Texas Tech got the bounce-back win it needed last weekend. Now the Red Raiders return home looking to keep pace near the top of the Big 12 standings when West Virginia comes to Lubbock.
The No. 13 Red Raiders responded to their first loss of the season with a 34-26 win over Arizona, improving to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in Big 12 play.
And perhaps most importantly, Texas Tech may have found its answer at quarterback.
Thomas Castellanos took over for Will Hammond against Arizona and gave the Red Raiders a major spark with his legs, while J’Koby Williams helped Texas Tech dominate on the ground. Now Joey McGuire’s team enters November with its Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff goals still very much in front of it.
But West Virginia shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Mountaineers had a bye last weekend after winning back-to-back Big 12 games against Cincinnati and TCU to improve to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in conference play. Rich Rodriguez’s team has found some momentum after a three-game losing streak threatened to derail the season.
West Virginia also has an opportunity to become bowl eligible with a win, while Texas Tech can’t afford another slip-up with the Big 12 Championship race tightening up.
So, does Texas Tech take care of business at home, or can West Virginia pull off the upset? Let’s get to our West Virginia vs. Texas Tech prediction, pick and preview for Week 10.
Texas Tech vs. West Virginia Odds
- Spread: Texas Tech -16.5
- Over/Under: 65.5
- Moneyline: Texas Tech -780/West Virginia +550
Odds as of Tuesday afternoon. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: West Virginia Rushing Attack vs. Texas Tech?
The West Virginia Mountaineers have the No. 1 rushing attack in the Big 12 at over 260 yards per game, but now they go to Lubbock to take on a Texas Tech team that has the best rushing defense in the Big 12, only giving up 94 yards per game. Can Texas Tech shut down the offense, led by quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and running back Cam Cook? Or do the Mountaineers get their explosive rushing attack rolling to try and pull off the upset in Lubbock on Saturday night?
Texas Tech vs. West Virginia Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Texas Tech 41, West Virginia 31
I was surprised this line was as big as it was in favor of the Red Raiders. Yes, they got back on track last week with a really good win over Arizona, but West Virginia is coming off a bye week and has an explosive offense that could give the Red Raiders some trouble. But there is trouble on the other side, with Texas Tech’s running attack ranking No. 4 in the conference, and getting to go up against a West Virginia defense that is the second-worst in the Big 12.
However, this game will require Michael Hawkins to throw the ball on a Texas Tech secondary that has been spotty, at best, at times this season. The secondary for Texas Tech was better last week vs. Arizona, but that was largely driven by the fact that Noah Fifita was under a lot of pressure. WVU’s offensive line needs to keep Hawkins upright in this game or it could get out of hand quickly.
Texas Tech wins. West Virginia covers.
