Week 8: Texas Tech at Missouri

This could be fun.

Two of the most explosive offenses in the country go head-to-head. Texas Tech averages 582 yards and 50 points. Missouri averages 533 yards and 40 points.

Actually, this could be REALLY fun.

“Last year they came in here and got the best of us at our place, so we’re going to be excited to play,” said Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell, noting MU’s 31-28 victory in 2006 in Lubbock, Texas.

Although on paper it appears this could be whoever has the ball last to score wins, not so fast.

Both teams actually have showed signs of being stingy on D. The biggest surprise there are the Red Raiders, who have allowed a paltry 10.3 points per game in their last two outings. Opponents averaged only 257 yards in those games, too.

“They’re playing as good of defense right now as they’ve played in a long time,” Tigers’ coach Gary Pinkel said.

The key for Texas Tech’s defense will be how well it performs when MU is in third down situations. The Tigers do it better than anybody in the Big 12 in that area, topping the conference at a 58.5 percent conversion rate on third down. The Red Raiders rank only eighth in the Big 12 in opponents’ third down success.

MU’s major concern is the combination of Harrell to redshirt freshman wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Harrell leads the nation in total offense, and Crabtree is first in receptions and receiving yards. His 17 TD receptions is more than double to the second-most in the conference.

Looking for any kind of an edge in what could be a real classic? MU’s punting ranks 10th in the Big 12, not good when you are trying to prevent the Red Raiders from enjoying good field position to begin drives.

BOTTOM LINE: There easily could be 100 points scored between these two when all is said and done. Although MU lost at Oklahoma, the Tigers still might end up being the best team in the Big 12. Texas Tech has a chance to prove it may be the best in the conference by going to Columbia and winning. Give MU a slight edge with the home field advantage. And prepare for a track meet on the gridiron.

Missouri by 5