The Big 12 unveiled its 2018 schedule Thursday morning. Here's what Texas Tech's slate looks like.
September
Texas Tech opens the season with a neutral-site matchup with SEC opponent Ole Miss at NRG Stadium in Houston. It then returns to Lubbock for two very winnable games against Lamar and Houston. Another 3-0 nonconference start is very possible before the Red Raiders travel to Stillwater to play Oklahoma State. The Cowboys won't have Mason Rudolph this time around. The Red Raiders end September with a home game against West Virginia.
October
Texas Tech had its bye week in Week 2 this season. That won't be the case next season, as the Red Raiders are off on Oct. 6. The schedule isn't kind to them right after that, as Texas Tech has to travel to Fort Worth to play TCU. Thankfully for Texas Tech, it hosts Kansas the week after but has to travel to Iowa State to play the Cyclones, in what is never an easy game.
November
November begins with two high-profile home games for the Red Raiders. Texas Tech hosts Oklahoma on Nov. 3 and Texas on Nov. 10. Baker Mayfield won't be quarterbacking Oklahoma anymore, and who knows what Tom Herman and the Longhorns will look like next year. But both games will be extremely difficult no matter what.
The Texas game on Nov. 10 is actually Texas Tech's last home game of the year. The Red Raiders end the season with a road game against Kansas State and a neutral-site game with Baylor at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 24.
Takeaways
Another 3-0 start in nonconference play is possible, and should be what Texas Tech is striving for to feel good about itself early next season. Splitting the first two Big 12 games against Oklahoma State and West Virginia would put the Red Raiders in a good position going forward.
November will be key for the Red Raiders to make a statement with the Longhorns and Sooners both coming to Lubbock. Texas Tech has to win one of those games before closing the season against Kansas State and Baylor.