Texas Tech enters Saturday night’s matchup against West Virginia with an even clearer path to the Big 12 Championship Game following Utah’s 28-20 victory over BYU earlier in the day.
The Red Raiders, ranked No. 15 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, have an opportunity to strengthen their position in the conference title race with a home victory over the Mountaineers.
Texas Tech bounced back from its first loss of the season with a 34-26 victory over Arizona last weekend. Now the Red Raiders return to Lubbock looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
West Virginia, meanwhile, has an opportunity to play spoiler and pull off one of the biggest upsets of the Big 12 season.
Here’s our Texas Tech vs. West Virginia prediction, pick, updated odds and everything you need to know ahead of Saturday night’s matchup.
Texas Tech vs. West Virginia Odds
- Spread: Texas Tech -16.5
- Over/Under: 66.5
- Moneyline: Texas Tech -710/West Virginia +520
Odds as of Saturday 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.
