In preparation for today’s game, I talked with Matthew Connor from Wreck Em Red, Fansided’s Texas Tech site. He asked me some questions that you can read here, and I asked him some questions about today’s game as well. Matthew very honestly answered some questions about Texas Tech’s defensive woes, what he thinks the Red Raiders can exploit to win the game, and gives a final score prediction. My questions are in italics, and his answers are in bold. Enjoy!

1) I know that Sam Houston State is a very good FCS team, but how does a Big 12 team give up 637 yards and 45 points to an opponent of that size? Does this concern you going into Saturday, despite the fact that Arkansas has struggled offensively?

Sep 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Sebastian Tretola (73) in action against the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

After an offseason of hype surrounding new defensive coordinator David Gibbs, Red Raider fans were disappointed with the defensive showing against SHSU. After the game, Gibbs chose not to give out any game balls to the players on his defense.

Part of the issue was that the Bearkats ran some different formations and wrinkles that Tech was not prepared for. However, the biggest reason that SHSU moved the ball so effectively was missed assignments along the defensive front. Keep in mind that Gibbs is Tech’s 7th different defensive coordinator in the past 7 years. So the players were out of position too often. In addition, Tech had far too many missed tackles in the game. No matter what Arkansas has done this season, I can’t get the memories of last year’s game out of my head. Tech has not shown the ability to stop the run versus SHSU and UTEP so I dread seeing the huge Razorback offensive line maul the sub par Tech defensive line.

2) Since both teams have played UTEP, we’ve had a chance to see how each team reacts to their game plan. What worries you/give you confidence about the way the Red Raiders played against the Miners compared to Arkansas?

Both teams saw that UTEP was susceptible in secondary and attacked. I was shocked to see how many passes the Hogs attempted in the opener. I think that Tech’s passing attack is lethal this year with sophomore QB Pat Mahomes running the show and I am confident that Tech will be able to put up points. If Tech is to have a chance to win, they must score early and often through the air like they did versus UTEP.

On the other hand, the Hogs did a much better job of containing UTEP’s star running back Aaron Jones. On 15 carries, Arkansas allowed Jones only 70 yards rushing. However, Tech gave up 139 yards to him on 17 carries (including a 91-yard TD run) before he left the game at the end of the second quarter with a season-ending injury.

If Tech can’t stop UTEP’s run game, I don’t see them stopping Alex Collins.

3) What areas of weakness do you see the Razorbacks being able to attack this weekend?

Just like last year, Arkansas will have a decided advantage with their offensive line going against the Tech defensive line. While Tech is much deeper along the defensive line than last year, the unit has yet to instill any confidence in me. In addition, the Red Raider linebackers are nothing special with perhaps the exception of senior MLB Micah Awe. Tech’s linebackers are undersized and inexperienced so I look for David Gibbs to use his secondary to support the run defense.

4) What will Texas Tech attempt to exploit of the Hogs this Saturday?

Being as the Razorbacks are a traditional SEC team in their style of play and size, Tech will use the up-tempo attack to try to keep the Hogs flustered. Many SEC teams (especially Alabama) have had trouble against teams that run the quick tempo offense.

Nov 15, 2014; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Jakeem Grant (11) catches a touchdown pass in front of Oklahoma Sooners safety Steven Parker (11) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

In addition, the Tech receiving corps has been dynamic thus far. The have speed at all four receiver positions and I think the larger Arkansas linebackers will have a tough day covering Tech’s speedy inside receivers, Ian Sadler and Jakeem Grant. Look for the Red Raiders to get the ball to their fast playmakers in space giving them the chance to use their quickness against the Hogs.

5) What do you think of the matchups between the two teams in the trenches? Will Texas Tech be able to stop the run and get pressure on Allen?

I do not expect Tech to stop the run. The defensive line is just not there yet. The hope for the Red Raiders is to keep the Arkansas rushing total to around 200 yards. While Tech has a rotation 10-deep along the line, not all of those players are of the highest quality. Thus, I see Arkansas winning the battle up front.

As for pressuring Allen, Tech has two excellent pass rushers coming of the end. Pete Robertson led the Big 12 in sacks last season with 12 and Brandon Jackson seems to live in the backfield. Both are seniors and have been through the wars so I expect Tech to be able to pressure Allen enough to make him uncomfortable.

Of course, the key is to put Allen in obvious passing situations. Last year, Allen had a great day passing against Tech because of the Hogs’ play action game. If Tech can force Allen into 3rd and long, I am confident in Robertson and Jackson’s ability to pressure the quarterback.

6) How does your coach find the time to work out? And can you get him to share his regimen with our coach?

Despite the perception that Kingsbury is more Hollywood than college football coach, he is actually one of the hardest working coaches Tech has ever had.If you were to drive by the Tech football facility at 4 a.m., you would see only one car in the lot and it would be Kingsbury’s. He starts every day with a full workout before sunrise. He once said that he must do what he asks his players to do so he works out before sunrise so that when he has early morning workouts, the players have no excuse.

Jul 20, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Kliff Kingsbury speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Omni Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

As for sending a training regimen to Bielema, I don’t think you need Kingsbury’s help. From what I’ve seen of Bielema’s wife, she knows a thing or two about working out and could teach him all he needs to know.

7) Fayetteville is very excited to host your fans. You’ll have a blast. However, the last time a Texas team came to town, they were insufferable. Why are A&M fans this way?

We have spent decades trying to figure this one out. My best guess is that A&M has a large number of students called the Corps of Cadets, which brings a wacky culture to the school. They bring with them a ton of seemingly pointless traditions that the rest of the school has adopted. The Aggy community is the closest thing college football has to a cult. They pride themselves on being different but the way they go about it makes them look like buffoons.

Also, the school was founded on agriculture and mechanic studies (thus the A&M) so many of the original students were country bumpkins that brought with them the idea of being closed minded and very secretive. That’s why they wear those God-awful overalls and why their explanation to others about why they do this or that is, “You’re not an Aggy. You wouldn’t get it.”

8) Finally, what do you think the final outcome will be?

I look for a high scoring game. Though Arkansas will try to pound the ball that does not mean they will keep the ball for long if they break off huge runs. The main variable in this year’s game is our quarterback Pat Mahomes. He is a magician in the pocket and unlike last year’s starter, Davis Webb, he does not turn the ball over. Turnovers swung last year’s game in the favor of the Hogs. However, in his six career starts Mahomes has accounted for 24 touchdowns to only 4 turnovers. If he plays well, Tech will stay in the game.

Ultimately, I think the Arkansas running game is too much for Tech to handle and in a high-scoring game, I think Arkansas wins 42- 35.