3 Keys for No. 15 Texas Tech vs. West Virginia in Late Kickoff

LUBBOCK -- In the second-latest home start time in school history, No. 15-ranked Texas Tech plays evening host to West Virginia, with kickoff slated for 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

The Red Raiders are currently on the outside looking in on another trip to the CFP, meaning this matchup with the Mountaineers means just as much as any through the rest of the season.

Saturday night's game is Tech's second-to-last home game of the season. There's history on the line, as well, in front of Red Raider Nation.

Here's what else to look for.

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The Mountaineers have the best rushing attack Tech will face all year. The Red Raiders likely won't limit West Virginia below their average, but the middle of the field must be ready to stop chunk gains from happening on the ground that the Mountaineers feed off of.

Texas Tech's linebacker trio of Ben Roberts, John Curry and Austin Romaine have been interception magnets this season, but it'll be their ability to fill gaps and stay disciplined against the run that leads to success under the lights.

West Virginia leads the Big 12 in rushing yards per game at 261.6 yards, which ranks fifth in FBS. Texas Tech's front, led by star tackle AJ Holmes in front of the linebacker trio, has held opponents to 94.9 rushing yards per game, tops in the conference and 13th nationally.

Last week, Arizona's 12 rushing yards were the fewest allowed by Texas Tech this century, and Romaine's 14 total tackles were a big reason why.

Thomas Castellanos is expected to get the start at quarterback for a second game in a row after last week's ranked win and breakout performance running the football. Running back J'Koby Williams has surpassed 150 rushing yards and set a pair of career-highs in Tech's last two home games.

It'll feel like Tech is trying to give West Virginia a taste of its own medicine, and that will bode well with matchup the pace of the game if the Red Raiders can be effective. Castellanos's confidence through the air will come after he picks up yardage on the ground early on.

When he does begin to throw it, key in on elite tight end Terrance Carter Jr., who is still trying to join Kenny Johnson and Williams as regular stat producers. Carter, a top NFL Draft prospect at his position across college football, has only one game with three or more receptions.

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There are more anticipatory emotions expected Saturday night given how Utah handed BYU its second loss of the season, potentially setting the path for Texas Tech to return to the Big 12 Championship game to face the Utes if both teams win out.

Joey McGuire's mantra of "going 1-0" will need to be remembered. That result is all for naught if the Red Raiders can't take care of business themselves.

There will be plenty of theatrics in tonight's setting - such as black-out color scheme, fireworks and LED lights, and two drone shows. There's a thing as being too amped up.

Texas Tech is also aiming for its program-record 14th consecutive home victory.