By The Associated Press
No. 19 Kansas will try to stay in the mix for the Big 12 title game when Texas Tech visits on Saturday. The Jayhawks are in a logjam of teams at 4-2 in conference play, just behind Texas and Oklahoma State, the two teams to beat them. Kansas likely needs to win its final three games while getting some help to make it. The Red Raiders are coming off a win over TCU and need to win two of their last three games to become eligible for a bowl game. They are 22-2 against Kansas in series history.
Texas Tech (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) at No. 19 Kansas (7-2, 4-2, No. 16 CFP), Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (FS1)
Line: Kansas by 3 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Texas Tech leads 22-2.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Kansas is in a logjam behind Texas and Oklahoma State in the Big 12, and its only two conference losses are to those two teams. That means the Jayhawks are still in the hunt for a spot in its title game but need to keep winning and get a lot of help. The three-game finishing stretch begins with Texas Tech, which is coming off a win over TCU. The Red Raiders have won the last three in the series.
KEY MATCHUP
The Jayhawks typically lean on their stout rushing game, but quarterback Jason Bean's ability to throw the ball against the Texas Tech pass defense is what will allow them room to run. The Red Raiders' Dadrion Taylor-Demerson had two picks, including the clincher, in last week's win over the Horned Frogs. TCU quarterback Josh Hoover otherwise found plenty of room to throw the ball, piling up 353 yards and a touchdown through the air.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Texas Tech: QB Behren Morton is coming off the best game of his career, throwing for 282 yards and two TDs against the Horned Frogs. The sophomore is adept at avoiding the costly mistake; he has 10 touchdown passes and only two picks this season.
Kansas: RB Devin Neal was held to just 57 yards rushing by the Cyclones but still reached the end zone twice. He's closing in on his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, needing just 172 yards over the Jayhawks' last three games. He is also a threat out of the backfield with 21 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown.
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