Texas Tech @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2010 ) Texas 24, Texas Tech 14

THE STORY: Texas Tech’s run as a Top 25 team was shorter than Kim Kardashian’s marriage. The Red Raiders, who shocked top-ranked Oklahoma on the road two weeks ago, came crashing back to earth in a stunning 41-7 loss to lowly Iowa State last Saturday.

Now, they’ll try to redeem themselves by ending a six-game road losing streak to archrival Texas.

Texas Tech hasn’t beaten Texas since 2008, when Michael Crabtree’s memorable catch-and-run down the sidelines with one second left propelled the Red Raiders to a 39-33 win over the then-No.1 Longhorns.

Texas Tech is seeking its first win in Austin since 1997.

TV: FX LINE: Texas -11.5

ABOUT TEXAS (5-2, 2-2 Big 12): Texas ended a two-game skid as freshmen RBs Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron combined for 255 yards and four touchdowns in a 43-0 win over Kansas. Texas’ defense, ranked 13th in the nation (296.4 ypg), posted its first shutout since 2005. Offensively, freshman QB David Ash (14-of-18, 145 yards, 1 INT) is expected to make his third straight start. The Longhorns will likely try to protect him by exploiting the Red Raiders’ 114th-ranked rushing defense (225.8 ypg).

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (5-3, 2-3 Big 12): Both QB Seth Doege and coach Tommy Tuberville both said last week’s loss was a classic letdown. The defense was gashed for 368 rushing yards and, for the first time since 2006, a Red Raiders quarterback did not throw a touchdown pass. Doege, who ranks fourth in the nation in total offense (355.8 ypg), was just 16 of 32 for 172 yards and two interceptions. Texas Tech's beleaguered defense may be without starting SS Terrance Bullitt (shoulder) and CB Tre' Porter (head).

EXTRA POINTS

1. A win would make the Red Raiders bowl eligible for a Big 12 record 19th straight season.

2. “We just had no emotion — coaching or playing.” – Tuberville, on the loss to Iowa State.

3. Texas held Kansas to just 36 plays, which is the lowest total in Big 12 history.

PREDICTION: Texas 27, Texas Tech 20 – In the ultimate contrast in styles, the Longhorns grind out a third straight win over the Red Raiders.