No. 22 Arizona brings a winning streak of at least 5 games to Lubbock on Saturday, Oct. 31, to face No. 13 Texas Tech at Galaxy Stadium. The game turns on whether the Red Raiders' run game can move an Arizona defense that has been smothering opponents. Texas Tech also arrives off a road loss, while Arizona has not lost in more than a month.
The Matchup
Arizona Wildcats: 6-1 (No. 22)
Texas Tech Red Raiders: 6-1, 4-0 at home (No. 13)
Venue: Galaxy Stadium, Lubbock, TX
Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 31, 16:00 UTC
Line: Texas Tech -3.5, O/U 54.5
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What Decides It
Arizona's passing game should find room against the Texas Tech secondary. The Wildcats throw for about 311 yards a game. Texas Tech gives up about 266 through the air, so Arizona's typical output sits well above what this defense usually allows.
Noah Fifita has been efficient as well as productive, throwing more than four times as many touchdowns as interceptions. If he has time, Isaiah Mizell is the target who can flip field position in a hurry.
Texas Tech's best path runs through J'Koby Williams. The Red Raiders run for nearly 190 yards a game, and Arizona allows about 107 on the ground.
Texas Tech needs that ground game to work. Will Hammond has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns, which makes a pass-first plan risky. Williams has more than double Reescano's rushing yardage, and he is the player Arizona has to stop.
Arizona's defense gives it the edge in a close game. The Wildcats allow about 17 points a game, while Texas Tech allows about 20.
The yardage tells the same story. Arizona gives up about 315 yards a game, and Texas Tech gives up about 373. In the last week, the gap showed up on the scoreboard: Arizona held its opponent to a field goal in a 39-3 home win, while Texas Tech gave up 37 in a road loss.
Players to Watch
Arizona Wildcats
Passing: Noah Fifita – 167-225, 2,064 YDS, 18-4 (TD-INT)
Rushing: Kedrick Reescano – 80 ATT, 303 YDS, 5 TD
Receiving: Isaiah Mizell – 27 REC, 493 YDS, 5 TD
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Passing: Will Hammond – 139-205, 1,561 YDS, 6-6 (TD-INT)
Rushing: J'Koby Williams – 86 ATT, 619 YDS, 5 TD
Receiving: Kenny Johnson – 31 REC, 499 YDS, 1 TD
Prediction
Arizona wins outright. Texas Tech can grind out yards with Williams, but the Wildcats have the better quarterback play, the better defense and a passing attack that matches up well against a Red Raiders secondary that gives up yardage. Take Arizona and the points, with enough offense on both sides to push this past the total.