Texas Tech @ Kansas preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 31, 2009 ) Kansas 21, Texas Tech 42

THE STORY: Two weeks probably wasn't enough time to fix all that ails Kansas’ historically bad defense - especially with Texas Tech headed to town.

The Jayhawks could be in for another long afternoon Saturday in their Big 12 opener against the Red Raiders, who are seeking a fifth straight win in a series they have dominated since Day One.

Kansas was gashed for a school-record 604 rushing yards in a 66-24 blowout loss to Georgia Tech on September 17. The Jayhawks will face a different challenge against Texas Tech, whose aerial attack seems to give Kansas - and most other schools - fits regardless of the personnel.

Texas Tech has 11 of the 12 meetings - including six straight in Lawrence. In the last meeting, the Red Raiders scored 28 unanswered points in a 42-21 win in Lubbock two years ago.

Kansas hasn't beaten Texas Tech since 2001 and is just 4-23 against the Big 12 South since 2002.

TV: Fox Sports Net LINE: Texas Tech -6

ABOUT KANSAS (2-1, 0-0 BIG 12): Kansas is allowing an FBS-worst 550 yards per game, including 282 rushing. RB James Sims (84.7 ypg, 3 TDs) leads a ground attack that averages 235 yards - good for 17th nationally.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (3-0, 0-0): Junior QB Seth Doege, who set an NCAA-record for accuracy (40-of-44) in a win over New Mexico on September 17, ranks sixth in the FBS in total yards per game (341.7). Doege could be without leading receiver Darrin Moore (knee, ankle), who was on crutches at the end of last week’s 35-34 win over Nevada.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Vic Shealy took over as Kansas’ defensive coordinator last spring after the sudden retirement of Carl Torbush, who is battling prostate cancer.

2. “That’s one of the most embarrassing games I’ve ever been a part of.” – Kansas CB Tyler Patmon, on the loss to Georgia Tech.

3. Moore ranks 12th in receiving yards per game (113.0) and 17th in receptions per game (seven).

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 37, Kansas 21 - The Jayhawks have done nothing to show they can get stops on defense. The ninth best offense in the FBS (523.3 ypg) leaves town with a decisive victory.