LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – It’s almost time for a big game between No. 20 Colorado and Texas Tech, and FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff team is in Lubbock to cover the action.

FOX analyst and former QB Brady Quinn says this game is huge for the Big 12 Conference.

“Honestly, this has been one of the best conferences, it’s probably the best, the most equal,” Quinn said. “I think the game between the two teams, both teams can run the football up and down the field. The fact that it’s more of a playoff game, I mean, the underdogs are kind of on the outside looking in as far as the Big 12 race goes.”

Big Noon Kickoff host Rob Stone says a new playoff format allows this game to bring excitement.

“In the past, only a handful of teams were saying, at this point in November, hey, I’m still alive for a national title,” Stone said. “Now there are 20 to 25 programs, and probably more, including Texas Tech, if they win on Saturday, that are saying, ‘why not us, why not the Red Raiders?'”

One thing on Texas Tech fans’ minds is what needs to happen for a Red Raider victory.

“I’m trying to get off the field on third down,” Quinn said. “Colorado’s defense actually did a good job, so for Texas Tech, they’re trying to have a little bit longer methodical practices against them. Defensively, they have to get turnovers, they have to put pressure on.

The hype around the game is being felt by the team. Stone says it’s his first time in Lubbock and he can sense the impatience.

“That’s what I love about college athletics, coming to these places,” Stone said. “It’s not just these urban centers, it’s not just these programs that everyone knows about. It happens in a place like Lubbock, Texas, where a lot of my team says, “I don’t know how to make it happen.” Like, “Here’s how to make it happen, right?” This is West Texas, go to Dallas, we’ll figure it out. That’s the beauty. Having that energy in them…that’s one of the many reasons we’re excited to come and experience it for the first time.

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