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Coming into the 2013 season, no one was talking about Kliff Kingsbury and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. However, now that they are unbeaten and atop the Big 12 with a 1-0 conference record, people are starting to take notice of what’s going on in Lubbock.
On the other side of the field, the Texas State Bobcats are trying to stir up a bit of a rivalry here with the Red Raiders. However, the Bobcats are new to the FBS type of play and will likely have a tough time keeping up with the offense of Texas Tech. They are, however, 2-0 entering the game — one unbeaten is set to go down in this game.
Texas Tech is led by quarterback Baker Mayfield who, unfortunately, had to leave last Thursday’s game against TCU early due to injury, but the freshman quarterback has been a stud. You can tell he has all the confidence of a veteran and it has been evident in his 996 pass yards and eight touchdowns. The red Raiders don’t have much of a run game, however, as Mayfield leads all rushers with 92 yards on 33 carries. Jace Amaro has been the favorite target on offense, catching 20 passes for 281 yards and a score.
Texas State has not experienced very much success on offense behind quarterback Tyler Arndt. He has this team ranked as the 110th best pass offense — not good — in the nation with just 150 yards per game through the air. The run game has accumulated more yards than the pass game and that’s due, in large part, to sophomore running back Chris Nutall who has 169 yards and two scores.
Defensively, the Red Raiders may not have allowed many points to be scored upon them, but they have allowed to of their first three opponents to rack up more than 400 yards and the third team had over 350 yards. This squad needs some work on that side of the ball. Texas State has seen a tale of two games. They allowed over 400 yards in one game while allowing just 227 in the other — winning both regardless.
Texas State will travel to Texas Tech to take on the Red Raiders at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, Sept. 21. Check your local listings for the channel.
PREDICTION: Texas State 10, Texas Tech 49
Related: Texas Tech: Baker Mayfield Gets Revenge on TCU
Texas Tech Asserts Itself Atop the Big 12
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .
