Let's start with what we need to know about the actual game.

It will be played. If it's close, Texas Tech isn't where they want to be as a program or team. Many times over the last five years, Texas Tech has expected to beat an FCS opponent mercilessly, but the only time it's come to fruition was in 2018 against Lamar. Texas Tech won that game 77-0.

I'm not saying that Texas Tech will beat a young Murray State like that, but the line (if you can find one) is close to having Texas Tech as 35-point favorites. I don't see that being a problem. Give me Texas Tech to win by more than 34.5 points and to hit the game total of 55.5 by themselves.

Joey McGuire has me high on the energy. I hope he has his team feeling as confident as I do.

Now, to the rest of the business at hand.

We'll do these previews every week, but in week one there's some housekeeping to attend to with Jones AT&T Stadium. The clear bag rule is still in effect, and so is the reentry policy. So if you're going to attend the game, bring a clear bag and don't leave the stadium unless you want to pay to get back in.

Something new this year will be Jones AT&T Stadium thrusting itself into the future by going cashless. Don't stop by the ATM on the way to the game; just load up Apple Pay or have that debit card handy when you hit the concession stand for the BBQ Parfait.

Yes, I said BBQ parfait. It's got layers.

A few more things returning in 2022 include the Raider Walk, which has been missing for the last several seasons. Fans can gather near The Jones' entrance around 2 hours before kickoff to greet the team heading into the stadium. They'll meet just south of the Sports Performance Center and walk north toward the stadium on the Drive of Champions toward the home tunnel. Let's create a line of spirit as they head to prepare for the game.

Other aspects of the pregame party also return. The Raider Alley talent tour continues as Grouplove kicks off the season in 2022. They will take the stage at Raider Alley around 5 p.m. The Raider Alley Concert Series is presented by Davis Smith Law Firm and will feature acts roughly two hours before kickoff all season long.

The party will also get going with tailgating starting this Saturday and Raider Alley opening at 3 p.m. Texas Tech will have food trucks and drinks available on site with an inflatable obstacle course and face painters.

Texas Tech will also debut a convenient store like they have at Globe Life Field called the Gameday Marketplace. It's located near Gate 1 of The Jones and will have a variety of beer options as well as seltzers, canned cocktails, and snacks.

A couple of really cool features will also be available for week one. First, they'll have a flyover in week one featuring four T-6A Texas II aircraft immediately following the National Anthem. The flight crew for Saturday’s flyover is based out of Laughlin Air Force Base.

The second cool feature will be the sale of vintage Double T Yeti Cups at all concession stands while supplies last. They'll cost $45 and come with a complimentary beverage.

A few more points of emphasis are heat management stations, though the projected high is 84 degrees for Saturday. Gates will open for students and premium seating at 5 p.m., while the rest of the gates open at 5:30 p.m.

There's no smoking at The Jones unless you're Myles Price and you smoked a DB. Also, no vaping.

These 11 Lubbock Spots Need to Be Served at The Jones

10+ Country Music Stars that went to college in Lubbock

Mostly Texas Tech, but LCU can claim Aaron Watson

The 10 Best 'Hole in the Wall' Restaurants on 34th Street in Lubbock

34th Street is known locally as "where the work gets done," but it's also where the eats go down. (Side note: I also might be the only one that says that because nobody else I know remembers that.) Back to the point, these buildings might be unassuming from the outside, but the kitchens absolutely know what's going on.

More From Talk 103.9 & 1340