The Big 12 Game of the Year arrives this Friday when the Houston Cougars face the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and there are a ton of angles to unpack in this one.

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman, Texas Tech’s defense, a short week, and a low-scoring game script all factor into what could be a defining moment for both programs in the Big 12 race.

Before anything else, Texas Tech has a couple of key players on the injury report worth noting. Tight end Terrance Carter and potential edge rusher Trey White, who could make his debut in this game, are both question marks heading into Friday. Even with those players potentially not suiting up, this game still has a clear storyline, and it starts with the quarterback on the other sideline.

Conner Weigman has to prove it when the lights are on

As basic as it sounds, I think a lot of this game falls on Conner Weigman’s shoulders. And as a guy who has followed Weigman’s complete career up to this point, I want to see him succeed. I don’t want Texas Tech to do well. I don’t believe their fan base are the nicest of people in this world. I’m sort of joking, but they love to be in my comment section.

And you may say, Tegan, why does that matter for the actual game? Because there have been a lot of moments in Weigman’s career where the pressure and the lights are all on his shoulders and he hasn’t played great. That’s the reality.

But since transferring to Houston, he’s played like a really solid quarterback. Willie Fritz and their rushing attack have given him a foundation, Houston has a talented receiver in Amare Thomas, and their defense is really good. I know a lot of people are pointing to the Cougars pulling off the upset here against Texas Tech. I’m here to tell you I struggle to see it happening.

Both offenses have red flags

There are obvious red flags with the Texas Tech offense. I don’t think they have a dynamic quarterback at play, and I do question some of their red zone efficiency. But then again, I also struggle with the Houston offense and whether the Cougars can move the football down the field consistently enough to win a road game on a short week.

I think this is low scoring. I think this is ugly. And when it’s that type of game script, I’m leaning towards the home team to get the job done. Texas Tech at home, in a grind-it-out, physical game, has the edge.

And by all means, I’m going to be rooting for Houston to pull this off. If the Cougars win, I’ll be happy that I’m wrong. But the logical side of my brain says Texas Tech wins a tight, ugly one in Lubbock, and that’s the side I’m going with.