Kansas Jayhawks football vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Prediction, kickoff time, TV
The details
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
TV: FS1
Radio: WHB (810 AM) in Kansas City, KFH (1240 AM) in Wichita
The line: Texas Tech by 18.
Prediction
The movement of this Vegas line — starting with Texas Tech favored by 18, then going up to 20 1/2 before come back to 18 — tells me one thing: It doesn’t seem likely Red Raiders starting quarterback Alan Bowman is going to play.
That would appear to be a big blow for Texas Tech. Bowman enters as one of the nation’s top statistical passers, and though backup Jett Duffey had some positive moments in the team’s previous victory against TCU, it’s clear that he’s not the same caliber of player as Bowman.
On the surface, this would appear to be a nice break for KU. Remember, up until an interception-filled game against West Virginia Heisman candidate Will Grier, the Jayhawks defense basically had been dominant against bad quarterbacks (Central Michigan and Rutgers) and not as good against above-average QBs (Baylor and Oklahoma State).
I still sense that this might be a tougher challenge for KU’s defense than many might believe. Defensive coordinator Clint Bowen relies heavily on using different personnel packages, and Texas Tech’s fast-paced offense has the ability to take some of that out of the game by hurrying to the line of scrimmage while not allowing KU to substitute guys on and off.
The Jayhawks have had major issues going against the Red Raiders’ tempo in recent years. And don’t forget, even after knocking some guy named Patrick Mahomes out of the game two seasons ago, KU allowed Texas Tech’s backup Nic Shimonek to throw for 271 yards and four touchdowns in the final quarter and a half in a 55-21 loss in Lubbock.
In this case, I think coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive style — regardless of personnel — will be effective against KU. Add to that the fact that the Jayhawks’ offense will be transitioning to coach David Beaty calling plays for the first time this season, and I don’t see this being as competitive as the sportsbooks think.
Texas Tech 48, KU 17
Jesse Newell
Jesse Newell covers University of Kansas athletics for The Star.
