Last year, Texas was a 17-point favorite at Texas Tech in both teams' Big 12 opener, and the Longhorns needed minor miracles to overcome a 15-point deficit in the last 3:13 to escape Lubbock with a 63-56 overtime victory.

Joining us this week on The Flagship Podcast to preview the 2021 Big 12 opener between the Longhorns and Red Raiders is Jarret Johnson, publisher of InsideTheRedRaiders.com, who said Tech coach Matt Wells "mentions that game against Texas last year a lot" to his team.

Gone is Tech quarterback Alan Bowman - replaced by 6-foot-5, 230-pound Oregon transfer Tyler Shough. Johnson explains why Shough is off to an up-and-down start for the Red Raiders.

Tech running back SaRodorick Thompson, who ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run against Texas last season, is returning from injury. But Johnson tells you why Tech hasn't missed Thompson thanks to freshman running back Tahj Brooks, who is averaging 8.1 yards per carry.

Johnson talks about how Tech's 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore receiver Erik Ezukanma, who had seven catches for 91 yards and a touchdown against Texas last season, has only gotten better.

Tech is 3-0 after victories against Houston, Stephen F. Austin and Florida International and trailed early in all three games. The Red Raiders needed a fourth-and-goal pass breakup on the last play of he game against FCS opponent SFA to hold on to a 28-22 victory.

Johnson says because of the competition, it's hard to tell just how strong Tech's 3-0 start really is. Johnson also says Tech's offensive line has been inconsistent and really struggled against SFA.

Johnson talks about the Tech defense, which he says has a strong front seven and has been stout against the run but might be vulnerable in the secondary.

Johnson tells you how Tech coach Matt Wells, who found linebacker Colin Schooler (brother of Texas safety Brenden Schooler) in the transfer portal last year, went to the transfer portal again in 2021 and found gold (in addition to QB Shough). 

Johnson also talks about Wells' job security after going 4-8 and 4-6 in his first two seasons in Lubbock.

How do Tech fans view Texas now that the Longhorns have said they're leaving the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference? Johnson tells you and gives you his prediction for how Saturday's game at 11 am CT (on ABC) at Royal-Memorial Stadium plays out.