November 5, 2011

Texas Tech (5-3, 2-3) at No. 24 Texas (5-2, 2-2)

Kickoff at 11 a.m. from DKR Memorial Stadium

Television: FX

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Texas Tech is coming off a 41-7 defeat at the hands of Iowa State last Saturday in Lubbock and all of the good feelings of beating then No. 3 Oklahoma in Norman two weeks ago. The Red Raiders came out flat and fell behind 24-7 to a Cyclone team that had lost its four previous conference games.

The Myth of the Early Start

Many Texas Tech fans have bemoaned the pre-noon kickoffs for Texas Tech because of their perceived struggles, but in spite of the early starts, Texas Tech has won 11 of their last 13 games that have started before noon. The last loss for Texas Tech was a 31-26 loss to Colorado in Lubbock. Texas Tech went 2-0 last season in pre-noon starts and 1-0 with their 45-34 victory over Kansas.

Texas Tech Offense vs. Revamped Texas Defense

Texas Tech's dynamic spread offense was shut down in every phase of the game last week against Iowa State

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being held to nearly 250 yards less than its season average. The Texas defense has improved from last season and recorded their first shutout in 6 seasons in beating the Kansas Jayhawks 43-0 last week in Austin. The Texas defense hasn't seen a dynamic passing attack like Texas Tech so far this season and it will test the secondary of the Longhorns. Look for Texas Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz will look to blitz Tech early and often to keep Seth Doege and company off kilter.

David Ash/Case McCoy vs. Texas Tech Defense

Mack Brown loves controversy. Contrary to what he says, he keeps welcoming a good, old fashioned quarterback controversy. David Ash looks to be the starter, but you never know how Mack thinks. Look for a heavy dose running plays at the Tech defense, but don't be surprised if they can throw effectively against a depleted secondary.

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Prediction:

Texas 30

Texas Tech 24

Coverage of Texas Tech and Texas begins at 8 a.m. on 1340 The FAN with Countdown to Kickoff with Steve Dale and following the end of the game call in and sound off with Robert Snyder on Fan Feedback around 2:30 p.m. Listen live online at www.1340thefan.com

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