(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
On October 17, the Texas Tech Red Raiders will be riding into Lincoln hoping to continue their recent trend of success against the Cornhuskers.
Will it continue?
We shall see.
The Red Raiders begin the 2009 season needing to replace one of the more deadly quarterback to wide receiver combinations in college football history.
Sorry, Tech fans, but no more Harrell to Crabtree in 2009.
Taylor Potts, a 6'5" junior looks to be the heir apparent in Lubbock, although Seth Doege could be a factor. Due to two knee injurres Doege hasn't played in a game of football since his sophomore year of high school in 2005.
During Mike Leachs' tenure at Texas Tech it has seemed that even when Tech has had to break in a new quarterback that there hasn't been much or any drop off in production from year to year. Should any be expected this year?
Probably not.
The Red Raiders will have to look to the entire receiving crew to help replace the production of Crabtree. Detron Lewis is an experienced guy that will lead the way for a group that includes Edward Britton, Lyle Leong and 6'3" Tramain Swindall.
Last year the Red Raiders found a very good running back in Baron Batch and he should help to take some of the pressure off of Potts at least early in the season.
The Red Raiders look to be dangerous on offense again in 2009 with Batch, Lewis and a quarterback that should be able to get the ball out to his wide receivers.
On defense in 2008, the Red Raiders did give up some yards and points, but they could create negative plays for the offense at times.
They did post 34 sacks on defense last year and do return their three starting linebackers, but I still think it will be more of the same on defense with tech.
They will give up yards and points.
But, can they make enough plays to create more opportunities for that offense to get back on the field.
Even though, Nebraska did lose to Tech last year they were able to show other teams a solid game plan for beating the Red Raiders.
It's really pretty simple football.
Use your own offense to go on time consuming drives and keep that other offense on the sidelines.
The old adage of, "Sometimes the best defense is a good offense" certainly applies when playing Texas Tech these days.
I expect the same approach from the Cornhuskers this year.
I look for a solid dose of the running game behind Nebraska's solid and experienced line. Roy Helu and Quentin Castille will get plenty of carries and they will get their yards.
Mix in the short passing game and read options for Lee, just to keep the Tech defense honest and I think the Nebraska offense will be very productive.
I expect a measure of revenge for the Cornhuskers against the Red Raiders this year.
It will be tough, but I think the Blackshirts will make just enough plays to stop Tech on a couple of occasions and the Cornhusker offense will grind out a ten point win late.
My pick.
Nebraska 38
Texas Tech 28
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