Texas Tech bowl prediction roundup: Red Raiders could get out of state

The Red Raiders have one final chance to help their case in any postseason scenarios but are guaranteed a slot after beating Kansas State 59-44 on Nov. 14. A loss this week against Texas could potentially hurt Texas Tech's bowl positioning provided the Longhorns are able to win the following game against Baylor.

The bye week allowed the Red Raiders to recover in some areas but the 11-week stretch of games played has done damage throughout Texas Tech's roster. Extra practices will allow physical players like running back DeAndre Washington, safety J.J. Gaines and offensive tackle Le'Raven Clark to recover prior to the final game of their collegiate careers.

Here's a glimpse at where many national pundits have the Red Raiders projected for bowl season:

Mark Schlabach, ESPN: Texas Tech vs. LSU in the Liberty Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 2.

Zac Ellis, Sports Illustrated: Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 29.

Jerry Palm, CBS Sports: Texas Tech vs. California in the Cactus Bowl on Jan. 2.

Stewart Mandel, Fox Sports: Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 29.

Brett McMurphy, ESPN: Texas Tech vs. Georgia in the Liberty Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 2.

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 29.

Pete Fiutak, Campus Insiders: Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 29.

Jake Trotter, ESPN: Texas Tech plays in the Liberty Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 2.

DuPont's Prediction: All of the scenarios are good as Texas Tech is bowl-eligible. But the Red Raiders will need some outside help with positioning. Texas Tech has the sixth-best record of the six Big 12 teams currently eligible for postseason play, with at least two of those teams in the mix for the College Football Playoff. If West Virginia loses out and the Red Raiders can return from Austin with a win over the Longhorns then the Mountaineers would drop to the sixth spot. But Texas Tech needs help from Iowa State and Kansas State - West Virginia's next two opponents - to make that dream a reality and possibly push for the Cactus Bowl. A trip to the Cactus Bowl could potentially pit Texas Tech against California and coach Sonny Dykes who was on the Red Raiders' coaching staff during Kliff Kingsbury's playing career and is the son of former Tech coach Spike Dykes.