THE WEEK
Been waiting all season for this one, and the Longhorns and Red Raiders have cooperated nicely with undefeated records, thank you very much.
I'm going to play TV game analyst and talk about keys to the game Saturday (7 p.m., ABC). There are four to this one. The team that takes 3 out of 4 "keys" wins the game - simple as that. If the teams split 2 and 2, then it's anyone's game and probably will be decided on the final play.
Here they are:
Most Rushing Yards - At first glance, you'd have to give this one to Tech, but they haven't faced a defense like Texas yet. Nonetheless, Tech gets the nod.
Least Turnovers - This one is always a key for any game. Give Texas the edge on this. I think Colt got those "gifts" out of his system in the OSU game. Plus, the Longhorns are generally more careful with the ball.
Most QB Sacks - The Red Raiders could win this one. Colt McCoy has been sacked a lot more times that Graham Harrell. Again, on paper ... Tech.
Special Teams - Sure, there won't be a lot of punting going on Saturday night, but I expect there to be a lot of kickoffs after TDs. Judging by success so far, Texas definitely has the edge here.
So, that's pretty close.
And don't forget about:
Motivation: Texas is the "season-game" for Texas Tech, just like it is for Oklahoma and A&M - and others. Tech is always highly motivated to prove something against the Longhorns. This is a big game for Texas, of course, but so is every other one lately. I believe there is such a thing as too much motivation. So, more pressure could be on Tech. Texas gets the edge because of Colt's cool head in a crisis ... just slightly.
Home-field Advantage: Don't underplay this. The OSU Cowboys played inspired football in front of almost a 100,000 people - most of whom were hostile to them. Just think if this game had been played at Stillwater. That might have been just the edge OSU needed for the upset. Jones Stadium can be just as intimidating (ask OU about last year). So, Tech gets the edge.
No clear-cut advantage ... on paper.
But, of course, the game isn't played on paper; it's played on fake grass and little black pellets simulating dirt. That means anything can happen.
Thanks in advance to both teams for delivering the mother of all games!