Texas vs Texas Tech: 5 key storylines for Chris Beard’s return to Lubbock

Momentum

The Red Raiders have three victories in their last four games, with a  three-point loss at Kansas being the only misstep. The Longhorns have also won three of their last four, but the two teams have not achieved their success in the same way. The way in which these teams have been trending on the offensive end of the floor is a storyline that will factor in the outcome.

On the season the Texas Longhorns are ranked No.227 in points per game and average fewer than 66 points in conference play. As concerning as those numbers are, the last four games are even more concerning despite the victories. Conceptualized by the 52 points scored in their victory over Tennessee on Saturday.

The Red Raiders have improved upon their almost 70 points per conference game. Over the past four games, the Red Raiders have averaged 80 points per game with Bryson Wiliams leading the Red Raiders in scoring versus Kansas and Iowa State with 33 and 16 respectively.

Those additional points did not come without a sacrifice as the Red Raiders have surrendered an average of 67 points over those games, a seven-point increase that was over 70 points prior to holding Mississippi State to 50 points on Saturday.

This, while Texas’ nation’s best average of fewer than 55 points allowed per game remained virtually the same. The season-long consistent defense and recent faltering offensive of Texas versus the recent white-hot offense and struggling defense of the Red Raiders will be played out on Tuesday.