Texas Tech fans are showing once again why they're the best fanbase in the Big 12, notching the school its 8th sellout since 2013. That includes the 4-8 season they endured in 2014.

"We couldn’t be more excited for our opportunity this weekend,” Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury said. "Our fans continue to prove why they are the best in the country. We can't wait to see Jones AT&T Stadium rocking this Saturday afternoon!"

The sellout only adds to the game's intrigue. TCU comes in after boat racing Texas Tech in Ft. Worth last year on the way to a 11-1 record after a 4-8 2013.

Texas Tech is looking to follow in the footsteps of TCU by following up their own 4-8 record with an 11-1 season.

The no. 3 ranked TCU Horned Frogs come to Lubbock with hopes of the College Football Playoffs after being snubbed last year. The top five ranking shouldn't bother Tech; the friendly confines of Jones AT&T stadium has witnessed the Red Raiders upsetting many top teams, including (4) West Virginia in 2012 and (3) Oklahoma in 2007. And who could forget the greatest Tech win of the last 20 years again (1) Texas in 2008?

This will open the Big 12 season for both TCU and Texas Tech. A Texas Tech win on Saturday would match the Red Raiders' victory total from last season. TCU enters this weekend with an 11-game win streak -- the longest in the nation after Ohio State's 16-game streak.

The two schools meet for the fourth time in Big 12 Conference play as Texas Tech has claimed two of the three league meetings. The two schools are former members of the Southwest Conference with the total record of the series 30-24-3 with Texas Tech having the edge. The last time the Red Raiders hosted TCU the No. 24 Horned Frogs were handed a 20-10 loss.

Offense

The Texas Tech offense will continue what they have been doing all season. Patrick Mahomes will continue to be consistent and will only add to his gaudy top 10 numbers against a depleted TCU defense.

Tech is averaging 54.3 points per game, and I think they will get close to that number again. The combination of Mahomes' pocket presence and the offensive line of Texas Tech has yet to allow a sack. Look for that to continue against TCU, who just suspended their top defensive end.

Defense

The David Gibbs effect has seem to have taken hold as the Red Raider defense has already forced eight turnovers this season -- tied with Oklahoma State for the Big 12 lead. The defense will have to stand strong again and force several turnovers on Saturday. TCU is the Big 12's leading offense, totaling nearly 1,800 yards in their first three games.

The TCU offense will likely do more of the same against Tech and will approach their season average of 49.7 points per game. I did hear a familiar phrase after the Arkansas game that warmed my heart and made me scared all at the same time: "Bend, but don't break."

The defensive scheme popularized by Ruffin McNeil during the best year of the Mike Leach era against the high-powered TCU offense? I think the Texas Tech defense will bend...a lot. I just hope they don't break.

Predictions

TCU is the better team. They have a better (read: more experienced) head coach. I think this will be a shoot-out in the 806. That's generally what happens when top five offenses get together. The over/under is 80.5. I'm going over.

Everything says to pick TCU to win. But this game will come down to the end, maybe even whoever has the ball last. The difference in the game will be red zone defense of both teams. With Gibbs at the helm, the Red Raiders will bend,but won't break... completely.

Stats

Tech 52 - TCU 49

Texas Tech (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)

No. 3 TCU (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)

Kickoff: 3:45 p.m.

TV: Fox Sports

Odds: -7 TCU

Texas Tech tailgating photos

  • BONUS

    Texas Tech highlight reel vs. UTEP

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