Texas Tech looks to be an improved squad under new coach Tubby Smith, and their first eight games have been encouraging. Losses to Pitt and Alabama were expected, and this game now becomes yet another big test against top flight competition.

Arizona is super athletic and is slowly becoming better and better on the defensive end as evidenced by their win over Duke last Friday. I think the Tech defense will be able to hold up in this game and at least contend, but their ability to score and rebound with the Wildcats will be a massive issue.

Situationally speaking, this will not be an easy spot for Arizona. They are at home, but this game comes on the heels of a big neutral site win over Duke. It will also come prior to games against UNLV and Michigan which appear on their schedule for next week.

I have the Wildcats as 16 point favorites here while Vegas has thrown out an initial number of 18. Backing either side is a limited value position given the aforementioned details.

This game will, however, serve as a nice barometer for understanding where Texas Tech is at prior to Big 12 conference play. I don’t see them as being quite as bad as some view, and believe they are improved. I just don’t think they have the offensive ability to hang around in this one.