Texas vs. Texas Tech Game Prediction, How to Watch

What to expect as Texas meets Texas Tech in this Week 13 college football game

If the Big 12 wants to make the College Football Playoff this season, its best chance remains No. 7 ranked Texas, which sits at one loss and can punch a ticket to Arlington on Friday with a win over Texas Tech in college football's Week 13 action. Win, and the Longhorns are in, for a chance to win the league it will depart next season for the SEC.

• Texas has won five straight games since losing to rival Oklahoma midseason
• Longhorns rank 16th nationally by allowing 18.2 points to opponents on average
• Tech is bowl eligible after winning its last three games
• This could be the last meeting between these two in-state rivals as no more games are scheduled as Texas leaves the conference

Texas vs. Texas Tech prediction, preview

When: Fri., Nov. 24
Time: 6:30 p.m. Central
TV: ABC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Texas Tech vs. Texas game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Texas -13.5
Total: 52.5 points
Moneyline: Tex -550 | Tech +425
FPI pick: Texas 86.3% to win

What to watch for

1. Battle at the line. Texas plays a strong brand of rush defense behind an impressive, physical front seven rotation, one of the best in college football, holding five straight opponents to under 100 yards rushing. The unit has allowed just six total rushing touchdowns this season and is 2nd in the Big 12 by holding teams to 82.7 yards on the ground per game.

2. Raiders on the ground. Texas Tech has dealt with injuries at the quarterback position and has relied more on running the ball to compensate. So far, tailback Tahj Brooks has lived up to those hopes, running for over 100 yards in 8 of 9 games and he's second in the Big 12 with 122.5 rushing yards per game. Moreover, he's third nationally among all backs with 1,348 total yards on the ground. Tech's chances hinge on Brooks being able to earn yards after contact and find room to the outside.

3. Third down. Texas comes into the game tied at No. 1 nationally defending against the money down, holding opponents to just 26.6 percent success rate moving the chains. The Longhorns have allowed 38 conversions on 143 total attempts and allowed just two teams to convert more than 30 percent in a game. Texas Tech averages just under 4 in 10 success when playing offense on third down. 

Texas vs. Texas Tech prediction

Texas can absorb enough of Tech's mid-range passing plays, knowing that it has the bodies to clog the interior running lanes and contain the Red Raiders' ground game. But the Longhorns have not been able to win by impressive margins in the second half of the season, despite playing just one ranked team. Texas is 2-4 against the spread in its last six games

College Football HQ picks...

• Texas wins 34-24
• Doesn't cover the spread
• And hits the over

Bet on Texas vs. Texas Tech here

Join FanDuel here to claim $200 worth of bonus bets after wagering just $5 on any game.

Claim $200 in Bonus Bets instantly when you Bet $5 with DraftKings.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets with Bet365 here when you Bet Just $1 on any college football game.

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets with Points Bet right here.

Or get $1,500 paid back in bonus bets from BetMGM if you don’t win.

---

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks