Both Texas Tech and Baylor come into Jerry World at 5-6 in their final bout at Cowboys Stadium for at least two years. The sub-par record is an improvement for Baylor who had no plans to go bowling in 2018 but are now on the precipice of attaining the 13th game. The 5-6 record for Texas Tech is a repeat for Kliff Kingsbury and Texas Tech who were 5-6 fighting for bowl eligibility in Austin, Texas last season.

The pressing question all week has been, "Does it even matter?"

Kirk Bohls of the Austin American Statesman is already dropping sources and feelings:

The feeling from Kirby Hocutt on his radio program on Wednesday was a familiar one, but not a familiar tone from Hocutt. In fact, it was a surprise to hear the generally judicious Hocutt say things like "Yes, there have been times we've seen progress made this year but when you're 5-6 it's hard to hold your hat on a lot of that progress. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is our record."

This to me signals that Kirby Hocutt has already made his decision. I don't know which side he'll land on, but I do not think the Baylor game outcome will factor into the decision.

The Baylor game itself is practically impossible to predict.

The Red Raiders are so ravaged by injury at this point that I'm not sure they can beat the Bears, who are coming off a loss to TCU. McLane Carter is seemingly getting his chance to shine and if he can get the ball to Antoine Wesley and T.J. Vasher Texas Tech should be able to score on a bad Bears defense.

On the flip side of that is the Texas Tech defense who allows just a point less per game than the Bears.

Look for the points to come in spurts, followed by stretches of inadequate execution in Jerry World when the Bears and Red Raiders square up. I think Texas Tech will win a close one and the Red Raiders will bowl with a 6-6 record for the second straight year. Baylor covers the 5 point spread late with a garbage time touchdown to hit the over 36-32. Weird stuff happens.

Whether Kliff Kingsbury is coaching the Red Raiders in that bowl, or an interim is leading the team into battle is an answer that only Kirby Hocutt knows and if you asked him, you better believe he thinks this game matters.

1340 The Fan is excited to partner with Guns Up Nation this season. Check them out on Facebook here.

Be sure to tune into the 1340 the Fan Countdown to Kickoff show with Rob Breaux, Robert Wright, and Karson Robinson Saturday, November 24th from 9-11 a.m. You can stream it on the 1340 the Fan APP or live on the 1340thefan.com, and as always you can flip that radio dial to 1340 AM.

More From Talk 103.9 & 1340