LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Timing is paramount to Texas Tech's spread offense; not just the timing between the quarterback and receivers, but having the time to get razor sharp before running into an opponent like No. 2 Texas.
Time is not on Texas Tech's side this year.
The Longhorns (2-0) and Red Raiders (2-0) clash Saturday in Austin in a rematch of last season's Texas Tech win in a 39-33 thriller.
Originally scheduled for Nov. 7, the game was moved up to give it prime-time television treatment.
The Red Raiders have lost their last five games in Austin, and the move from November to September gives the team and new quarterback Taylor Potts little time to work out their kinks.
Potts goes into the game leading the nation in passing (861 yards and nine TDs). But he's also thrown three interceptions — against North Dakota in the season opener — which is one more than he threw in his two years as backup to Graham Harrell.
The buzz around Austin is revenge, though Texas players and coaches aren't framing the game that way. The loss in Lubbock last year ultimately cost the Longhorns a shot at a national title run.
Before the season, Potts said he hoped Tech could start "hot and be on a roll early" heading into Austin.