Tech, Texas ready for pivotal game

By MARK BABINECK / Associated Press

LUBBOCK - A weekend off was just what the doctor ordered for Texas Tech after two straight bone-crunching games. Conversely, Texas was grateful for its chance to play &emdash; and win.

Each side considers itself primed for their Saturday showdown that could decide the inaugural Big 12 South division champion.

"Until we beat Baylor, I had forgotten what it felt like to win," Texas linebacker Tyson King said. "Those losses were stacking up."

The Longhorns (4-4, 2-2) had lost four of five games before holding off Baylor 28-23 last Saturday to keep themselves in the divisional mix.

Meanwhile, the Red Raiders (5-3, 4-2) have won four of their last five, the only loss coming Oct. 19 against two-time defending national champion Nebraska.

After beating hard-hitting Texas A&M 13-10 the following week, it was tough to find a Tech player not savoring last weekend's bye.

"After the A&M game, I was so beat up," offensive lineman Ben Kaufman said. "I was happy to have an off week."

Tech's injury situation is negligible. Tight end and deep snapper Brad Spinks remains out with knee problems, but the Raiders will welcome back desperately needed fullback Ryan Jones, who had his appendix removed three weeks ago.

He'll replace redshirt freshman starter Sammy Morris, who was declared academically ineligible Monday.

The one thing the confidence-building victory over Baylor didn't do for the Longhorns was allow them to recover from a rash of ailments.

"We've had 10 forearm injuries, from the elbow to hand area," Texas coach John Mackovic said. "Most of them can play with a cast, though."

This game could go a long way in determining which school will represent the South division against the North champion in the inaugural Big 12 title game, Dec. 7 in St. Louis.

If Oklahoma beats Oklahoma State Saturday, a Tech victory over Texas that night would clinch the South and gain revenge for last season's 46-7 debacle in Austin all at once.