Not many Texas Tech fans were sure the Red Raiders would hold their No. 7 ranking after last week's overtime escape at home against Nebraska.

The Red Raiders held on and moved up to No. 5 the USA Today coaches' poll but now face a heated rival when the team travels to College Station to take on Texas A&M.

Coach Mike Leach doesn't care much for rivalry talk but knows improvements must be made in order to win at Kyle Field.

"We got to go out and play well and get better this week," Leach said. "We got to have a good week of preparation, practice, and go out and have a good game."

Tech (6-0, 2-0 in Big 12) has not lost since at Kyle Field since 2005, only its second loss under Leach to the Aggies. The Red Raiders have outscored A&M an average of 35-23 in eight games.

The Red Raiders look to make the biggest improvements on defense after allowing the fourth-quarter comeback to Nebraska and getting an interception on second down in overtime to seal the 37-31 win.

Tech defensive back Jamar Wall, who had the pick on Huskers quarterback Joe Ganz in OT, said the team is better prepared for the A&M game because of how hard they had to fight for a win last week.

"Really, after this past week, we should be prepared for anything," he said. "They have great receivers; they even went to the spread this year. With that, we have to keep our eyes open and be prepared."

A&M (2-4, 0-2) has gone to the spread and quarterback Jerrod Johnson after Stephen McGee was injured at the beginning of the season. It is A&M's worst start to Big 12 play, dropping its first two conference games to No. 8 Oklahoma State and Kansas State. The Aggies have been outscored 100-58 in conference play.

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