It’s time to start having some fun. The Big 12 is supposed to be a wild fun-fest with lots of points, lots of offense, and lots of yards, and here you go. Texas Tech (3-0) is starting to feel it a bit after beating Arkansas, while TCU (3-0) needs to start looking like a real, live top three team. Check out the TCU vs. Texas Tech prediciton and preview to find out how the teams with the nation’s No. 4 and No. 5 offenses match up – Horned Frogs and Red Raiders, respectively.

TCU vs. Texas Tech Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 26
Game Time: 4:45
Venue: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
Network: FOX

Follow, Contact @PeteFiutak  

Why You Need To Care

This is how it’s supposed to work under Kliff Kingsbury. The offense is supposed to put up massive numbers, the defense is supposed to come up with that one stop needed to hold serve, and the team is just supposed to find ways to come up with high-octane wins. Beating Arkansas could be the starting point for what the Kingsbury era could be, but now comes the real work with TCU this week and Baylor next week in Arlington. Win these two, and the Red Raiders are in the top five.

Despite coming up with 126 points over the last two weeks, TCU seems like it’s hanging on for dear life. The defense has been crushed by injuries and suspensions, but it didn’t matter much playing Stephen F. Austin and SMU. Now it becomes real. Now the defense has to show that there might be a little bit of depth, and now the offense has to step up and become even better. With three road games in the next four weeks, the Horned Frogs are going to be tested, but this should be the biggest fight until November.

Why TCU Will Win

It didn’t work for Arkansas last week, but if TCU can run the ball effectively – it will – and control the clock by converting third down chances – it will – the offense should be good enough to own the fourth quarter. Time of possession doesn’t really matter to the ultra-efficient Red Raiders, but holding the ball for just under 24 minutes a game is going to be a problem. Giving the confused Arkansas offense the ball for over 30 minutes isn’t a big deal, but letting Trevone Boykin and company have it for more than half the game isn’t going to work. Texas Tech gets crushed on third down conversions, getting the chains moved 57% of the time – Arkansas converted 7-of-10 chances. TCU is sixth in the nation in third down conversions.

Why Texas Tech Will Win

The cracks in the TCU defense are about to show. SMU was able to come up with big play after big play throwing for 330 yards and averaging close to 11 yards per pass. The defensive front was hit for a few big runs here and there – Texas Tech should be able to do a little bit of both. The Horned Frog defense relies on pressure, and with all the injuries the D won’t be able to be quite as aggressive. Texas Tech has yet to allow a sack this year – Patrick Mahomes is getting the ball out of his hands really, really quickly and the big plays are coming. This isn’t old school dink-and-dunk Texas Tech passing game – this thing is averaging more than 14 yards per pop.

Player Who Matters

TCU and the offense were having a find season, and then came the Texas Tech game – that’s when Trevone Boykin kicked it in. All he did against the Red Raiders was throw for 433 yards and seven touchdowns, and it could’ve been a whole bunch worse. So far this season, the Heisman candidate hasn’t disappointed in any way, throwing for close to 1,000 yards with ten scores and spreading around three picks. He’s been terrific, but he might have to hit the 400-yard mark to pull this one off.

What’s Going To Happen?

Last year TCU put up 82 points on the board in the win over Texas Tech – and that’s with taking the foot off the gas. But last year Arkansas ran all over the Red Raiders, too, and this season the revenge factor kicked in. This is a different, more confident Texas Tech team, and it’s about to show with an insane game that’s going to come down to the final drive. This is where the Horned Frog injuries are going to be a factor.

TCU vs. Texas Tech Score Prediction

Final Score: Texas Tech 48, TCU 45, Line: -7, o/u: 80.5

Must See Rating: 5: 99 Homes – 1: The Intern … 4.5

MORE: College Football Bowl Projections After Week 3