Matchup: #9 Texas Tech vs. Kansas

Date: September 11th, 2025

Location: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

Kickoff: 6:30 pm

Traveling in for the game? Visit Lubbock has you covered for Things to Do, Can’t Miss Experiences and Where to Stay!

Another week and another game where it feels like Texas Tech has the edge. After a non-conference slate full of favorable matchups, the Red Raiders’ depth overwhelmed Utah in a 24-point win. Following the bye week, the defensive line dominated Houston’s offensive line in another 24-point victory that easily could have been worse.

Now, heading into the Kansas matchup, there are advantages to be found again. In the past, it was Texas Tech’s offense that carried the load while the defense tried to hang on. In this new era, the Red Raider defense is the one smothering opponents while the offense only needs to hold up its end.

Here’s the thing: the offense is better than just “competent,” and Kansas has defensive holes that can be attacked.

Behren Morton and the Texas Tech running backs should have a big night. Kansas can rush the passer as well as anyone in the conference, but that aggression leaves them vulnerable to the run. Cam Dickey and J’Koby Williams should both find success on the ground and as pass catchers.

The Jayhawks defense plays fast, which sounds good, but their speed often leads to overpursuing and open lanes in the secondary. That should create space for Coy Eakin and Terrance Carter to make plays. This Kansas defense isn’t terrible, but it isn’t good or deep either. So far this season, Mack Leftwich’s offense has worn opponents down and finished strong. Expect that again on Homecoming night.

Defensively, Kansas will be the toughest test yet for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have dominated both in non-conference play and in the Big 12, holding opponents to just 11 points per game. Jalon Daniels is a playmaker, but can he stay composed against a defense determined to knock him off balance?

Emmanuel Henderson and Cam Pickett form the best receiver duo Tech has faced, Lehson Williams runs hard, and tight ends Boden Groen and Deshawn Hanika are reliable targets. Add Daniels’ dual-threat ability and Kansas has the talent to move the ball, at least in stretches.

The blueprint to beat this Texas Tech defense hasn’t been discovered yet, but Zeon Chriss might have given Daniels a few clues. If Daniels can stand in against a rare all-out blitz and find a one-on-one matchup, he might connect on a few big plays. He’ll probably need to be Kansas’ leading rusher as well. In the second half against Tech, Chriss found success by escaping collapsing pockets for chunk yardage. Daniels will have to do the same.

As for trepidatious talk about blackout games, I don’t buy it. Texas Tech’s record in those games since 2010 says more about past rosters than uniforms. This roster is more talented and deeper than any in the modern era. The recruiting and portal work under Joey McGuire has changed the program’s ceiling.

Yes, it’s a blackout. Yes, it’s a primetime FOX game. It doesn’t matter.

This is a new Texas Tech program. It’s time to meet the moment. The Red Raiders proved it at Utah, winning their first ranked matchup since 2013. Now, in their first game as a top-ten team since that same year, they get another shot to show they belong among the elite.

Teams come out flat in big moments every season, but great programs find a way to win anyway. Last week, the offense stalled in the red zone and had to settle for seven field goal attempts, but the defense carried the load. At some point this year, the roles will reverse, and the offense will have to pick up the defense.

For Kansas to win, Jalon Daniels has to be Superman. The problem is that Texas Tech’s defense is made of kryptonite.

Give me the Red Raiders to split their season and Big 12 scoring averages with 42 points, while Kansas hits a few big plays and scores 24. Texas Tech moves to 6-0 straight up and against the spread, covering the 14.5 and pushing the total over 60.5.

Traveling in for the game? Visit Lubbock has you covered for Things to Do, Can’t Miss Experiences and Where to Stay!