Game Preview: #15 Texas vs. Texas Tech

In search of win #7 on the season, the Texas Longhorns (6-3, 4-2) hit the road this week to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-4, 3-3) at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock.  Texas owns a 50-17 all-time series record against the Red Raiders, but Kliff Kingsbury’s team has beaten the Longhorns two-straight, including a narrow 27-23 victory last year in Austin.  Both programs have lost two straight, but Texas continues to remain ranked in the national polls for the seventh consecutive week (#15 AP poll, #19 Coaches Poll).

Texas QB Sam Ehlinger continues to shine, as he threw for 354 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to West Virginia last week.  Texas Tech ranks #10 in the nation in total offense, but this week they are without starting quarterback Alan Bowman who is recovering from a collapsed lung. Both programs are dealing with injuries to key players, which could effect the game plan and outcome should they remain on the sideline on Saturday night.

The Longhorns reached bowl eligibility several weeks ago by defeating Baylor, while the Red Raiders need one more win for the right for play in the post-season.

Saturday’s game will be televised on FOX and will feature Tim Brando (play-by-play), Spencer Tillman (analyst) and Jon Morosi (sideline).

What:  Texas Longhorns (6-3, 4-2 Big 12) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-4, 3-3 Big-12)

When:  Saturday, November 10, 2018

Time:  6:30 PM CST

Venue:  Jones AT&T Stadium

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Television: FOX

The Line: Texas -1.5

THE COACHES

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Head Coach:  Kliff Kingsbury

Head Coaching Experience: 6th year as a head coach

Years as Head Coach at Texas Tech:  6

Career Record:  35-37

Career Record at Texas Tech:  35-37

Texas Longhorns

Head Coach:  Tom Herman

Head Coaching Experience: 4th year as a head coach

Years as Head Coach at Texas:  2

Career Record:  35-13

Career Record at Texas:  13-9

Shaking the “Lubbock” stigma

A lot has been made of Texas drawing a 6:30 PM kickoff against Texas Tech in Lubbock. The good news for Texas fans is that the Longhorns have lost in Lubbock just three times over the last 20 years, and those three losses were by a combined 18 points.  The bad news is the last loss in Lubbock was a night game in 2008 and it is one that will sting for quite some time – Texas’ No. 1 ranking in all major polls came to an end with Michael Crabtree’s late touchdown reception from Graham Harrell with :01 on the game clock.  Mack Brown subsequently would win two-straight in Lubbock, and Charlie Strong went a perfect 2-0 at Jones Stadium.  Winning any Big 12 game on the road at night is tough, but a win on Saturday would certainly help put the ’08 loss a bit further back in peoples’ minds.

Texas Tech Quarterbacks

Last Saturday the Red Raiders put up 473 yards of total offense in a 51-46 loss to Oklahoma in Lubbock.  Texas Tech starting quarterback Alan Bowman was replaced by sophmore backup Jett Duffy after suffering a collapsed lung and spent the next four days in the hospital.  Duffy, a dual-threat quarterback, finished with 139 yards passing and two touchdowns and ran for 47 yards and a score in the loss.  Bowman rejoined team activities on Thursday but will likely be out for Saturday’s contest against the Longhorns, which leaves the starting  job to Duffy. Bowman was averaging 330 yards passing per game, which ranks fourth nationally and first in the Big 12 Conference. The Red Raider offense will be forced to change their offensive gameplan with Duffy, who will likely run the ball more times than not. Texas has had their struggles against the run and Duffy and company will look to exploit that.

From Friend to Foe on the Turf

When the Texas offense takes the field on Saturday they will do so against former teammate and starting Red Raider safety John Bonney. Bonney, recruited by Mack Brown, received his degree from the University of Texas and announced his transfer to Texas Tech in August.  Tom Herman granted Bonney his transfer request with no restrictions, and the Lamar High School product quickly found a home in Lubbock.  As a Red Raider he has played in every game this season, registering 18 solo tackles and 2 forced fumbles.  Herman respects Bonney as a player and a UT graduate, and is looking forward to seeing his former player on the field.

“It will be fun to see him on the field. It will be fun to give him a big hug.” “John is a graduate of the University of Texas, gave us four years of his blood, sweat and tears. We’re very, very thankful to him for that,” said Herman.

Injuries for Texas

• Wide receiver Collin Johnson tweaked his knee in practice. As of Thursday, Tom Herman said he still expects Johnson to play on Saturday, but his condition is worth monitoring over the next 48 hours.
• Defensive end Breckyn Hager (dislocated elbow) practiced on Thursday and will likely play against Texas Tech. He will likely be on a snap count.
• Cornerback Davante Davis (shoulder sprain) practiced all week and will be ready to go on Saturday in Lubbock.
• Safety Brandon Jones remains day-to-day with an ankle injury sustained last Saturday and is questionable.

Summary

Both teams are dealing with injuries to key players and both teams are in need of a win to get things back on track. Texas Tech will need to find consistency with a Duffy-led offense and the Longhorns will need to score points and limit turnovers in a hostile environment.  Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando must have his guys ready for Duffy after two consecutive poor performances against Oklahoma State and West Virginia, or it will be a long night in West Texas.

Statistical Comparison

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