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The Texas Tech Red Raiders were expected to take an 'L' in this one, but so far it isn't playing out to script. They have unwrapped a big 27-7 lead against the Mississippi State Bulldogs after three quarters. The Red Raiders have enjoyed the tag-team combination of QB Donovan Smith and RB Tahj Brooks. The former has passed for one TD and 196 yards on 24 attempts in addition to rushing for one TD and 30 yards, while the latter has rushed for one TD and 102 yards on 15 carries.
With three sacks, the Texas Tech defense has been a true menace for Mississippi State's offensive line. We'll see if Texas Tech can continue to haunt the offensive line.
Who's Playing
Mississippi State @ Texas Tech
Regular Season Records: Mississippi State 7-5; Texas Tech 6-6
What to Know
The Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Mississippi State Bulldogs will compete for holiday cheer in the Liberty Bowl Tuesday at Liberty Bowl Memorial at 6:45 p.m. ET. Given that these two teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.
It was close but no cigar for the Red Raiders as they fell 27-24 to the Baylor Bears four weeks ago. Texas Tech's defeat came about despite a quality game from TE Travis Koontz, who caught five passes for one TD and 117 yards. One of the most thrilling moments was Koontz's 75-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter.
As for MSU, it looks like they got the smaller half of the wishbone at Thanksgiving dinner. They took a 31-21 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Ole Miss Rebels. No one had a standout game offensively for the Bulldogs, but they got scores from WR Jaden Walley and RB Jo'quavious Marks.
The Red Raiders are the clear underdogs, so they're hoping it's the size of the fight that determines this one. Those who got lucky with them against the spread four weeks ago might want to hold off on placing bets this time since the team has yet to string together back-to-back wins against the spread.
A couple defensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Texas Tech is stumbling into the game with the 239th most passing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 28 on the season. The Bulldogs have had an even harder time: they are 177th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 19 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. ET
- Where: Liberty Bowl Memorial -- Memphis, Tennessee
- TV: ESPN
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds
The Bulldogs are a big 10-point favorite against the Red Raiders, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Bulldogs as a 9.5-point favorite.
Over/Under: -112
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Series History
This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last six years.
