Kansas football vs Texas Tech score prediction: Scouting report for Big 12 Conference game

LAWRENCE — Kansas football’s Big 12 Conference schedule continues Saturday with another road game, this time against No. 10 Texas Tech.

Kickoff between these teams is set for 6:30 p.m. (CT) in Lubbock, Texas. The Jayhawks (4-2, 2-1 in Big 12) are coming off of a win on the road against UCF. The Red Raiders (5-0, 2-0) are coming in off of a win on the road against Houston.

KU head coach Lance Leipold didn’t necessarily get into a game-by-game prediction before the season started, when he projected out how good Texas Tech could be, but he’s not surprised at all where the Red Raiders are at. It’s a group that’s lived up to the preseason expectations many had for it. He highlighted Texas Tech’s win earlier this fall on the road against Utah as one example of how well things have gone for the Red Raiders.

Devin Dye, Syeed Gibbs listed as out on Kansas football Big 12 player availability report

Before kickoff, here’s a scouting report and prediction:

Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold previews Texas Tech

Leipold praised how much talent and depth Texas Tech has, and pointed how how the Red Raiders have been able to take control of most of their games early on. When it comes to teams in the Big 12, they’re also ranking among the best in numerous statistics. It’s going to be a challenge that he expects his guys to embrace.

Leipold described Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as an experienced talent who’s playing as well as anyone in the conference right now. Leipold also sees a defensive line that’s explosive and athletic, and an outside linebacker in Stanford transfer David Bailey — listed as a starter at the end position on Texas Tech’s depth chart — who’s been everything the Red Raiders wanted. When it comes to facing a defensive front that’s as talented as Texas Tech’s, Leipold said staying in normal down-and-distance situations and remaining balanced will be key.

Kansas football offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski previews Texas Tech

Kansas offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski described Texas Tech’s defensive line as having fast guys off the edge and terrific tackles inside. That’s on top of having an outstanding group of linebackers. What he wants to do, is not allow the guys who come off the edge to wreck the game.

That puts a significant challenge, then, on the Jayhawks’ offensive line. Zebrowski thinks it’s improved in run-blocking of late, and holistically mentioned the group is getting more comfortable with what it does well — including Bryce Foster coming off of his best game. And while KU is a team that tries to get the ball out fast, Zebrowski has confidence in how well the offensive line has fared in pass protection to date.

Kansas football defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald previews Texas Tech

Kansas defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald said limiting Texas Tech’s ability to execute explosive plays will come down to causing havoc up front and then covering well behind that. He described Morton as special, and like a coach on the field. McDonald also called the Red Raiders’ wide receivers special, noted the offensive line has size and praised the running backs.

Kansas is having to deal with some injuries in the secondary, and that’s testing the Jayhawks’ depth there. McDonald spoke before Big 12 player availability reports started to get released this week, but as of Friday’s latest update it’s important to note safety Devin Dye and cornerback Syeed Gibbs are both out, and safety Mason Ellis is questionable. Generally, McDonald said managing the issue there is about helping other players step up and making sure the game plan fits what they can do.

Kansas football players preview Texas Tech

Kansas cornerback Austin Alexander highlighted that Texas Tech’s wide receivers have length, and that overall the matchup will provide his side with a good challenge. He’s not worried about playing a night game on the road, noting he actually likes playing in different atmospheres like that.

Foster agreed that he’s coming off of his best game of the season, and thinks overall the offensive line has developed more confidence and chemistry in recent weeks. Looking at Texas Tech’s defensive line he sees a group with a lot of size, and that includes a player in Lee Hunter that he knows previously competed for UCF.

Kansas wide receiver Cam Pickett acknowledged how dynamic Texas Tech’s defense is, and that it will look to generate pressure up front. But he expressed confidence in how well the offensive line will be able to fare in pass protection, and in regards to himself personally sounded excited to just be healthy again as he looks to make more plays for KU’s offense.

Kansas football vs Texas Tech prediction

Kansas regained some momentum with its comeback win last weekend at UCF, but it’s about to face a Texas Tech team that hasn’t lost momentum at all this fall. The Red Raiders will also have the benefit of home-field advantage, as they look to continue to put themselves in a position to compete at the highest level of postseason competition this season. Look for Texas Tech to capture a 40-24 victory.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.