Texas Tech, Big 12 Preview & Predictions: Week 3

The first head to head matchup goes to the readers of VTM. Kyle and I chose all of the same teams, except he chose Oklahoma over Tennessee. This week Viva reader TeejMc3 won, congrats! Don't forget to comment below or tweet @ConnerCrisp your score prediction for Tech-Arkansas. Whoever is closest to choosing the winning margin wins. Ties are decided by me. Check back to this article Sunday night and I will have announced the winner by 10 PM.

Conner Last Week: 8-2, Conner Overall: 17-3 (.850)

Guest Picker Kyle: 9-1, Guest Pickers Overall: 9-1 (.900)

Saturday, September 19

#16 Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (2-0)

Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium; Norman, OK; 11:00 AM; Fox Sports 1

The two reasons I chose Tennessee over Oklahoma, last weekend, were: 1. Tennessee was playing host. 2. Baker Mayfield did not play well against major teams while at Tech. For the first three quarters of that game, Baker looked like the same QB who did not perform well under pressure. Once the fourth quarter began, he looked like an elite college QB. In overtime he was fantastic. Which QB is he; the one who struggled in the first three quarters of the game or the one who exceled fourth quarter and overtime QB? That answer will not come until Big 12 play commences. Until then, I like the Sooners over Tulsa in Norman… Sooners 47, Golden Hurricanes 27

TJ's pick: Sooners 28, Rockets 17

Kansas State Wildcats (2-0) vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (1-1)

Bill Snyder Family Stadium; Manhattan, KS; 2:00 PM

Kansas State has given up one field goal in their first two games. Let me repeat that, Kansas State has given up ONE FIELD GOAL in their first two games. Granted nonconference opponents are never great, but last week they only game up a field goal to a Texas San Antonio team that had put up 32 points at #22 Arizona. Wow. They will beat the Bulldogs, but they also will give up a touchdown… Wildcats 38, Bulldogs 10

TJ's Pick: Wildcats 38, Bulldogs 28

#25 Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-0) vs. Texas San Antonio Roadrunners (0-2)

Boone Pickens Stadium; Stillwater, OK; 2:30 PM; Fox Sports 1

The Roadrunners make their third, and final, appearance in this weekly column. To keep with tradition I am going to pick them to lose. In the first entry of this series, I predicted that OSU would return to the Top 25 this season. However, I have not seen any reason to place them in the Top 25 this early. They did win on the road in Mount Pleasant (last appearance of Mount Pleasant too, I promise), but last week at home they really did not plaster Central Arkansas in a way that makes me believe that they are Top 25 caliber just yet. O well, it makes the Big 12 look better at the moment… Cowboys 45, Roadrunners 21

TJ's Pick: Cowboys 42, Roadrunners 28

Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0) at Arkansas Razorbacks (1-1) Game of the Week

Razorback Stadium; Fayetteville, AR; 6:00 PK; ESPN2

Had this game been last week, I would have predicted an Arkansas blowout. Coming off Sam Houston State mauling Tech on the ground, I would not have seen any way the Red Raiders could make it a close game. O how things have changed. By now, I’m sure most of you know that Toledo pulled off the upset against Arkansas and popped the Hogs’ College Football Playoff balloon. Let me give you three reasons to be up on Tech’s chances: 1. Patrick Mahomes has revived the Air Raid in Lubbock. 2. I see Coach Kingsbury coaching like he did last year against Baylor and be taking lots chances knowing that if Tech pulls off the upset, this is a huge win for his program. If Tech does not pull off the upset, what do they have to lose? It won't affect conference standings. Most people are not giving the Red Raiders a chance anyway, so it won't affect potential bowl prestige invite. 3. Around Fayetteville, many were thinking that Arkansas had a shot at the College Football Playoff. With the loss to Toledo, that shot is gone. The players may have a "hangover" from knowing their season is shot. On the flip side of things, here are three things that worry me about the Tech’s chances: 1. Run defense. Yes, Tech contained UTEP’s running game very well last weekend. However, I’m still not ready to put faith in a run defense that allowed Sam Houston State 317 yards. 2. Dropped Passes. Many catchable passes were dropped by Tech receivers in both games of the season. To win in Fayetteville, that cannot happen. 3. The loss of a chance for the College Football Playoff has infuriated the Razorback players and the take out their fury on Tech… Red Raiders 32, Razorbacks 45

TJ's Pick: Red Raiders 48, Razorbacks 45

Texas Longhorns (1-1) vs. California Golden Bears (2-0)

Royal Texas Memorial Stadium; Austin, TX; 6:30 PM; FOX

Things have gotten so bad in Austin that following Steve Patterson’s firing Longhorn fans are talking about Mack Brown replacing him. Seriously. I am imagining Longhorn fans doing their best Princess Leia impersonation saying "Help us Mack Brown, you’re are only hope." I better not do that, I don’t want to ruin the image of her in my mind. Not even Princess Leia looks good in burnt orange… Longhorns 20, Golden Bears 31

TJ's Pick: Longhorns 10, Golden Bears 35

#3 Texas Christian University Horned Frogs (2-0) vs. Southern Methodist University Mustangs (1-1)

Amon G. Carter Stadium; Fort Worth, TX; 7:00 PM; Fox Sports Networks

The Battle for the Iron Skillet resumes. It won’t be much of a battle. TCU is just too good. However, new SMU head coach, Chad Morris, (one of the guys in the running for the Tech job after Tuberville slinked out) is reviving the program on the Hilltop. They are just 5 years away from contending in this series. Horned Frogs 56, Mustangs 24

TJ's Picks: He did not pick this game... TJ, if you reread this article before this game starts, comment below and I will add it. If not, I will have to say that you pick the Mustangs over the Horned Frogs...

Iowa State Cyclones at Toledo Rockets

I could choose a team that just beat a Top 25 ranked opponent, or I could choose a team that disintegrated in their big rivalry game. I think my college choices of where to go on Broadway for the weekend were tougher… Cyclones 13, Rockets 24

TJ's Pick: Cyclones 3, Rockets 31

OFF: #5 Baylor, Kansas, West Virginia

What do you think about the above picks? Agree? Disagree? Don’t forget to comment or tweet @ConnerCrisp with your score prediction for Tech-Arkansas. Whoever is closest to choosing the winning margin wins. Ties are decided by me. Check back to this article Sunday night and I will have announced the winner by 10 PM. GUNS UP!