Matchup: Texas Tech vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff

Date: August 30th, 2025

Location: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

Kickoff: 6:30 pm

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The Red Raiders went and upgraded their roster in a big way this offseason. The defensive line is completely overhauled and there are at least four new defensive backs that will see time throughout Big 12 play. Offensively, Micah Hudson left then returned, deep threat Reggie Virgil added to the wide receiver room and YAC god Terrance Carter was added at tight end.

The offensive line also got an influx of talent with massive LT Howard Sampson and LG Will Jados hoping to create massive holes in opposing defenses while keeping returning quarterback Behren Morton’s jersey clean with plenty of time to find his weapons. 

Along with the talent influx, the Red Raiders are also working with new coordinators on both sides of the ball. 

I think we’ll learn a lot about the Red Raiders starting in week three against Oregon State, but until then I think we’re setting up for two glorified scrimmages. I honestly don’t mean any disrespect to Arkansas Pine-Bluff and Kent State. We only have to look back a single season to find Texas Tech struggling with an FCS team, but those 2024 ACU Wildcats had nearly 10 former Red Raiders involved in the program in some capacity, including head coach, the starting quarterback Maverick McIvor, and several skill position players. The personnel, combined with the rest of the D1 talent, was a recipe for disaster. Well, nearly. Texas Tech survived with the win but it certainly didn’t feel like a win in Lubbock that night. 

In 2025, there should be no doubt. The Golden Lions have played P4 competition in three of the last four seasons losing to Arkansas 70-0 in 2024, to Oklahoma State 63-7 in 2022, and again to Arkansas 45-3 in 2021. In 2023, they played Tulsa and lost 42-7. 

My expectation for their next P4 opponent, this weekend in Lubbock, is much the same. 

Texas Tech’s defensive line featuring David Bailey, Lee Hunter, Skyler Gill-Howard, and Romello Height should control the first half before yielding to the second, third and potentially fourth shifts early in the third quarter. There should be plenty of backups getting time in the secondary as well. Texas Tech might not shut out the Pine Bluff offense, but if they get anywhere near their 2024 average (23.5 ppg) there might be some restlessness amongst the fanbase who have been led to believe defensive dominance could be on the horizon. 

Offensively, Texas Tech should move the ball early and often with Mack Leftwich. Nothing complicated either. Cam Dickey and J’Koby Williams should both be able to bust some runs and Behren Morton shouldn’t be in the game past a drive or two in the second half. 

I would be happy with a 42-7 win against Pine Bluff, but it could be a much bigger discrepancy on the scoreboard.