Texas Tech prediction: Red Raiders to build momentum against Arizona State?

Texas Tech vs. Arizona State

When: 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas

Records: Texas Tech (2-1), Arizona State (3-0)

Last Meeting: Texas Tech defeated Arizona State 52-45 on Sept. 16, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas

TV: FS1

What’s at stake?

The Red Raiders look to build momentum after a thrashing of North Texas last weekend that answered questions surrounding the program’s play in the non-conference schedule. While Tech sorted through its issues, Arizona State comes to town after a road victory in San Marcos over Texas State last Thursday night.

The Sun Devils are 3-0 to open the season and come to Lubbock for their first ever Big 12 Conference game after being picked dead last in the preseason Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll.

As Tech looks to prove to the league who it actually is, the Sun Devils look to stay red-hot in the opener of a new era.

When Texas Tech has the ball

The Red Raiders have put together two really strong performances and one that was a struggle. The difference? Tahj Brooks.

The Tech offense severely missed its star running back during the trip to Pullman against Washington State and put together a show after relying on the back early in last weekend’s matchup against North Texas.

Brooks’ 109-yard performance helped open up the play-action passing game for the Red Raiders, something that helped Behren Morton throw for 273 yards and four touchdowns against UNT.

For Tech, it will be about proving that the performance against the Mean Green is who they are; maintaining momentum will be paramount.

When Arizona State has the ball

The Sun Devils are led by a young quarterback and a bell-cow running back who has been one of the best in the nation to start the season in Sam Leavitt and Cam Skattebo.

Skattebo has been one of the toughest running backs to tackle, forcing 16 missed tackles while 258 of his 373 yards have come after contact. Against Mississippi State in Week 2, Skattebo posted 262 yards on 33 carries. He has found the end zone three times this season.

Leavitt will be a threat on the ground, something that has been a challenge for Tech to contain at times, especially earlier in the month against Washington State and John Mateer.

While Leavitt is a threat to run, he will try to hook up with his best receiver, who has a fairly odd Texas Tech connection. Jordyn Tyson is in his second season as a Sun Devil after transferring in from Colorado. He has posted 176 yards and a touchdown on 12 receptions this season, but is also the brother of former Red Raider basketball player and first-round pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jaylon Tyson.

Prediction

Texas Tech will look to get out on the right foot to open Big 12 play, something Tech was unable to do last season against West Virginia on the road.

While the Red Raiders have been unpredictable through three weeks this season, Tech should be able to handle business in front of a home crowd. Saturday presents a chance to build some momentum as the conference slate begins.

Score: Texas Tech 28, Arizona State 17.

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