Texas Tech @ UTEP preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 8, 2007 ) Texas El Paso 31, Texas Tech 45

In-state rivals clash Saturday when Texas Tech visits Texas-El Paso in the 22nd installment of the series. The Red Raiders had a close encounter with visiting Central Arkansas last week, hanging on for a 42-35 victory thanks in part to a pair of fourth-quarter scoring strikes from sophomore Davis Webb, who threw for 452 yards - the fourth most by a Texas Tech quarterback in a season opener - and four touchdowns. The win was not ideal for coach Kliff Kingsbury, however, who told reporters he was embarrassed by his team's mistakes.

The Red Raiders committed 15 penalties for 113 yards and Webb had two interceptions converted into points by Central Arkansas. The Miners went through a similar ordeal last week against New Mexico as they watched a 24-7 halftime lead vanish midway through the fourth quarter before sealing the 31-24 victory in the closing minutes with a game-winning touchdown run from Aaron Jones - his third of the night. Jones shouldered a heavy load with 22 carries and a career-high 237 yards - good for third-best in the nation.

TV: 11 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Texas Tech -20.5

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (1-0): Kingsbury vowed that he and his coaching staff "have to get it right this week," and the Red Raiders have the offense to do so. Texas Tech had the fifth-most passing yards in the nation last week as Webb and Bradley Marquez developed instant chemistry, hooking up 11 times for 184 yards and two scores. The Red Raiders got another 104 yards on the ground from DeAndre Washington, but the amount of penalties and two key turnovers are the types of mistakes they'll need to avoid against the Miners.

ABOUT TEXAS-EL PASO (1-0): Coach Sean Kugler told reporters Monday that Texas Tech is scary offensively but insisted his team is up for the challenge. As for the emphasis on his running game, Kugler wasn't coy about his use of Jones saying, "I want the ball in Aaron Jones' hands as much as we can possibly do, not only as a running back but also as a receiver." After witnessing a near upset of Texas Tech last week, the Miners should find some comfort in knowing that their opponent can be vulnerable against lesser competition.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Red Raiders are 14-6-1 against the Miners and own a five-game win streak in the series, including a 45-31 victory in 2007 in the last meeting.

2. Texas-El Paso is 0-12 against Big 12 opponents.

3. Texas Tech had a 300-yard passer, 100-yard rusher and 100-yard receiver last week for the first time since 2011.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 45, Texas-El Paso 27