December 14, 2022
CFB InsiderTexas Bowl Analysis and Prediction
Ole Miss and Texas Tech will square off in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on December 28, 2022, at NRG Stadium.
Texas Tech
The Red Raiders come to town with a 7-5 record after going 5-4 in Big 12 under first-year coach Joey McGuire. However, the team is coming off a three-game win streak and looking to finish the season strong. For Texas Tech, this was not their first rodeo: they had previously appeared in the Texas Bowl in 2015 and are eager to claim this victory this year.
Unfortunately, they will be without 1st team All Big 12 edge rusher Tyree Wilson as he suffered a season ending foot injury against Kansas. The Red Raiders will also be without their two-quarterback package against Ole Miss as QB Donavon Smith entered the transfer portal this past week.
Texas Tech’s high-powered offense is averaging 459.5 total yards per game. They are led by QB Tyler Shough along with RB SaRodorick Thompson and freshman wide receiver Jerand Bradley. The Red Raiders are an impressive 7-1 over the past two years in games that Shough has started and finished.
Ole Miss
Ole Miss comes down to the Texas Bowl for the first time in program history, following an 8-4 year and going 4-4 in the SEC. The Rebels are looking to turn things around and gain momentum into the offseason after losing 4 of their last 5. Head coach Lane Kiffin signed a 6-year contract extension in November, following rumors of him possibly filling the Auburn vacancy.
Ole Miss this season is led by QB Jaxson Dart and SEC Freshman of the Year RB Quinshon Judkins. The team’s running attack is among the top in the nation averaging 261.6 yards per game. Running back Zach Evans (North Shore) is also a large part of the ground game.
Prediction
The Ole Miss Rebels enter this game as 3.5-point favorites. Given the offensive dominance of both teams, it’s safe to say we can expect a very high scoring game. If Ole Miss can control the line of scrimmage with Evans, Judkins, and Dart, it could be a long night for the Red Raiders. However, Texas Tech fans could very well make this game a home field atmosphere, giving Kiffin and the team quite a challenge. Ole Miss being ranked as high as #7, before falling off to lose 4 of their last 5 concerns me. Both teams have a lot to prove and will bring a lot of energy to NRG on December 28th.
Final Score: Texas Tech 38 – Ole Miss 35