Nevada @ Texas Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 6, 2008 ) Texas Tech 35, Nevada 19

THE STORY: It may only be the second meeting between Texas Tech and Nevada, but the game carries a ton of significance for both teams. Tech hopes to finish its non-conference schedule with an unblemished record, while Nevada looks to maintain the momentum gained in a strong performance last week.

TV: Fox College Sports. LINE: Texas Tech -19.5

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (2-0): It appears the Red Raiders, in coach Tommy Tuberville’s second season in Lubbock, have discovered a quarterback to continue the program’s string of prolific signal callers. Junior Seth Doege broke the NCAA record (held by former Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury) for highest percentage with 40 more completions by hitting 40 of 44 attempts in Tech’s 59-17 victory over New Mexico last week. But the Red Raiders, who have played 10 freshmen in their first two games, are developing a stout defense as well. The unit ranks sixth in the Big 12 and 48th nationally in defense (334 yards per game). Junior receiver Darrin Moore is Doege’s primary target. He had 118 yards and three touchdowns against New Mexico. Junior running back Eric Stephens is averaging six yards per carry (35 attempts) and has gained 220 yards in two games.

ABOUT NEVADA (1-1): The Wolfpack stumbled in its 69-20 opening-week loss to Oregon, but responded with a 17-14 Western Athletic Conference victory over San Jose State last week. Fifth-year senior quarterback Tyler Lantrip has struggled through the first two games. He was 11-of-21 for 112 yards and no touchdowns last week. Junior running back Mike Ball rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns against San Jose State, while sophomore running back Stefphon Jefferson has performed well off the bench, and receiver Rishard Matthews is averaging 88.5 yards per game. Nevada’s defense has surrendered an average of 446 yards through two games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Texas Tech won the previous meeting 35-19 in Reno in 2008.

2. Nevada opens the season with four straight road games. It doesn’t play at home until Oct. 8 against UNLV.

3. The Red Raiders are 50-3 against non-ranked opponents since 2000.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 41, Nevada 27 - The Red Raiders have too many offensive weapons for the Wolfpack.