Texas Tech RB Kenny Williams could have a big day against Texas' struggling run defense.(US Presswire)

Texas (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) at No. 20 Texas Tech (6-2, 3-2 Big 12)

Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN2 reverse mirror)

Spread: Texas Tech by 7

Watchability: The teams have identical records, but not much else in common. Texas fans are fuming after lethargic, uninspiring performances like last week's near-loss at Kansas. Despite a blowout defeat at Kansas State last week, Texas Tech backers have to be feeling good about the program's direction. This is worth watching just because of those trends.

Shining Stars: Texas -- RB Johnathan Gray. The talented freshman may have claimed the lead spot in what has been a three-man timeshare at the position thanks to his performance in last week's win at Kansas. Gray carried 18 times for 111 yards and showed why he was one of the nation's most-coveted recruits. Texas Tech -- QB Seth Doege. His consistency has been astounding. The Red Raiders' signal-caller has thrown for 300 yards or more in six of Texas Tech's last seven games. He has thrown for six touchdowns or more in three different games this season -- more than any other quarterback in the nation.

Who could steal the show: Texas -- QB David Ash. Steal the show? The show almost ended for Ash last week, as coach Mack Brown sent backup Case McCoy in to finish off the Kansas game. The results? Two scoring drives in the late stages and a come-from-behind win for the Longhorns. Brown is sticking with Ash for now, but every throw will be scrutinized. Texas Tech -- RBs Kenny Williams, Eric Stephens and SaDale Foster. The Red Raiders go with a running back "by committee" approach, as each player averages more than 40 yards per game on the ground. Going against the Texas defense, which has struggled all season to stop the run, any one of them -- or all three -- could have a huge day statistically.

You going? Ranking the road trip: About 1,000 tickets remained for the game as of Monday morning, so Jones AT&T Stadium should be essentially full and rocking for this game. With Texas A&M gone to the SEC, this is the premier in-state rivalry game for each team, so the folks in Lubbock should be in a competitive frame of mind.

Magic number for Texas: 8. One way for the Longhorns to make Texas Tech's offense one-dimensional (and avoid allowing too many opportunities against their own poor run defense) is to put the Red Raiders in obvious passing situations based on down and distance. That is one thing Texas has done well this year, as it ranks No. 8 in the country in tackles for loss, averaging 7.88 per game.

Magic number for Texas Tech: 2. The Red Raiders are one of few Big 12 teams that have been strong on both sides of the ball and are one of only two teams in the nation to rank in the top 15 in both total offense and total defense. Texas Tech is No. 12 in total defense (300 yards per game allowed) and No. 11 in total offense (506.88 yards per game).

The game comes down to: Can the Texas defense slow down the run? Just about everyone has run all over the Longhorns this year (108th nationally in rush defense allowing 218 yards per game on the ground). If Texas Tech can get its trio of RBs going, it will make life that much easier for Doege and the passing game.

Prediction: Texas Tech 38, Texas 31

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big 12 bloggers C.J. Moore and Patrick Southern, follow @CBSSportsBig12 on Twitter. You can also follow C.J. (@cjmoore4) and Patrick (@patricksouthern).