Let’s have some fun. One of the FCS’s best teams with one of the top running games gets to rock and roll against one of college football’s best passing games. Sam Houston State has turned itself into a playoff regular, while Texas Tech is looking to get back into the bowl mix starting out with a few manageable games before going to Arkansas and diving into the Big 12 slate. This will be more than just a fun tune-up, though.

Below is the Texas Tech vs. Sam Houston State prediction and full preview. 

Texas Tech vs. Sam Houston State Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 5
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: FOX Sports Networks

Follow me … don’t cost nothin’ @PeteFiutak

Why You Need To Care

Sam Houston State comes ranked No. 3 in one FCS poll and No. 4 in another – the Bearkats are loaded and good enough to pull off the huge win over an FBSer. Last year, they had their chance to make a huge statement and were bounced around a wee bit in a 56-0 loss to LSU. They came back to rock and roll all the way to into the playoffs, and now they return even stronger.

Texas Tech couldn’t stop anyone in an ugly year losing four of the last five games and with the best win of the season coming against Iowa State. This year’s team is loaded with experience, returning 17 starters, and has the firepower to crank up the passing attack to a whole other level. But they have to care and they have to try – Sam Houston State is good enough to pull this off.

Why Sam Houston State Will Win

Have the Red Raiders really improved that much? The run defense got destroyed for over 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, having problems with the power ground games, the speed running attacks, and everything in between. There’s experience returning, but the linebacking corps is still a work in progress and it’s going to take a little bit for this group to get better. The Bearkats finished fifth in the nation in rushing, and while they don’t have Keshawn Hill back, they return QB Jared Johnson and RB Jalen Overstreet – they’ll combine for over 2,000 yards.

Why Texas Tech Will Win

Can the Bearkat pass defense hold up? It was okay, but not great allowing 237 yards per game and struggling against the sharper, high-octane passing teams. This is a good, experienced secondary returning, but the Red Raiders are going to be sharper with a loaded receiving corps that’s going to explode at a whole other level as long as the quarterback situation is settled.

Player Who Matters

Is it going to be Davis Webb or Patrick Mahomes under center? There’s the dreaded “or” on the depth chart, and the hope is to get both options involved. Webb has a big arm and is in total command of the attack at times, but he threw too many interceptions giving up 13 to go along with 24 touchdowns, but Mahomes blew up once the light turned on over the final three games when he got his shot.

What’s Going To Happen?

This will be a new Texas Tech. The team will look far stronger, far sharper, and far better offensively, and while there will be problems on defense for a while, Sam Houston State won’t be able to keep up in a fun and wild shootout.

Texas Tech vs. Sam Houston State Prediction

It’s that time, fans. The Texas Tech vs. Sam Houston State prediction is …

Final Score: Texas Tech 48, Sam Houston State 30