Texas Tech could see the return and arrival of two crucial Red Raiders in its showdown with Houston on Friday night.
LUBBOCK -- The highly anticipated matchup between No. 13 Texas Tech and No. 22 Houston is finally here.
However, the Red Raiders could be without two key pieces in their ranked showdown with the Cougars inside Galaxy Stadium.
After landing on the injury report throughout the week, tight end Terrance Carter Jr. and edge rusher Trey White were listed as game-time decisions on Friday night's final report.
Carter is a known game-changer following an incredible season last year, which was his first campaign in Lubbock.
Choosing to make a return to the program instead of head to the NFL Draft, Carter was repeatedly tabbed by local, national and conference outlets as one of the top targets in the country.
Despite the preseason attention, Carter has had a rocky beginning to his final outing.
He was virtually invisible in the team's debut over Abilene Christian, with only three receptions for 28 yards against the Wildcats.
This odd performance could be explained away by Texas Tech trying to get other targets antiquated into the system during a game with an inferior opponent.
Following that somewhat underwhelming performance, Carter did not even take the field in the Red Raiders' most recent trip to Corvallis to take on Oregon State.
Before the matchup, Carter was seen on the sideline in a walking boot, with no word on what caused the injury to the stellar tight end.
Although he has not had his breakout moment this season, Carter remains one of the strongest parts of a Texas Tech squad looking to achieve some lofty goals.
And there could be no greater opportunity for Carter to make his presence known to Lubbock and beyond than in the Red Raiders' lone, as of now, top 25 matchup of the regular season.
While no official status has been announced from the program, signs are pointing to Carter making his return against the Cougars.
On Texas Tech football's X page, the team shared a photo of Carter's #7 jersey, which could be a subtle nod at the reunion.
Carter was also seen taking part in the team's warm-ups by those at Galaxy Stadium ahead of the game on Friday.
For White, he is aiming to prove his worth to the Red Raiders after being one of the highest touted additions out of the transfer portal.
Brought in with the unenviable role of filling the gaps left behind by sensational edge rushing pair, David Bailey and Romello Height, White looks to be an anchor this season for Texas Tech.
In their last outing against the Beavers, Texas Tech struggled to limit the passing attack and getting a refreshed force alongside Adam Trick could be the missing piece the Red Raiders have been seeking throughout their first two weeks.
With or without this pair of Red Raiders, Texas Tech will look to cement its status as the top dog in the Big 12 title race with a win over what many have tabbed as one of the prime contenders in Houston.
Texas Tech and Houston get underway from Galaxy Stadium at 7 p.m., with live updates available here.
