Why it matters more: Texas Tech has a few ranked chances from the preseason AP poll. The first, and most challenging game in the early part of the schedule by a degree, is Arizona. Going on the road for just the second time of the year, combined with what was hopefully a start as planned, will mark this game as a big one. If everything goes to plan for both squads, this could easily be a top 25 slugfest. McGuire and company will want the early statement win after a relatively, and I am knocking on wood that no one has already shanked you at this point, easy first five games.

Things to Know: Noah Fifita came off the bench for nine starts, and won seven of them. He was electric for the Wildcats, earning Offensive Freshman of the Year honors in the now dear departed Pac-12. The Wildcats also return Tetairoa McMillan, their wide receiver rooms best target. A few key transfers joined the receiver room, and the offensive line is older and talented despite losing their best talent to the draft. The running back group is the weakest of the offense, with no clear cut talent to lead the way. But overall, Arizona will be tough offensively. Defensively, the Wildcats figure to be much weaker. Arizona lost their entire defensive line, but filled in with talented transfers to hope for a plug-and-play arrangement. However, the back-end and middle will be stout. Jacob Manu, their best tackler, returns. In the secondary the return of Gunner Maldonado, cornerback Tacario Davis and safety Dalton Johnson, will help bolster a strong unit.

Why Tech can get the Job Done: Arizona is the first real test of the year where Tech is not going to be favored on paper. Texas Tech is better than all the first five teams they play and it stands to reasons if they are healthy, they should be 5-0 at this point. Tech will focus on attacking a weakened defensive line with the monster of Tahj Brooks, while also using the additional time for Morton to pick apart the Wildcats. Defensively, the Red Raiders will force the Wildcats to beat them on the ground and contain McMillan. This is a tall order if Arizona is as good as they hope to be in the post Fischer era, but I am not sold that transition will be as seamless as the Arizona faithful hope for.

Tech will battle and get the first signature road win of the year that will lead to a start of a great year.