A&M's run game vs. Texas Tech's run defense: The Aggies have been grounded in their three-game losing streak, rushing for only 209 yards on 99 carries (2.1). The Aggies haven't had a 20-yard run in their last 98 rushes. A&M hasn't started the same five linemen in back-to-back games. Tech, which allows only 101.9 yards rushing per game, has been much more cohesive on defense with seven players starting every game at the same position. Edge: Texas Tech
A&M's pass attack vs. Texas Tech's pass defense: A&M will have to do a much better job of blocking. The Aggies have allowed 12 sacks in the three losses, while the Red Raiders have a Big 12-leading 23 sacks. A&M might get wide receiver Jeff Fuller (broken right fibula) back after missing four games, which would be a boost. But unless the Aggies can slow down Tech's rush, he can't be a factor. A&M sophomore Ryan Tannehill, who formed a solid 1-2 punch with Fuller last year, is coming off his worst game -- one catch for 10 yards. He grew up attending Tech games. Edge: Even
Texas Tech's run game vs. A&M's run defense: The Red Raiders average only 70.4 yards rushing per game, but running back Baron Batch averages 5.4 yards a carry with five touchdowns and has lost only 8 yards while netting 350. Oklahoma State and Kansas State had success running right at the Aggies, gaining 401 yards on 100 carries. Edge: Even
Texas Tech's pass attack vs. A&M's pass defense: Taylor Potts returns at quarterback because Steven Sheffield broke his foot in last week's victory at Nebraska. Potts has passed for 1,817 yards and 13 TDs, but is only 3-2 as a starter. He doesn't have All-American Michael Crabtree to catch passes, but seven Red Raiders have at least 20 catches led by A&M Consolidated's Detron Lewis (35-485, 13.9, 4 TDs). A&M hasn't been able to put pressure on the quarterback in the losses (3 sacks). Tech senior offensive tackle Marlon Winn against A&M rusher Von Miller (10 sacks) will be one of the better matchups. Edge: Texas Tech.
Special teams: Both teams have struggled. A&M is expected to change punters, using true freshman Ryan Epperson. Tech is netting only 33.3 yards per punt, which is 118th in the country. The Aggies allowed a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown last week, and will be tested by Eric Stephens (25.8 avg.). Both field-goal kickers have been solid, but few expect this to be a game of 3-pointers. Edge: Even
Intangibles: A&M has gone from suffering heartbreaking losses on the South Plains to getting blasted. You'd think that A&M, smarting from a 48-point loss, could sneak into Lubbock and pull off a shocking upset against an overconfident team. But think again. The Red Raiders will be primed to hang 70 on the Aggies if they can. Edge: Texas Tech.
-- Robert Cessna
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