Texas Tech/Ohio St.

Texas Tech +6

A short write-up for today’s game. We went with the offensive youth yesterday with Fresno St. but today we will be switching and going with the more experienced offense in Texas Tech. Can Ohio St. score enough with a whole new offensive backfield? Can they slow down the high-powered Raider offense? Can Tech find a running game to replace Ricky Williams?

Ohio St. brings back a very solid defense to try and stop Heisman hopeful Kliff Kingsbury. A very accurate passer (69% last year), Kingsbury has a great group of returning receivers to throw to and should benefit from a good returning offensive line as well. The Buckeyes will be starting 2 new corners from their defense that led the Big Ten in pass efficiency last year. Kingsbury is experienced enough and has the right tools to be successful in this game. The biggest concern is the running game; the Raiders need someone to step up and get some good touches. They only averaged 82 ypg last year, but Williams caught 92 passes last year out of the backfield, tough numbers to replace. As long as the line can hold firm, Kingsbury will get his chances.

On the other side, Ohio St. will be starting a new quarterback in Craig Krenzel and 2 freshmen behind him. Heralded TB Maurice Clarett will be the first true freshman to ever start in his first game at Ohio St. They will be facing a defense that returns 9 starters and one that improved throughout 2001. The Buckeyes will be without WR Chris Vance, who is suspended for the first 2 games this year. Losing a weapon like Vance certainly doesn’t help this team that should have trouble putting points on the board anyway.

Basically, both defenses have the capabilities to control this game. The feeling here is that Tech won’t be breaking any records offensively, but will produce enough to keep this one close. We just don’t see Ohio St. putting up a lot of points. The Buckeyes are ranked 12th and 13th in the major polls, a lofty ranking with an unproven offense. Look for a low scoring game where Tech can hang around and pull off the upset. The under looks good, but liking Tech and the points better.

GLTA!!