Texas Tech @ New Mexico preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2010 ) Texas Tech 52, New Mexico 17

THE STORY: Thanks to an early off week, Texas Tech has had two weeks to prepare for its second game at New Mexico in two years. Last season, the Red Raiders beat the Lobos, 52-17, and Texas Tech’s offense appears capable of posting another big number this season. The Lobos, who have won just two of their last 26 games under coach Mike Locksley, lost 52-3 to Arkansas last Saturday and have scored just one touchdown in two games. After a slow start, Texas Tech cruised to a 50-10 win over Texas State in its season opener.

TV: Versus. LINE: Texas Tech -21

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (1-0): QB Seth Doege plans on airing it out against the Lobos, who have allowed an average of 275.5 passing yards. “I think it’s a mismatch with our skill guys and their secondary, so we should be able to win in that area,” Doege said. After catching just 15 passes last year, WR Darrin Moore had 12 receptions for 221 yards against Texas State. RB Eric Stephens will help control the clock if the Red Raiders grab an early lead. The defense, which features two freshman linebackers, held Texas State to 95 yards passing but allowed 256 yards rushing.

ABOUT NEW MEXICO (0-2): The defense could get a boost from the return of safety Bubba Forrest, who missed last week with a shoulder injury. LB Dallas Bollema is tied for 25th in the country with 21 tackles this season. On offense, WR Lamaar Thomas had 159 all-purpose yards against Arkansas, but he’s out for Saturday’s game with a broken bone in his back. The offense is averaging 6.5 points, and Thomas’ 27-yard TD catch against Colorado State is the Lobos’ longest play from scrimmage. QB Tarean Austin was 15-for-28 for 162 yards passing and rushed seven times for 31 yards against Arkansas.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Texas Tech leads the series, 34-6-2, including wins in 12 of the last 13 meetings.

2. After allowing nine sacks in the opener against Colorado State, New Mexico did not allow a single sack against Arkansas.

3. Several Texas Tech players missed practice Tuesday with stomach virus-like symptoms, but everyone returned Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 49, New Mexico 18 -- The Red Raiders have had plenty of time to prepare for the Lobos, who are still recovering from last week. There’s a reason the Red Raiders’ offense is positively giddy about the matchup.