Texas A&M @ Texas Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 30, 2010 ) Texas Tech 27, Texas A&M 45

THE STORY: There’s much more at stake than historical milestones when Texas Tech hosts No. 25 Texas A&M. While it is the final time the schools will meet as conference opponents, more importantly it’s a pivotal Big 12 matchup.

TV: FX. LINE: Texas A&M -9

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (2-2, 0-1 Big 12): The Aggies, who are moving to the Southeast Conference next season, have suffered two consecutive heartbreaking losses in games in which they held huge halftime leads. Texas A&M led 35-19 last week before falling to Arkansas 42-38. The previous week against Oklahoma State, the Aggies carried a 20-3 lead into the locker room before losing 30-29. The Aggies bring one of the nation’s most potent offenses into the game. They are fifth in total offense (518 yards) and feature two highly productive running backs in Christine Michael (102 yards per game) and Cyrus Gray (90). Texas A&M's defense leads the nation in sacks per game (4.5) led by linebacker Sean Porter, who has 5.5 this season and lineman Tony Jerod-Eddie with three.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (4-0, 1-0): The Red Raiders are off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 2008 after beating Kansas 45-34 last week. While Texas Tech still boasts a vaunted passing offense, the running game is now playing a much bigger role. Eric Stephens has scored seven rushing touchdowns, which is more than the entire Texas Tech offense posted through four games last year. The Red Raiders are averaging 179 yards rushing. Quarterback Seth Doege ranks fourth in the nation in passing. He averages 29 completions and has thrown for 1,314 yards with 14 touchdowns and one interception. Texas Tech is ranked seventh in the country in red zone offense, having converted 22 of 23 opportunities into points. The Texas Tech defense is surrendering an average of 427 yards in total offense.

EXTRA POINTS

1. This is the 70th meeting, with the Aggies owning a 36-33-1 series advantage. The Aggies have won the last two games.

2. Texas Tech leads 16-12 in games played at Lubbock.

3. Texas Tech carries a seven-game winning streak into Saturday.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 43, Texas Tech 30 - Texas Tech won’t be able to corral the Aggies' offense.