Why Texas Tech will defeat Texas

Red Raider fans, it’s Texas week.

The Red Raiders will travel to Austin to take on their No. 1 enemy in the Longhorns this Saturday. With Texas on the downswing, there’s every reason to have confidence in a Texas Tech victory.

Here’s why it will happen:

Reason #1: Confidence from last week

Texas Tech is coming off a dominant performance against FIU in a 54-21 win. The Red Raiders put in a complete performance, gaining 584 yards on offense and forcing eight punts on defense. That was just the type of game Tech needed before conference play and now, the Red Raiders have a load of confidence. We can only hope that this type of performance is replicated in Austin.

Reason #2: Running Game

If Texas has shown a vulnerability to something this season, it’s a solid rushing attack. The Longhorns gave up 333 rushing yards to Arkansas in their 40-21 defeat, allowing four different players to score rushing touchdowns. With SaRodrick Thompson back, the Red Raiders have a loaded backfield of him, Tahj Brooks, and Xavier White (Editor’s Note, Tahj Brooks will not play in today’s game). 

If the Razorbacks can run circles around Texas with their deep backfield, why can’t Tech? The Red Raiders are averaging 174 rushing yards a game, and I predict them to have another quality rushing performance against UT.

Reason #3: Tech finally has more than one receiver

I’ve said this many times, including in my offensive position grades for the FIU game. But, I’m just excited that Texas Tech has found ways to get receivers other than Erik Ezukanma involved. You should too. We all knew the Red Raiders had talent there and now they’re finally getting a chance to shine. 

Kaylon Geiger, Dalton Rigdon, and Trey Cleveland are all receivers who made big plays against the Panthers. Travis Koontz and Mason Tharp also played well from the tight end position. Before, the Longhorns could’ve easily centered their game plan around stopping Ezukanma. They might still do that, but they have to keep the other receivers in mind now. 

Reason #4: It’s a rivalry game

Texas Tech might not be UT’s most important rival, but UT is definitely Tech’s most important rival. There’s hate that comes from the Longhorns as well. Rivals always motivate a team to play better than they usually do.

Five out of the last six matchups between Tech and UT have been decided by one score, with the Red Raiders winning two of those. We all saw Nebraska play rival Oklahoma close last week, who says Tech can’t do the same again.

It took a miracle for the Longhorns to beat Texas Tech last year, and they’ll be going up against almost the same team this year. The betting line makes Texas 7.5-point favorites. I’m easily picking Tech to cover. Will Tech win? Who knows. But if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that this game will be close.