One area in which Texas Tech has a distinct advantage over South Florida in is how much more battle tested they have been this season, with a strength of schedule that ranked over 100 spots more difficult that the Bulls. All six losses by the Red Raiders this season came against teams that made a bowl game, while USF played only three teams that made the postseason and went a disappointing 1-2 in those games, including a home loss to a Houston team that Texas Tech was able to beat on the road as a touchdown underdog.

It comes down to - will Texas Tech keep their guys on the same page on the field and have them step up? Keke Coutee and the very skilled Dylan Cantrell needs to continue improving his route running - when he is hitting his edges it makes them that much more dangerous. And no question - Justin Stockton is going to absolutely thrive in the Texas Tech backfield, Stockton is an underrated player and shakes up the entire Texas Tech offense in a good and big way.


I think a serous defensive and coverage improvement - is not entirely possible without a complete DB overhaul for South Florida.

Bulls are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.




I'm not sure how high the South Florida motivation level will be for a repeat trip to the Birmingham Bowl, after the last-minute loss against UCF kept them out of the AAC Championship. USF had much higher preseason expectations, so Texas Tech should come out as the more fired up and hungry team. Texas Tech wins here on Saturday afternoon.