Texas State @ Texas Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 8, 2012 ) Texas Tech 58, Texas State 10

Texas Tech quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to start Saturday when the Red Raiders host Texas State. Mayfield missed the final six minutes of last week’s victory against Texas Christian with a deep thigh bruise. The walk-on freshman was replaced by Davis Webb, who led the Red Raiders on the game-winning touchdown drive. Mayfield is not only the No. 1 quarterback, but he’s also the team’s leading rusher with 92 yards.

The Bobcats have struggled to move the chains this season but their defense has stepped up in both victories. No receiver has more than six receptions and starting quarterback Tyler Arndt is still looking for his first touchdown pass. Chris Nutall was ineffective at running back in the season opener before exploding for 132 yards on eight carries in a 28-3 win against Prairie View A&M on Sept. 7.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Net. LINE: Texas Tech -26.5

ABOUT TEXAS STATE (2-0): The Bobcats are trying to start 3-0 for the first time in 30 years and a victory would be No. 200 in the career of coach Dennis Franchione. A player to watch for Texas State is linebacker Michael Orakpo, a Colorado State transfer who has forced three fumbles this season. He’s also part of a stingy defense that has limited opposing rushers to a combined 68 yards.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (3-0): Jace Amaro joined teammate Eric Ward on the Biletnikoff watch list this week. Amaro, a 6-7, 265-pound tight end, would be the first non-wide receiver since 1994 to be voted as the nation’s best pass catcher. Amaro has emerged as Mayfield’s No. 1 option, hauling in 20 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, lineman Kerry Hyder can disrupt an offense as well as anyone in the Big 12.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Sadale Foster, the No. 1 punt returner for Texas Tech, is questionable with a strained calf.

2. Texas State is the fourth consecutive opponent from the state of Texas for the Red Raiders.

3. Texas State is 2-0 to start a season for the first time since 2005.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 28, Texas State 10.