Texas Tech, Big 12 Previews & Predictions: Week 9

Last week in Norman, Texas Tech found out exactly where they stood in the pecking order of the Big 12. After being completely dismantled by the Sooners, the Red Raiders have now gone 0-3 against the ranked conference opponents. The squad gave TCU all that the Horned Frogs could handle. The final score may not show it, but Tech played pretty well against Baylor. A few early dropped passes really set the stage for that game. The game this past weekend was absolutely awful. The offense did not show up for the second week in a row. After rolling in the first couple of weeks, I wonder if this stretch of 11 straight games without a bye week is starting to factor in. Improvements have been made on defense this season, but this week the defense took a few steps back. The national spotlight will be on Baker Mayfield getting his revenge, but the real story is that the OU running backs had no challenge. When was the last time that a Tech defense was actually able to stop the run? Was George Washington president?

This week’s guest picker is RoadrunnerRedRaiderfan, try to say that name 5 times fast. As of press time, I have not received those picks. RRRRF- comment below with picks for ALL week 9 Big 12 games and I will add them in the article.

If you want to be the guest picker for next week comment below or tweet @ConnerCrisp your score prediction for Tech-Oklahoma State. Whoever is closest to choosing the winning margin wins. Ties are decided by me. Check back to this article Monday night and I will have announced the winner by 10 PM.

Last week J. Jason Jonas went split the four games, I got 3 of 4 right.

Conner Last Week: 3-1, Conner Overall: 41-9 (.820)

Guest Picker J. Jason Jonas Last Week: 2-2, Guest Pickers Overall: 33-7 (.825)

Thursday, October 29

West Virginia University Mountaineers (3-3 Overall, 0-3 Big 12) at #5 TCU Horned Frogs (7-0 Overall, 4-0 Big 12)

Amon G. Carter Stadium; Forth Worth, TX; 6:30 PM; Fox Sports 1

I really thought that this game would be between a dominant team, and a midlevel team. The dominant part is right, but not so much on the midlevel part. WVU is not playing well right now, and Dana Holgerson could lose his job at the end of the season. TCU, may not be just annihilating other teams, but they are continuing to pile up wins. After hearing that starting Baylor QB, Seth Russell, is out for the season, which could rally TCU players to play even better knowing that their opportunity for the Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff is even more attainable… Mountaineers 28, Horned Frogs 48

Saturday, October 31 (Halloween)

#14 Oklahoma Sooners (6-1 Overall, 3-1 Big 12) at Kansas Jayhawks (0-7 Overall, 0-4 Big 12)

Memorial Stadium; Lawrence, KS; 2:30 PM; Fox Sports 1

Had the Sooners not dropped the Red River Rivalry game, they would be a Top 8 team. With remaining games against top Big 12 powers, TCU and Baylor, Oklahoma is still in the running for the Big 12 title. I could see the winning both of those games. If they just continue to hand the ball to those massive running backs, they will be fine. Kansas is still a mess, and has no shot at a win until basketball season starts… Sooners 42, Jayhawks 17

#12 Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-0 Overall, 4-0 Big 12) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-3 Overall, 2-3 Big 12) Game of the Week

Jones AT&T Stadium; Lubbock, TX; 2:30 PM; ESPN

Well the good news is that Tech won’t be going up against an offense with an incredible running game! The bad news is that they are still going up against a high-powered passing offense. When it’s two high octane aerial attacks, the Red Raiders seem to fare much better. I believe Patrick Mahomes will have a big comeback game after an off game against OU. The Cowboys are, obviously, a good team and they will be emotionally amped up for this game following last weekend’s tragic events. Tech will be amped because this is the annual blackout game and to get the bad taste of the past two weeks out of their system. As I said during the TCU preview, Tech is good for at least one upset win at home. It comes this week… Red Raiders 49, Cowboys 42

Texas Longhorns (3-4 Overall, 2-2 Big 12) at Iowa State Cyclones (2-5 Overall, 1-3 Big 12)

Jack Trice Stadium; Ames, IA; 6:30 PM; Fox Sports 1

The Longhorns may finally be turning the corner. Last week could have been a letdown game after their big win over OU. It was not. They came out and took care of business against Kansas State. Texas is no longer a cakewalk win for opponents. I just wonder if they have dug too deep a hole for a bowl game appearance. Iowa State plays well at home. As evidenced by that first half against TCU. TCU has a ton more talent than ISU does and was able to pull away in the second half. Texas does have more talent the ISU, but not near as much as TCU. While I don’t expect ISU to beat UT, I would not be shocked if it happened… Longhorns 27, Cyclones 20

I have a few quick hits for everyone for this weekend:

1. With this past weekend’s tragic wreck that resulted in the deaths of fans in attendance at the OSU Homecoming Parade, TTU has asked that fans not use "Wreck Em or Wreck OSU" for this game. Instead, just use Guns Up. While I understand that "Wreck Em" is a TTU gameday tradition, it would be in poor taste to use it this weekend.

2. This weekend is Blackout at the stadium. Which is great!!! I love the Blackout games!!! Just remember that it’s a day game and could be a warm October day. So take the appropriate precautions.

3. If you want to be the guest picker for next week comment below or tweet @ConnerCrisp your score prediction for Tech-Oklahoma State. Whoever is closest to choosing the winning margin wins. Ties are decided by me. Check back to this article Monday night and I will have announced the winner by 10 PM. Enjoy the game! GUNS UP!!!