This week's Tech-UT game is unquestionably the biggest game in the history of Texas Tech football.
This is Tech's chance to take the program to the next level. This is a chance to join the nation's elite or, at the very least, join the elite programs of the Big 12 South.
But hopefully, Mike Leach and the Red Raiders are not giving in to the hype. Hopefully, they are looking at this game as if it is just like any other.
If you are a Tech football player reading this, then hear this: Go out and execute on every single play. Do not worry about who is lined up on the other side of the ball or what they are ranked; go out, play hard and execute on every single down.
Either team is capable of coming away from this matchup a winner. Let us take each team and talk about what it takes to win this potentially epic game.
HOW TEXAS WINS: From a game plan stand point, Texas needs to approach this game with the intention of running the ball, controlling the clock and dominating the time-of-possession battle so they can keep the Tech defense on the field. Nebraska held the ball for 40 of 60 minutes and is easily the team that has come closest to beating Tech this season.
Defensively, Texas has to put pressure on Graham Harrell. They probably do not have the athletes to do damage in the secondary, so Brian Orakpo and the other members of the pass rush will have to get to Harrell to disrupt Tech's passing game.
WHY TEXAS WINS: The Longhorns have to feel confident in that they have defeated quality teams this season. Their wins the past three weeks against Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State prove they are the team to beat. Nobody thought Texas would make it past Oklahoma, much less Mizzou and OSU. There should be no reason to question their ability to beat another quality team in Lubbock.
HOW TECH WINS: Tech needs to come into this game knowing that Texas will be attempting to dominate time-of-possession. Tech will have to combat that by doing a little more on the ground. As great as their passing attack is, Tech's running game is nothing to scoff at. That big offensive line and the explosiveness of Baron Batch make Tech's running attack a legitimate threat.
Defensively, Tech is going to have to offset the Longhorn's big play ability by making some big plays of its own. Forcing a few turnovers will be essential to Tech's success on defense.
WHY TECH WINS: Strangely enough, the tough schedule Texas has played that makes them the favorite in this game is also the reason Tech has a chance of winning Saturday. Because of the grueling three weeks Texas has just gone through, you have to wonder how much they have left in the tank both physically and mentally. If this game had been three weeks ago, before Texas' OU, Mizzou and OK State stretch, Tech's chances of winning this game would have been significantly lower. This game is not being played three weeks ago, it is being played this week and because of that, Tech has a real chance of winning this game. Additionally, Texas has yet to win one of those big games on the road. Jones AT&T Stadium might not be on the same level as Kyle Field, "The Swamp" and "The Big House" in the pantheon of tough places to play, but Lubbock is by no means an easy environment to come into and win.
WHO WINS: Take your pick. This has the potential to be a shootout classic. Whatever the over/under is, take the over. As to who wins, you will not see me making a prediction either way, in print. Texas has more talent, but Tech might have more to play for. Texas has the big game experience, but Tech has the home field advantage. This game could go either way and might come down to the last possession.
Enjoy this game and this weekend. Enjoy "College GameDay, enjoy" too many bad "tribute-to-Mike Leach" Halloween costumes, and enjoy the beer and barbecue. Most, importantly, enjoy the game!
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