Sports

TCU Still In Big 12 Title Contention Heading To Texas Tech

November 16, 2017 / 1:41 PM CST / CBS Texas

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TCU AT TEXAS TECH, SATURDAY AT 11:00 AM

Line: TCU by 6 ½

Series Record: Texas Tech leads 31-25-3

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

While TCU dropped out of a share of the Big 12 lead with its loss to Oklahoma last week, the Horned Frogs will earn a spot in the conference's championship game if they win their last two games. Getting back in the College Football Playoff race will take some more help. With questions aplenty about fifth-year coach Kliff Kingsbury's future, Texas Tech still needs to win one more game to get bowl eligible.

KEY MATCHUP

Texas Tech QB Nic Shimonek vs. the Big 12's top-ranked defense. TCU is the conference leader in total defense, rushing defense and passing defense. While Shimonek has thrown for 331 yards a game with 28 touchdowns, the Horned Frogs have allowed only 226 yards passing per game and 14 TDs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

TCU: DE Mat Boesen had sacks in four consecutive games before Oklahoma, when he was ejected early in the second quarter for a kicking motion when trying to get up from two defenders at the end of a play. Boesen's 11 career sacks are the most for any active TCU player. He is eligible to start Saturday.

Texas Tech: WR Keke Coutee has 71 catches for 1,064 yards and nine TDs. Held to a season-low two catches last week, Coutee had a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

FACTS & FIGURES

TCU has the nation's fourth-best road record since 2009 at 36-12. The Red Raiders lead the Big 12 with 22 takeaways, including four turnovers by Baylor last week. Texas Tech hasn't beaten a ranked opponent since a win over then-No. 16 Arizona State in the 2013 Holiday Bowl. Before going to TCU in 2014, offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie was an assistant coach at Texas Tech for four seasons.