Matchup: Texas Tech (0-1) vs. Washington State (1-0)
Date: September 7, 2024
Location: Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. PT/9 p.m. CT

The Red Raiders got beat in Week 1 by an FCS opponent. Wait, I’m checking my notes here… Texas Tech actually beat ACU in overtime. It just didn’t quite feel that way. They gave up 600-plus yards of offense to the Wildcats and looked absolutely lost in the secondary. Add in the Washington State Cougars blowing up Portland State 70-30 by scoring five touchdowns on 11 completions by starting quarterback John Mateer, and the Red Raider fans are on tilt heading into Week 2. 

Fans are one thing, how does the team feel? "There's no person more frustrated than me," head coach Joey McGuire said on Monday. "I would say I was shocked of how we played... They had a really good game plan, and we played like dog crap." 

McGuire mentioned the inexperienced secondary that was exacerbated by a late scratch of starting cornerback Braylon Lux. Maybe the young guys learned enough in Week 1 one to be incredibly improved by Week 2. 

Independent of the non-existent pass rush and clueless secondary, Washington State is an interesting matchup for a lot of reasons. This game is their only “power” opponent at home. Don’t get caught thinking Washington State will be looking ahead to their Week 3 neutral site Apple Cup either, they have had Texas Tech scheduled all offseason. Adding to the atmosphere, the Cougars are even inducting the late Mike Leach into their Hall of Fame during the Red Raiders' trip to Pullman. 

It’s going to be a madhouse. 

For Texas Tech to win, they’ll need to run the ball effectively, which could be difficult with Tahj Brooks listed as questionable on the injury report. Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton looked healthy and new receivers Josh Kelly and Caleb Douglas will need a repeat performance, as well. Add in Coy Eakin and the tight ends and the Texas Tech offense looks to have plenty of firepower. My worry isn’t with the offense though, the Texas Tech defense is up against a matchup nightmare in Mateer. 

If the Red Raiders can’t rush the passer nor defend anyone in the secondary, John Mateer can have another massive game. He finished 11-for-17 for 352 yards and five touchdowns, with multiple plays going for 50 yards or more. The Cougars also rushed for 224 yards, led by Wayshawn Parker with 96 yards. Mateer added a 40-yard touchdown run, as well. 

To be fair to Texas Tech, Washington State did give up 30 points to Portland State including 449 yards and were only 3-for-8 offensively on third down. 

Prediction

Texas Tech’s defense gives me enough pause to not bet on the Red Raiders as road dogs in Pullman. I also have Joey McGuire’s road record in the back of my mind, which also leads me toward the Cougars. I do think these offenses can perform against both defenses, so sign me up for a good old fashioned pirate shootout. 

Bottom line, hammer the over.

Washington State 42, Texas Tech 38