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After a fun and interesting stretch, Texas Tech (4-2) tries to make it two wins in a row as part of a rough stretch of road games. Can Kansas (0-5) provide anything more than a light scrimmage? Check out the Texas Tech vs. Kansas prediction and game preview.

Texas Tech at Kansas Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
Game Time: 12:00 pm
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Network: FOX Sports 1

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Why You Need To Care

Texas Tech hasn’t owned anyone lately, but it seems to have Kansas figured out with nine straight wins going back to 2001. Kliff Kingsbury has the offense rolling exactly like it’s supposed to be, and after blowing out Iowa State last week, he has hit team one win away from a bowl win – assuming it gets by the Jayhawks this week. However, three of the next four games, and four of the final six, are on the road with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and West Virginia up next. With TCU and Baylor out of the way, though, there’s a chance to make some real noise.

Kansas is at the mercy rule portion of its world. Before, it was playing relatively okay – like in the 27-14 loss to a troubled Rutgers team – but still lost. Now it’s just getting ugly. Baylor got bored of scoring last week, so it stopped, winning 66-7. With three of the next four games on the road, and with Oklahoma coming up at home in two weeks, Kansas games are now showcases for everyone else to have some fun. The Jayhawks can just let it rip with nothing to lose – but will it matter?

Why Texas Tech Will Win

Here comes the high-powered passing game. Baylor, Rutgers and Iowa State all connected on 72% of their passes or better, and Memphis nailed 89% on the way to the win. The Kansas secondary has picked off a few passes here and there, but for the most part, it hasn’t even been close to anything positive getting torched week after week. Meanwhile, the Texas Tech passing attack has been relentless, cranking up 1,045 yards and ten touchdowns over the last two weeks. Kansas doesn’t have the offense to keep up at all – a big first quarter ends it for the Red Raiders.

Why Kansas Will Win

It’s not like Texas Tech is playing any sort of defense. The front seven hasn’t even been close against anyone’s running game, allowing 227 yards or more every week with Baylor and Iowa State each running wild, combining for 783 yards and eight scores averaging over seven yards per carry. Can Ke’aun Kinner and the backfield find any room to run? The Jayhawk offensive line has been getting killed, but that shouldn’t be a problem this week if, and it’s a big if, one of the backs can get into any sort of a rhythm. Kansas gets down so fast that it all but blows off the running backs, but they’re also not finding any room to move. Again, that should change this week.

Player Who Matters

There’s no quarterback hotter right now than Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes ripping up Baylor for 415 yards and three scores, and last week cranking out 428 yards and five scores. Not only accurate and effective, he’s been making great decisions and spreading the ball around well – at least when he’s not getting the ball to Jakeem Grant. Last year’s Kansas game marked the last time he didn’t really become a part of the fun, and then he stepped in and has been a yardage machine ever since. If he comes up with two touchdown drives early, it’s over.

What’s Going To Happen?

Texas Tech ends this quickly. Kansas will run a bit and will put some points on the board, but the defense has no way of slowing the machine down.

Texas Tech vs. Iowa State Prediction

Final Score: Texas Tech 62, Kansas 24, Line: Texas Tech -31.5

Must See Rating: 5: Trojan War – 1: The Muppets … 2