Coming off one of the strongest offseasons in college football, No. 24 Texas Tech made an early statement with a 67-7 rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Week 1. Quarterback Behren Morton returned under center and looked sharp, throwing four touchdowns to open the season.
The Week 2 battle between the Red Raiders and Kent State will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 12 p.m. ET in Lubbock on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max. Texas Tech sits as 48.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 58.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Behren Morton (QB, Texas Tech)
Considering the Red Raiders are set to face a Kent State team that failed to win a game in 2024, it’s likely Morton exits early in the second half to give the backups valuable reps. He was highly efficient in Week 1, completing 80% of his passes for over 200 yards in limited action. Still, fans should expect some deep shots early and another dominant showing from the veteran quarterback before he hands things over. Morton did take a few hits and his status remains questionable, but if he’s able to suit up, he could be poised for a monster performance.
Cade Wolford (WR, Kent State)
Kent State wide receiver Cade Wolford powered the program to its first win in over a year with a 109-yard outing against Merrimack, highlighted by a 79-yard touchdown. He proved his value as a true deep threat, capable of flipping the field in an instant. If the Golden Flashes hope to keep this matchup competitive, Wolford will need to consistently create explosive plays in the open field. In the tough environment of Lubbock, his production could be the key to keeping Kent State within striking distance.
Two Key Storylines
Texas Tech’s Defensive Dominance
While the offense gets plenty of attention with Morton under center, Texas Tech’s defense is quietly shaping up as one of the Big 12’s most physical units. The Red Raiders held Arkansas-Pine Bluff to just seven points in Week 1 and flashed their depth with multiple contributors in the front seven. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez sets the tone in the middle, while edge rusher Steve Linton brings speed off the edge and has the tools to be one of the league’s top pass rushers. With linebacker David Bailey also in the mix, it could be a long day for Kent State’s passing attack.
First-Year Head Coach Trying to Build Momentum
With the Mark Carney era officially underway, Kent State enters this matchup 1-0 after enduring a 1-11 season in 2023 and a winless 0-12 campaign in 2024. The Golden Flashes finally have some momentum, but Saturday will present a major test. Facing a ranked Texas Tech team on the road is a steep challenge for any program, let alone one still in the early stages of a rebuild. How Kent State responds could reveal just how far Carney’s group has come in a short time.
Prediction: Texas Tech 65, Kent State 3
Despite carrying some rhythm into the game, Kent State is simply overmatched. Texas Tech’s talent and the difficulty of playing in Lubbock make this a steep uphill battle for a young team. Morton likely won’t need to play much past halftime if he’s healthy, but he should have plenty of chances to connect on explosive plays early. Meanwhile, the Red Raiders’ defense should overwhelm a Kent State offensive line. The Golden Flashes may be entering with some renewed energy, but Tech’s overall talent gap makes this an uphill climb from the opening kickoff.
