Staff Predictions: Texas Tech

Mike Roach

I really don’t know what to think about this game. On one hand I think Texas will have success running the ball against Tech and might even be able to generate a passing attack. It will be a lot more difficult without the help of D’Onta Foreman and Johnathan Gray, but I think Kirk Johnson has the goods to open some eyes while Chris Warren acts as a sledgehammer. While Texas ultimately gives up some big plays to the explosive Tech offense I think both teams are about the same level of quality. Jerrod Heard shines in this game in a way he hasn’t since the Cal game while the 18 Wheeler continues to do its thing. This is probably the last win Texas gets on the season but they pull out a thriller.

Score Prediction: Texas 38 Texas Tech 34

Jon Nemec

The quest for a bowl has reached a watershed moment. Texas will need to take down this Texas Tech team to get to 5-7. Texas needs this win in a very bad manner. Tough L to WVU and Texas needs a bounce back win. I would like to see come out having Jerrod Heard throwing bombs. Test that defense early and often and put that poor Texas Tech secondary on watch early on. That should help open up and soften the coverage for some punishing runs. Chris Warren looks to be the man at running back this game, I think he’s been battling injuries all year long, long for him to be fully health and lets see what he’s all about.

On defense I think the key to this win is what Texas did last year to really take them down, that is get pressure on the quarterback. If Texas can make Pat Mahomes uncomfortable early and often, force him into a turnover or two Texas’ marginally better defense should have the advantage here. Also, look for Malik Jefferson to come back to form. He has not been 100% the last three weeks. But he should be ready to roll this game. Look for him to cement his Big 12 Freshman Defensive player of the year this game.

Texas gets a much needed win over an instate rival.

Score Prediction: Texas 45 Texas Tech 31

Taylor Smith

Texas Tech’s offense is too powerful for the Longhorns to handle. Even with a weak Red Raider defense, the Longhorns will struggle to score without D’Onta Foreman leading the running game. Unfortunately, Tech wins this game and stops the Longhorns hopes to go bowling.

Score Prediction: Tech 50 Texas 35

Aaron Carrara

Texas needs to be prepared to score a lot of points in order to beat Texas Tech – and it’s tough to see them doing so. The Longhorns average only 25 points per game compared to 37 by the Red Raiders. With D’Onta Foreman and Johnathan Gray both nursing injuries Texas will need unknown play-makers to emerge. Texas Tech quarterback Pat Mahomes has the arm and the offensive system to carve up the Longhorns if he has time to throw. Solid Texas defensive line play and a steady diet of blitz packages will be key in shaking things up for Mahomes.

This is the last home game of the season for Texas and losing isn’t an option. Bowl game hopes are on the line…. Charlie Strong NEEDS a win….. it’s imperative.

Texas finds a way to win this game with a great defensive performance and solid rushing jobs from freshmen Kirk Johnson and Chris Warren.

Score Prediction: Texas 34 Texas Tech 31

Chris Flanagan

Texas has not been able to put together a great performance since Oklahoma. Because of this, it makes it difficult to determine who is going to show up on the field. Does the fact that one more loss means the end of the season for the Longhorns have any effect on their play? Are they just done? I’m not sure.

So how do I see the annual turkey day game turning out? With a Longhorns victory. Why? Because I say so. And because it’s not the same if Texas doesn’t win on Thanksgiving.

Score Prediction: Texas wins 42-35.

Ryan Bridges

Kirk Johnson has a 100 yard game and Heard runs wild. The defense forces Tech to become one dimensional and snuffs them out.

Score Prediction: Texas 38 Texas Tech 34