Why it matters more: First Big 12 game of the season coming after what is hopefully, please God almighty let this be true, a 3-0 start to the year. You will be at home, with hype and potentially a T25 ranking next to your name if you are rolling early. Even if things have gone haywire, this is a get right game to build forward momentum in a critical year. Arizona State is also a newcomer to the Big 12, and your first date with them can set the tone for the rest of the series going forward. Punk them at home, build momentum, and this year could be everything Tech hopes it will be. Drop this game at home, and you start Big 12 play soul searching.

Things to Know: Arizona State had to watch their former QB tear things up at LSU while their own offense was frankly a joke. With a new QB in Sam Leavitt transferring MSU, they theoretically will not quite be that abysmal. But without substantial improvement from the offensive line, there is no reason to believe the offense will be close to good. They lost two important pieces from their receivers, one to Texas Tech thank you very much in a certain big TE, and their backs while good will likely lack space to be productive. The defensive outlook is much better, with two returning linebackers and a host of transfers to the secondary and defensive line. Will this unit be better than the one that got shredded? Absolutely. Will it be a top half Big 12 unit? Probably right in the middle, which if ASU can find an offensive pulse has them eyeing a bowl trip.

Why Tech can get the Job Done: Like my last piece on Washington State, Texas Tech is just a better team all around than the Sun Devils. Less dysfunction, more talent, and less uncertainty across the board. Can Arizona State take a Kansas like step forward? Absolutely they can, and if things gel anyone can get hot in this conference full of parity. But at home, Tech should win and do it comfortably. Arizona State is likely better than the date with Wazzou, but without home field advantage the Sun Devils are in for their first Big 12 loss.

Tech should win this 38-28 in a tighter than needed home scrap.