Texas Tech Visits Wazzu: 'Guns Up' or Down?

At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sept. 7, an intriguing matchup will unfold on the Palouse between the Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-0) and the Washington State Cougars (1-0) at Gesa Field in Pullman, Wash. In a clash between one of the holdouts of the Pac-12 Conference and a longtime stalwart of the Big 12 Conference, teams in transition will seek to make their mark in the college football landscape of 2024.

Wazzu thrashed Portland State (0-1) in its season opener, while the Red Raiders narrowly escaped with an overtime victory over Abilene Christian (0-1).

The status of the Cougars program is uncertain as only Washington State and Oregon State remain in the Pac 12. Texas Tech's status in the Big 12 is less uncertain. But on the heels of a middling 7-6 season in 2023 and a disappointing opening salvo against an FCS opponent in 2024, the destination of the Red Raiders program is unknown.

On the Line

Wazzu has long been a member of one of college football's elite power conferences and has produced two players who are now ensconced in the Pro Football Hall of Fame—Mel Hein and Albert Glen "Turk" Edwards. Will the Cougars retain their status as one of the preeminent programs in college football?

Texas Tech is the alma mater of the best football player on the planet, Patrick Mahomes.

The Cougars and Red Raiders are significant contributors to the lustrous history of college football. And although both programs have had ebbs and flows, they look to remain key players heading into the second quadrant of the 21st century.

Wazzu | Texas Tech Red Raiders — © Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Featured Red Raiders

Returning starting quarterback Behren Morton delivered a standout performance for the Red Raiders in Week 1, throwing for 378 yards and 5 touchdowns with no interceptions. His primary target was wide receiver Josh Kelly, who hauled in 10 receptions for 156 yards and 1 TD.

Wazzu | Texas Tech | Gns Up — © Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

The biggest questions for the Red Raiders are on defense. They will count on redshirt junior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez to lead the way. He made 13 tackles and forced a fumble in Texas Tech's opening game this season.

Wazzu Winners

QB John Mateer impressed in the Cougars' opening victory over Portland State. He threw for 352 yards and 5 TDs, averaging over 20 yards per completion.

Wazzu's dynamic wide receiver Kyle Williams was Mateer's primary target in Week 1, racking up 141 receiving yards and 2 TDs. Over his college career before this season, Williams had 2,411 receiving yards (No. 4 among active FBS players), 178 receptions (No. 7) and 15 TD receptions (No. 15). Last year for the Cougars, he started all 12 games, hauling in 61 passes for 843 yards and 6 touchdowns. He has been named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

Williams has also been named to WSU's Leadership Council.

He is a hard worker who spends ample time in the film room. In a recent interview, he stated, "That's why they say 90 percent of the game is emotional but 10 percent is mental. I’m always in the film room, seeing what I can get better at. I'm my biggest critic at the end of the day, and that's how I feel like all the greats are."

Per the Action Network, Washington State is favored over Texas Tech by 2.5 points and the over/under is 66 points.