Oklahoma State vs Texas Tech in Big 12 Showdown
The Big 12 has a big conference matchup on tap this weekend when the Oklahoma State Cowboys visit the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Texas Tech is 7-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play tied for third with the Oklahoma Sooners one game behind the Baylor Bears and Texas Longhorns. Oklahoma State is 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference and is in fifth place.
Oklahoma State won 58-27 in their last outing last weekend on the road against Iowa State. The Cowboys used a strong running game but still lack a true leader at quarterback as Clint Chelf is doing just a mediocre job as signal caller.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys could move up from their current No. 12 ranking by pulling out a win on Saturday against the No. 15 Red Raiders on the road. However, a win will not come easy in Lubbock.
The game should be just the same as so many of them before between the two schools has been; lots of points, close throughout and a big play that will determine the winner.
The defense for Oklahoma State is once against playing aggressive football and creating turnovers each week.
The turnovers could come in big numbers against a Texas Tech team led by a freshman quarterback who will look to get the ball in the air as often as possible.
A few forced turnovers and Davis Webb, the Red Raiders starting quarterback could become rattled.
Texas Tech has a much more potent offensive attack than does Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are ranked No. 36 in the nation in passing, but Texas Tech is ranked No. 3 and average 100 yards more each game than the Cowboys.
If the Raiders want to win, they will have to use their aerial talents and score as many points as possible, then hope their defense can make a few stops during the game.
If Texas Tech can get an early lead, it could take the much-improved running game away from the Cowboys and force them to pass.
Desmond Roland ran for 219 yards last week in the Cowboys win over Iowa State. It will be a key for Oklahoma State to establish Roland and the running game early.
The Cowboys have struggled at times throwing the ball and need to run the clock down and keep the high-octane offense of the Red Raiders off the field.
Texas Tech allowed the Oklahoma Sooners huge chunks of yards on the ground last week in their 38-30 loss. The Red Raiders cannot allow Oklahoma State to do the same this week, or the game will be lower scoring and work into the hands of the Cowboys.
Webb will be the key figure for Texas Tech. As long as the youngster does not turn the ball over, the Red Raiders should put big numbers on the scoreboard. However, a couple of interceptions will do him in and the Cowboys could blow the Red Raiders out.
The game should be close with the score lower than normal between the two teams as Oklahoma State will eat the clock with the running game.
I like the home team in this matchup. The Red Raiders are favored by 1.5 and the over under is 66.5. Take Texas Tech and the UNDER.
