Texas Tech, Big 12 Preview & Predictions: Week 5

TCU 55, Texas Tech 52. I can’t think of a game that is better describes that phrase "gut-wrenching loss". At The Jones, the crowd erupted when the ball was tipped on the 4^th down play, but then was stunned into silence when it was tipped to a TCU player who just so happened to be in the area. It was one of those awful moments that made me question why I follow sports… However, the effort from the RED (yay Red jerseys) Raiders was enough to bring me out of my sports’ depression and be excited for the rest of the season!

This week’s guest picker is Alfergus. He was the only person who chose TCU to win. I wonder how much he relished this victory of his?

If you want to be the guest picker for next week comment below or tweet @ConnerCrisp your score prediction for Tech-Baylor. 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.

Last week’s guest picker, eastTXRR, and I picked all the same games there is no ground gained or lost between myself and the VTM readers.

Conner Last Week: 4-1, Conner Overall: 27-5 (.844)

Guest Picker eastTXRR: 4-1, VTM Readers Overall: 20-2 (.909)

Saturday, October 3

Kansas Jayhawks (0-3) at Iowa State Cyclones (1-2)

Jack Trice Stadium; Ames, IA; 11:00 AM

I am really trying to think of something to say here that would make you care. I would say use this game time period wisely to get any Saturday chores done, but with West Virginia and Oklahoma kicking off at the same time, I can’t do that. I also don’t want to keep repeating myself and say tell how many days remain until Kansas basketball starts. (35 days, if you are interested) I don’t want to continue to say that I have no clue how Paul Rhoads’ was brought back to coach this year for ISU. None of those things makes this game seem interesting. How about this? Check the box score of this game in your local paper because, odds are, that the winner of this game has notched their first and last win in Big 12 play… Cyclones 17, Jayhawks 10

Alfergus' Pick: Iowa State 24, Kansas 10

#23 West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0) at #15 Oklahoma Sooners (3-0) Game of the Week

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

This is the first Big 12 game of the season that features two Big 12 teams in the Top 25. This looks to be a game that will feature plenty of offense. A win here would be big for both programs. For West Virginia, it shows that they may have finally arrived on the scene in the Big 12 and would be a huge boost for recruiting. For OU, it would prove that the win over Tennessee was no fluke and this is a team that could be ready to contend for the Sooners’ first Big 12 title since 2012. I think home-field will matter in this one… Sooners 42, Mountaineers 38

Alfergus' Pick: Oklahoma 30, West Virginia 20

Texas Longhorns (1-3 overall, 0-1 Big 12) at #4 TCU Horned Frogs (4-0 overall, 1-0 Big 12)

Amon G. Carter Stadium; Fort Worth, TX; 11:00 AM; ABC

It’s kind of funny to me. After YEARS of benefitting from referees’ calls, Texas fans have a few calls not go their way and demand the current officiating system be revamped. While I do agree that Big 12 officiating is always amongst the worst and needs be fixed, it is nice to see a few close class negatively affect the Longhorns for a change. TCU knows that they escaped Lubbock and will have to play better to contend for the College Football Playoff. They begin to do that here… Horned Frogs 45, Longhorns 21

Alfergus' Pick: TCU 45, Texas 24

Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-1 overall, 0-1 Big 12) against #5 Baylor Bears (3-0)

AT&T Stadium; Arlington, TX; 2:30 PM; ABC/ESPN2

The Red Raiders and the Bears continue their neutral site series at the home of the Dallas Cowboys. I know there has been an undercurrent of thought to make this series home and home again, but I disagree. I think that this gives many fans in the Metroplex who can’t travel far a great opportunity to see cheer on their teams in person….

To win this game, Tech has to have bring the same energy that they brought for last weekend’s game. That will be tough to do. Especially with Patrick Mahomes still dealing with a knee injury. We all knew that last week was going to be a shootout, but I felt like the defense did a decent job. We are really seeing a turnaround and that is a huge testament to defensive coordinator David Gibbs. Drops continued to rear their ugly head for Tech last week. Baylor hasn’t played anyone this year, so we don’t know how truly good they are. The first half of games has been their weakness so far. If Tech is to upset Baylor, they will need to come out and score on the majority of their first half drives and hope that the defense can come up with some big stops. I would love to choose Tech here, but I think the disappointment from last week is still going to be hanging around this team… Red Raiders 31, Bears 48

Alfergus' Pick: Texas Tech 45, Baylor 41

Kansas State Wildcats (3-0 overall) at #20 Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-0 overall, 1-0 Big 12)

Boone Pickens Stadium; Stillwater, OK; 3:00 PM; Fox Sports 1

The final Big 12 game of the day matches two teams that are coming off close wins. OK-State over Texas and K-State surviving Louisiana Tech. I put way more stock in the Cowboys road win over Texas than the Wildcats comeback win at home. Since the start of the season, both teams were trending up. OSU still is. After their last game, KSU is not. That opposite trends with continue… Cowboys 45, Wildcats, 24

Alfergus' Pick: Oklahoma State: 28, Kansas State 21

A few weeks ago, there was some crowing about how the Tech fans left at half-time. This week, those crowers need to give some kudos to the fans in the stands. During the first and seconds quarters heavy persistent rain hovered over Jones AT&T Stadium and a good 95% of the fans stayed in their seats and cheered on the Red Raiders! Remember, If you want to be the guest picker for next week comment below or tweet @ConnerCrisp your score prediction for Tech-TCU. 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.