lubbock.
About Texas Tech: The Red Raiders were remarkably balanced in a 65-19 rout of Kansas. Not surprisingly, they racked up 603 yards in the win, but it was surprising to see more than half that total on the ground (52 rushes for 313 yards). Stockton rushed for 161 yards and one TD and RB Desmond Nisby carried 11 times for 93 yards and four scores.
About West Virginia: The Mountaineers (3-2, 1-1) tumbled out of the polls after their 31-24 loss to TCU, snapping a threegame winning streak. They lost by the same score they lost to then-No. 21 Virginia Tech in their opener. Two turnovers hurt, and the Mountaineers managed only 3.6 yards per carry, although Crawford rushed 19 times for 111 yards.