By Rece Davis, ESPN.com

This is the point of the season when the chaos hit high gear in 2007. After Nov. 1, teams ranked first or second in the BCS standings went 3-7. The 2008 calendar hits November on Saturday. Will we be treated to an upset encore this season?

No. 1 Texas gets a stern test in Lubbock, Texas, on Saturday night (ABC, 8 ET). It’s the biggest game in Red Raiders history, but is this the game that changes Red Raiders history?

Texas Tech is and will always be in Texas’ shadow. That’s life in the Lone Star State. But rather than being known as a program with a gimmicky offense and an eccentric coach, Texas Tech can arrive as a title contender with a win.

From an emotional standpoint, I think the road trip will actually help Texas. I thought last week against Oklahoma State was the tough one for which to get ready. After the Oklahoma game, Texas heard all week how it couldn’t let down for Missouri. Then the Longhorns got basically the same message before facing the Cowboys. The Horns have responded beautifully.

Now, for something completely different, Texas gets a road game in a hostile environment. It’s only Texas’ second true road game of the season. I think it will help the Horns. Distractions will be limited, and the challenge will be fresh. It’ll be the No. 7 Red Raiders who have to deal with the hoopla surrounding the game.

These offenses are prolific, but keep your eyes on the defense — and not just the Texas defense. Tech has two of the top three sack artists in the Big 12. Brandon Williams and McKinner Dixon rank second and third in the Big 12 in sacks, just behind the Longhorns’ Brian Orakpo.

So in a game that will likely be dominated statistically by offenses, which defense can make the key stop, come up with the big sack or force the critical turnover might decide the game. The Longhorns aren’t the only ones with playmakers on defense. Keep your eye on whether those two Texas Tech pass-rushers can contain Colt McCoy. That should give us an early sign as to whether the Red Raiders have the chops to pull the upset.