College Football Preview: Texas Faces Big Test at Texas Tech

The Longhorns face the biggest test to date of the Garrett Gilbert era, with a tough trip to Lubbock.

Red Raiders look impressive
The opposition he’s faced may not have been BCS worthy but Taylor Potts has been sensational in his two outings this season. Up against an ever improving SMU in week 1, the Texas Tech quarterback went 34 of 53 for 359 yards and 4 touchdowns. He followed that up with a 22 of 34 for 293 yards and 3 touchdowns in Saturday’s dismantling of New Mexico. While going through both games without an interception will impress some, the crucial statistic from the Red Raiders first two games is the number of passes thrown.

Tommy Tuberville always said he’d stick by Tech’s air-raid offense but nobody thought the run-first strategist would allow 94 passes to be thrown in two games, with 7 from back-up Steven Sheffield. Clearly the former Auburn coach was paying attention when Mike Leach, his predecessor in Lubbock, said this was the best group of players Tech ever had entering a season. Tuberville has so far played to the strengths of his offense and it has paid dividends.

Texas needs a big improvement
For everything I’ve said about the Red Raiders, I’d still normally back the Longhorns to win this game comfortably. Texas’ play in the first two games of the season has however been far from encouraging. Garrett Gilbert has been reasonable under center but is struggling to make big plays. Similarly the running game is decent but far from intimidating. In a year of rebuilding the Longhorns are going to face some tough challenges on the road and this game stinks of a potential upset. I think the Longhorns can squeeze home but even as -3.0 favorites with Sports Interaction, I’m not convinced they will cover. Texas Tech offers better value, bet on the Red Raiders to keep it insanely tight right up to the end.

TCU’s toughest test
While the Rodgers brothers of Oregon State were the best-known offensive talents on TCU’s schedule, the most dangerous challenge comes to Fort Worth this weekend. Baylor visits TCU with Robert Griffin ready to shine against one of the nation’s best defenses.

The redshirt sophomore saw his 2009 season ruined through injury but Griffin’s already proving himself as a one man show in this Baylor offense. The quarterback threw for 2 touchdowns and rushed for 2 more in a 34-6 rout of Buffalo last week. The Horned Frogs defense will be too stingy to allow a repeat performance from Griffin but he should still provide some moments of brilliance. Bet on the TCU Horned Frogs to win as -21.0 favorites.