Northwestern State @ Texas Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 29, 2007 ) Northwestern State 7, Texas Tech 75

Texas Tech had its streak of consecutive bowl appearances snapped at 11 last year, despite averaging almost 34 points per contest. The Red Raiders have the ability be just as good on offense when they open against Northwestern State, with prolific quarterback Seth Doege at the helm. Doege threw 581 passes, completed 68.5 percent of them and was intercepted just 10 times in 2011. Coach Tommy Tuberville, in his third season, will look for his much-maligned defense to find some confidence early against an FCS team expecting to be competitive in the Southland Conference. A talented Demons defense, led by NFL prospect Jamaal White at safety, will get its stiffest test of the season.

TV: 7 p.m. EST; Fox Sports SW-Plus LINE: None

NORTHWESTERN STATE (2011: 5-6, 3-4 Southland): The Demons were tied for fifth in the Southland’s preseason coaches poll, and have some standout performers to lean on. White and third-team All American linebacker Derek Rose key the defense, Phillip Harvey has averaged 23.7 yards per kickoff return in three seasons and quarterback Brad Henderson set two school records in 2011. Henderson, who also led the team in rushing (451 yards), established team marks in completions (178) and percentage (61.6). Running back Sidney Riley and tight end Corey Simmons, a South Carolina transfer, are also players to watch.

TEXAS TECH (2011: 5-7, 2-7 Big 12): The Red Raiders allowed almost 40 points a game in 2011 and they were especially poor against the run. Tuberville’s emphasis in the offseason was getting more physical on defense and the Red Raiders should be a little bigger and more experienced. However, it won’t help that linebacker Daniel Cobb was dismissed for violating team rules. Doege threw for more than 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns last year and most of his key targets return, including Eric Ward (84 recepts, 800 yards, 11 TDs), Alex Torres and Darrin Moore. It would be a big boost if running back Eric Stephens, who had 565 yards in five games before suffering a knee injury last season, returns to his healthy form.

EXTRA POINTS

1. In their only other meeting, Texas Tech beat Northwestern State 75-7 in 2007.

2. Northwestern State place kicker John Shaughnessy finished last season with a school-record 12 consecutive made field goals.

3. Texas Tech punter Ryan Erxleben’s father Russell kicked for Texas and in the NFL with New Orleans and Detroit.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 38, Northwestern State 17