TEXAS TECH

Feed the frenzy: A record crowd at AT&T Jones Stadium will be ready to go berserk over anything the Red Raiders do. If Tech makes a couple big plays early, look out.

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Don't forget the run: Opponents have neutralized A&M's defensive line by running right into the teeth of the defense. A&M has allowed 564 yards rushing in its three losses. A&M opponents haven't lost a fumble in their last 101 rushes.

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Apply pressure: Arkansas and Kansas State had insurmountable halftime leads by bringing defensive pressure that led to crucial turnovers, which were converted into touchdowns.

TEXAS A&M

Keep offense on the field: Head coach Mike Sherman said his team has to be good on offense to play good defense. A&M took a 7-0 lead two years ago in Lubbock but missed field goals after two long drives that allowed Tech to take the lead en route to a 35-7 victory.

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Rattle Potts: Tech quarterback Taylor Potts was sacked four times and threw two interceptions in his last game -- and that was in the first half against New Mexico. A&M needs to make his return a rough one if it wants to pull off the upset.

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Win special teams: A&M's average starting position last week was its own 22-yard line, while Kansas State's was its own 48. The Aggies can't afford to give the Red Raiders that kind of field-position advantage.