This entry was written by David Pickle, the NCAA's Managing Director of Publishing.

I come in defense of Lubbock.

The marquee college football game this weekend features Texas visiting Texas Tech. The game itself is a highly anticipated matchup featuring two undefeated teams, a good rivalry and a pair of ultra-exciting offenses.

I'm anticipating that some pre-game attention also will fall on Tech's hometown of Lubbock, which for years has served as the butt of jokes for commentators and even song writers. As a native West Texan, I would like to object in advance.

It is true that Lubbock is isolated, dusty and flat. But many college athletics programs are based in out-of-the-way places. For whatever reasons, though, Lubbock has always had to bear the burden of being an undesirable destination a little more than most other places.

For what it's worth, Lubbock is a vibrant community that is the economic focal point of Texas' South Plains. It's also a larger community than most people realize. With a population of more than 217,000, it is the third largest city in the Big 12 Conference, trailing only Austin, Texas, and Lincoln, Nebraska.

Tech itself is also a larger institution than most people think, with 28,422 students enrolled in 150 undergraduate, 100 master's and 50 doctoral programs.

I did not attend Tech, but I know first-hand that a night game at Jones AT&T Stadium is a great college football experience. Tech's band is one of the best in the nation, and the Red Raiders' pre-game fanfare is second to none. And, of course, the football team is pretty entertaining.

So, here's to Lubbock and Tech as they prepare to experience their moment in the spotlight. I hope they have a great time this week on behalf of all of the other out-of-the-way places that play such an important role in college sports.