FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during an NCAA football game against Georgia Southern in Baton Rouge, La. The LSU defense is dotted with players projected as future NFL first-round draft picks. And the Tigers unveiled a new up-tempo offense last week that saw Burrow tie a school record with five touchdown passes in the first half. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman, File)Associated Press

Big 12 football: Eckel picks LSU at Texas in a battle of Top 10 teams, plus he's all over UTEP at Texas Tech

Games are Saturday at 7:30 and 8 pm EDT

Two Big 12 games Saturday night interest us, one for the game itself, the other for the score. Let’s take a look at both.

#6 LSU (-6 1/2) at #9 Texas, 7:30 pm, ABC

Two top 10 teams going at it early in the season, it doesn’t get much better than that on Sept. 7. LSU is ranked No. 6 in the polls, but when it’s all said and done might be the third or fourth, best team in the country and among the contenders for a national title. The Tigers will score with the Longhorns and their defense is better than anything Texas will come close to seeing in the Big 12 this season, or any season for that matter. Also keep in mind LSU is 4-0-1 ATS in its last five games against the Big 12 and 6-2 ATS in its last eight road games. If the Tigers are for real (and I think they are) a win in Austin will go a long way in impressing the committee.

Pick: LSU (-6 1/2)

UTEP at Texas Tech (-34), 8 p.m.

Texas Tech opened in impressive fashion last week with a 45-point showing against Montana in head coach Matt Wills’ debut. Look for even more points from the Red Raiders Saturday night against a UTEP team that allowed 34 last week to Houston Baptist. Texas-El Paso scored 36 of its own, however, and will score a few against a Texas Tech defense that never strikes a lot of fear into opponents. If you want to bet this one, go with the number. And go with the over.

Pick: Over 64

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