Preview and Prediction for BYU vs Texas Tech

BYU is 4-2 and looking to bounce back from a blowout loss at TCU. Texas Tech is 3-4 and coming off a loss of their own to Kansas State. Today, we'll preview BYU-Texas Tech and predict the final score.

Texas Tech vs BYU Preview

Game Information

BYU is 0-1 all time against Texas Tech. The lone matchup between these two programs came in 1940, just before the Cougars shut down the program from 1942-1945 during WWII. BYU lost that game in Lubbock 21-20.

BYU-Texas Tech will be broadcast on FS1 on Saturday evening. The game will kick off at 5:00 PM local time. The weather is forecasted to be in the low 70's by kickoff with sunny skies.

Texas Tech Quarterback Situation

The top storyline heading into this game is the quarterback situation for Texas Tech. In Texas Tech's 38-21 loss to Kansas State last Saturday, starting quarterback Behren Morton left the game with an injury. Morton re-aggravated a right shoulder injury that he's been dealing with since the loss to West Virginia. On Monday, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said Morton will be a "game-time decision" against BYU.

"Behren's really sore," McGuire added. "I saw him this morning getting treatment, but in good spirits. He's frustrated. It's interesting, a lot of players have come out of games and I don't know if I've seen a person more upset than Behren was that we were taking him out...it's so important to him. He's feeling good just really sore."

True freshman quarterback Jake Strong replaced Morton for the Red Raiders. Strong made some promising throws against Kansas State, but he also made costly mistakes that allowed the Wildcats to grow their lead. Strong threw three interceptions and he threw another ball that was dropped by a Kansas State safety.

BYU Injury Updates

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Keys to the Game

1. Stop the run

On defense, BYU will be tasked with shutting down Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks. Brooks leads the Big 12 in rushing this season and he averages 6.0 yards per carry. Given the questions surrounding the quarterback position, the Texas Tech offense could rely heavily on Brooks to move the football. BYU will have to be stout enough against the run to put Tech in third-and-long situations. In limited reps, true freshman Jake Strong has shown the tendency to throw the ball into traffic and make mistakes. If BYU can't stop the run, they won't have as many opportunities to force Strong into mistakes.

2. Avoid another disastrous start

How about this for a strange stat - BYU has played four games against Power Five opponents. All four games have included a non-offensive touchdown in the first quarter. Unfortunately for BYU fans, three of those four touchdowns came against BYU.

Against Arkansas, BYU allowed a long punt return touchdown in the first few minutes of the game. Against Kansas, BYU allowed a defensive touchdown on its first drive. Against TCU, a pick-six on the third play from scrimmage changed the tone of the game.

If BYU is going to pull off the upset at home, BYU must avoid another disastrous start.

3. Dial up something special on offense

When BYU trailed Arkansas 14-0, a trick play put the Cougars on the board and changed the momentum of the game. BYU's offense was stagnant and predictable against TCU last week. Whether it's a trick play or a new wrinkle in the offense, BYU needs to dial up something special against Texas Tech to keep their athletic defense honest.

4. Win the turnover battle

This game could come down to turnovers. In BYU's losses this season, BYU is (-3) in turnover margin. In the four wins, BYU is +7 in turnover margin. A turnover or two could swing this game one way or the other.

Texas Tech ranks 98th nationally in turnover margin. Tech has given up 11 turnovers in 7 games. The BYU defense needs to capitalize on mistakes when the opportunity presents itself.

BYU vs Texas Tech Prediction

This game is going to be a fascinating test for BYU. Last season, BYU spiraled to a four-game losing streak in October. Is BYU more mentally tough this time around? Do they have the leaders in the locker room to right the ship? Can the Cougars bounce back after an embarrassing loss on the road? This is a critical game on BYU's schedule. Win and you regain momentum heading to Austin. Lose and your bowl hopes are firmly up in the air.

Regardless of their record, Texas Tech has the athletes to give BYU problems on Saturday night. BYU needs senior Kedon Slovis to play much better against Texas Tech than he did against TCU to have a chance to win this game. Texas Tech allows 232 passing yards per game, that ranks 79th nationally. We think Kedon Slovis will make enough plays at home to put BYU in a position to win the game.

Ultimately, the location of this game makes the difference in the opinion of this author. The game is nearly sold out and Lavell Edwards Stadium is a really challenging place to play at night. The BYU defense has been better on third down at home with the crown behind them.

BYUBYU wins a close one at home.

BYU 27 | Texas Tech 24

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