WEATHERFORD —
No. 18 Texas Tech (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) at TCU (5-1, 2-1), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Texas Tech by 2.
Series Record: Texas Tech leads 28-23-3.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Renewal of an instate conference rivalry, and avoiding a second Big 12 loss. With TCU now in the Big 12, this will become an annual game again. The two teams have played only twice since their last Southwest Conference meeting in 1995, both winning at home — Tech 70-35 in 2004, and TCU 12-3 two years later. The series dates back to 1926.
KEY MATCHUP
The two defenses. Texas Tech leads the Big 12 in total defense (243 yards per game) and pass defense (144 ypg), with the Frogs third in both of those categories (301 total yards, 205 passing). TCU, the more traditional defensive stalwart, has the league's top rushing defense (96 ypg) and allows the fewest points (14.5 ppg) — categories in which the Red Raiders are second (99 yards rushing, 16.3 ppg).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Texas Tech: Safety Cody Davis leads the Red Raiders and is 10th for the Big 12 with 45 tackles, 42 of them solo stops. He also has two interceptions and two pass breakups.
TCU: CB Jason Verrett leads the Big 12 with four interceptions, all in the last three games, and 12 passes defended.
FACTS & FIGURES
Texas Tech and TCU were originally scheduled to play in 2010 and 2011, but didn't in coach Tommy Tuberville's first two seasons with the Red Raiders. ... The only common opponent so far this season is Iowa State, which lost 24-13 at home three weeks ago to Texas Tech before the Cyclones went to TCU the following week and won 37-23. ... Texas Tech leads the nation converting 57 percent of their third downs (46 of 81).TCU's defense is second nationally allowing only 24 percent conversions on third down. ... The Horned Frogs have won 28 of their last 30 home games. ... Chad Glasgow returned to TCU as safeties coach this season, the same position he held from 2001-10 before being Texas Tech's defensive coordinator last season.
