Red Raider Fans, this is the weekend we've been waiting for since January 1st when we watched our beloved Red Raiders make another impressive come-from-behind victory in the Gator Bowl against Virginia.  Now, some of you might not be as excited as I am, but I am here to tell you that this weekend's game should be the most important game in the minds of Red Raider fans at this time.

"But, Math, I'm tired of Tech playing these cupcake Divison-II teams every year."  First off, Eastern Washington is not a Division-II team (this is one of my pet peeves).  They are a member of the Divison-I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA, but we will use FCS from now on).  Secondly, they are not anything like Northwestern State, Sotheastern Louisiana, Sam Houston State, or Indiana State.  Everyone remembers what happened last year.  The reigning and eventual repeat FCS champion, Appalachian State, went into Ann Arbor, Michigan and beat the Michigan Wolverines on opening weekend.  Why does that matter?  That same Appalachian State team was taken all the way down to the wire in the FCS playoffs last year by none other than the Eastern Washington Eagles.  EWU only lost by three points in Boone, NC to the team that beat Michigan in the Big House.

The Eagles like to air it out, much like Tech, and Junior quarterback Matt Nichols threw for 3,744 yards and 34 touchdowns last year, more passing yards than all but ten Football Bowl Subdivison (formerly I-A) quarterbacks.  Tech's pass defense usually has good numbers, but that is mostly because the rushing defense has been so bad, nobody has had to throw the ball.  We'll see Tech's secondary get tested early and often, and if the defense does not slow down the Eagles' rushing attack, we could be in for a long game next week at Nevada.  This will be a time to see this defense we keep hearing about, but don't be too discouraged if EWU puts up some points.  They are a good team, and one of the best in FCS.  Tech will know exactly what they need to work on after this game.

There will be points scored, as Tech returns ten starters on offense.  The offense shouldn't miss a beat coming back from the break.  The defense should be better, but won't be perfect.  EWU will move the ball and put up a couple of touchdowns.  We will see how the defense does when they're backed up.  Can they hold EWU to a field goal attempt?  Or will an EWU trip to the red zone mean an automatic touchdown like it has been for so many years?  I see the defense making strides to becoming great, but still have a couple of blown assignments that cost them.  I'll see you at the game Saturday!  Wreck 'em Tech!!!

My pick:  Texas Tech 55, Eastern Washington 20