No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders + 2 (7-0) 2-3 ATS, 2-3 O/U at No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks -2 (5-2) 4-1 ATS, 3-2 O/U Lawrence, Kansas Memorial Stadium (50,071) Saturday, October 25 12:00 p.m. EST
by Wilson of Predictem.com
Two top 25 teams will go head to head this weekend when Texas Tech travels to Lawrence to put their unbeaten record on the line versus the Kansas Jayhawks. The Jayhawks are currently favored at home by two points even though they are ranked 19th while the Red Raiders are ranked 8th.
The Jayhawk’s two losses this season have been versus two top 25 teams (S. Florida and Oklahoma). Last week’s loss to Oklahoma 45-31 was a hard fought battle, but the Sooner’s were too tough down the stretch and pulled ahead for good late in the third quarter.
Kansas QB Todd Reesing was 24-of-41 for 342 yards, 2 TD’s, and 2 interceptions. Running back, Jake Sharp carried the ball 12 times for 103 yards and 1 TD. The big story for Kansas was WR Dezmon Briscoe who set a school record for pass reception yards with 269 yards on 12 catches. Unfortunately Briscoe’s efforts were not enough to capture the win over OU.
The Kansas defense gave up twice the amount of passing yardage that they normally submit (250) by allowing OU QB Sam Bradford to throw for 468 yards! In total, Kansas allowed 674 yards of total offense to the Sooners.
The Red Raiders beat Texas A&M last week 43-25 to remain unbeaten on the season at 7-0. Texas Tech is averaging 45.9 points per game, and a large portion of their attack is through the air. The Red Raiders average 418 yards passing per game. QB Graham Harrell was almost a one-man show last week as he tossed 3 TD’s and ran for two more against A&M. Harrell was 44-of-56 for 450 yards and 3 TD’s. It was Harrell’s fourth 400-yard passing game of the season.
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Texas Tech freshman wide receiver, Tramain Swindall pulled in 7 catches for 101 yards to lead the Red Raider’s receiving squad. Michael Crabtree also will be a player for Kansas to worry about as he has caught at least five passes and a TD in 10 consecutive games for the Red Raiders.
The Red Raiders are 7-0 for the third time in their school history, and the first time since 1976.
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This game will be a close contest as both teams are extremely productive especially through the air. I like Kansas’s chances at home, but their defense is a little suspect after giving up so much last week to OU. I know OU is dominant but anytime a team lets a QB throw for 468 yards it raises concern. Kansas must tighten up in the secondary or Texas Tech will burn them as the Red Raiders complete nearly 70 percent of their passes. These two teams are similar on both sides of the ball, and therefore this game will likely be decided by who takes care of the ball, and of course a big play that will win it in the end.
Wilson’s Pick: Take the Jayhawks and I’ll see you at the cashier’s window!