NCAA Football
2008-10-25 - Texas Tech Raiders at Kansas Jayhawks
A Sports Betting Pick by Luccin
@ #23Kansas Jayhawks (5-2)
Venue: Lawrence, Kansas
Saturday October 25, 2008- Kickoff 12:00 PM ET
Both teams come into the game with high hopes of victory, unbeaten Texas Tech with high hopes against Kansas a 2 loss team still with an outside shot at the Big XII title.
Recent Matchups :
2005 Texas Tech v Kansas 30-17
2004 Texas Tech @ Kansas 31-30
2001 Texas Tech v Kansas 31-34
2000 Texas Tech @ Kansas 45-39
All time record 9-1
Texas Tech :
On the face of it 7-0 is a very fine record, the problem is that the Raiders still have not faced a top quality opponent, the best wins so far are against average Nebraska and mediocre Kansas State.
Criminally they have scheduled two, yes two, games against FBS opponents, the NCAA should get tough on this as it is devaluing the season.
This years Tech team is supposed to be the best ever, in fact only Nebraska have given them a game as Tech blew a 14 point 4th quarter lead only to sneak it in overtime.
Positives, the offence is nearly unstoppable, ranking 2nd in all of college football at an incredible 557 ypg. As always the attack is anchored by an impressive passing game and QB Harrell has already passed for over 2700 yards, including over 400 yards on 4 separate occasions.
Defense is also better than in recent years although the lack of quality opposition makes it difficult to gauge accurately.
Kansas :
The Jayhawks also have had a fairly easy schedule, their two defeats have come against the only quality opponents they have faced, Oklahoma and South Florida.
They still lead the Big XII north and have a slim chance at the conference title although a tough run in would seem to show that this is not on.
Again the offence has been very impressive, the 14th best in the NCAA, again it is based on a passing attack although QB Todd Reesing has “only” managed 2300 yards in 7 games.
Again the defence although the ease with which some opponents have scored, particularly Iowa State, must be off great concern. They must shutdown the opposing passing game if they are to take anything from this game.
The Verdict :
This should be a battle between two gunslingers, the QB who holds his nerve will be the victor on saturday. I believe that the Raiders have more to offer and will come out on top:
The Pick :
Texas Tech 31-24 Kansas
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Texas Tech to win 2.00
