Baylor @ Texas Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 26, 2011 ) Texas Tech 42, Baylor 66

Two of the nation’s most prolific offenses won’t likely hold anything back when Baylor and Texas Tech meet at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on Saturday. Baylor, second in the nation in total offense and fifth in scoring, needs one victory to be become bowl eligible after its shocking upset of No. 2 Kansas State last week. The Red Raiders, first in the country in passing offense, have lost three of four and look to finish the regular season on a high note. Baylor’s much-maligned defense stepped up with two interceptions against Kansas State and will have to stand tall again against Seth Doege, who has 35 touchdown passes. Texas Tech’s defense, ranked 11th nationally against the pass, will get a big challenge from quarterback Nick Florence and receiver Terrance Williams.

TV: 2:30 p.m. ET, Fox. LINE: Baylor -2.5

ABOUT BAYLOR (5-5, 2-5 Big 12): Florence has been outstanding while leading the nation in total offense and throwing 27 touchdown passes. What made the Baylor offense hit overdrive over the last three weeks has been its enhanced running game. Lache Seastrunk has averaged 126.3 yards rushing in the last three weeks and Glasco Martin 110. That must continue to give Florence time to find Williams, who averages 8.2 receptions and a nation-best 151.8 yards. Lanear Sampson and Tevin Reese also have more than 40 receptions apiece for a passing offense that has produced 21 plays of at least 40 yards. The Bears have at least 500 total yards in eight of 10 games.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (7-4, 4-4): The Red Raiders have allowed an average of 44.8 points and more than 250 yards rushing in the last four weeks and had two punts blocked in the last game. No matter how good their offense is, that has to change if they are to win for the 16th time in 17 games against Baylor. Doege has thrown for almost 7,600 yards in the last two seasons and has two talented receivers to look to in Darrin Moore (68 catches, 11 touchdowns) and Eric Ward (66, 10). The Red Raiders will have to get something out of their running game as well, which has been led by Kenny Williams.

TIP-INS
1. Baylor has converted 60 percent of its third downs over the last three weeks.

2. Doege has passed for at least six touchdowns in a game three times this season, more than anyone in the nation.

3. Baylor is one of four teams in the country to average at least 300 yards passing and 200 yards rushing.

PREDICTION: Baylor 58, Texas Tech 55