Staff Predictions
This is basically the same thing as we did last year, except this time I’m writing these up (and copying Seth’s style) and the predictions aren’t quite as long for the most part due to everyone’s busy schedule this fall. I’ll keep track of these throughout the season again and see who comes out on top.
I will be using OddShark for line, much like Seth did last year. When I asked these guys the question, the line was set at Texas Tech -25 (in another words, the Red Raiders are predicted to win by 25). Over means you expect Texas Tech to win by more than 25, and under means you expect Tech to win by less than 25 or lose. Here we go:
Dan Swany
Straight Up: Texas Tech
Against the Spread: Texas Tech
Commentary: Texas Tech 49 – Montana State 24. Texas Tech is up 28 – 3 at halftime, and lots of back-up players get heavy minutes in the 2nd half.
Keith
Straight Up: Texas Tech
Against the Spread: Texas Tech
Commentary: The Red Raiders’ offense, even when implementing a new system under OC David Yost will be way too much for the Bobcats’ defense to handle. Alan Bowman will most likely not play the 4th quarter, potentially much of the 2nd half, as Coach Wells looks to settle the backup quarterback question in-game giving Jett Duffey and Jackson Tyner time to grab the spot for themselves. The Bobcats rushing attack will churn out some yardage and be responsible for any points scored, but they’ll have their work cut out for them as well and every Red Raider’s home should be to see them stifled by strong play by the defensive front seven.
Kyle Jacobson
Straight Up: Texas Tech
Against the Spread: Texas Tech
Michael_LSRR
Straight Up: Texas Tech
Against the Spread: Texas Tech
Commentary: Montana State is getting some preseason love and is currently ranked 15th in the FCS Coaches Poll. This ain’t the FCS. Red Raiders roll.
Michael LaBarre
Straight Up: Texas Tech
Against the Spread: Texas Tech
Commentary: This is a Power 5 conference team against an FCS team. And although they are good one, definitely not the cream of the crop. I’d be very worried if the Red Raiders don’t cover. Even mildly struggling against an FCS opponent is a bad sign.
Spencer
Straight Up: Texas Tech
Against the Spread: Texas Tech
Commentary: Give me Tech to cover. Despite Montana State being one of the better FCS teams, they won’t have the talent or depth to push this Tech squad. We saw similarly talented/ranked FCS teams roll into Lubbock, only to leave with a 6-7 TD loss.
Brian
Straight Up: N/A
Against the Spread: N/A
Seth
Straight Up: Texas Tech
Against the Spread: Texas Tech
Commentary: I think the Texas Tech offense will roll and you won’t notice a huge drop-off in terms of production, at least from this first game. Bowman will be spectacular. I’m still on the fence about what to expect from the defense, but I think that traditionally, Texas Tech’s defense has been just physically more dominant than most FCS teams and I don’t see any reason to think that this won’t be the case in this circumstance.