Line: Nebraska by 10 1/2.
Series record: Nebraska leads 7-3.
Last meeting: 2008, Texas Tech 37-31, OT.
What's at Stake
Nebraska has struggled against the Big 12 South and needs a win here to stay on top in the North. With three straight games against nationally ranked foes Kansas, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma coming up, Tech can't afford a loss if it hopes to stay relevant in the South.
Key Matchup
Nebraska RB Roy Helu Jr. vs. Texas Tech front seven. Time of possession will be huge. The Huskers must commit to their ground game if they want to keep Tech's high-scoring offense off the field. Helu will get lots of work with top backup Rex Burkhead out with an injury.
Players to Watch
Texas Tech: QB Steven Sheffield. The junior ripped Kansas State for 490 yards passing and 7 TDs in his first start. Coach Mike Leach isn't saying whether Sheffield will get the call for what would be Sheffield's first time in a hostile environment. He would face a defense that's allowing just about 8 points a game and is among the best in the nation against the pass.
Nebraska: NT Ndamukong Suh. If the 6-foot-4, 300-pound senior takes control like he did against Missouri, the volume could be turned up on whispers about his being a Heisman contender. Don't think the presence of Suh won't be a factor in which Tech QB starts. Sheffield can move around while Tech QB Taylor Potts is much less mobile.
Facts & Figures
Texas Tech has won three straight against Nebraska but is 1-3 in Lincoln. ... The Raiders' 739 total yards against Kansas State last week is the highest total in the Big 12 this season and is second nationally to the 775 put up by Nevada against UNLV. ... Suh's seven pass break-ups in five games already is a season school record for defensive linemen.
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