The Cowboys are still reeling from four people being killed when a auto crashed into the homecoming parade last week.
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Texas Tech is 5-3 on the season, 2-3 in the Big 12, 4-3-1 against the spread and 6-2 with the over. In those contests against Baylor, TCU and Oklahoma, the Raiders allowed 60.3 points and 682.3 yards per game.
Next: Oklahoma State on October 31 at 2:30 p.m.
Oklahoma State considered postponing the game, but ultimately made a decision to play and honor the victims. Add that to a botched punt that the Longhorns gifted them at the end of the game, an OT win against West Virginia and a 2-point victory over Kansas State, and the Cowboys suddenly seem to be on upset alert in Lubbock. Will this be when OSU starts to consistently crank things up to a whole other level? After being the one team that struggled against Kansas, and after being blown away by Oklahoma, It’s time to ramp up the machine again and take advantage of the key home date. The Red Raiders aren’t in the Big 12 title chase, but they can certainly screw OSU up. Get to Patrick Mahomes.
For evidence of the disruptive power of OSU’s defense, look no further than the fact that the Cowboys lead the Big 12 in scoring defense, total defense, rush defense, red zone defense, sacks and tackles for loss.
Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said his team needs to start faster. The sub-.500 season marked Texas Tech’s only second sub-.500 season in the last 22 years. It doesn’t translate into time of possession – the team couldn’t care less about how long it holds on to the ball – but the O has bene fantastic at keeping defenses on their heels.
For Oklahoma State’s players and coaches, extending an unbeaten run has taken a backseat to helping a grieving community recover from last weekend’s tragedy.
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Quarterback J.W. Walsh, who had two passing touchdowns and three rushing scores Saturday, said he’s been impressed with how the community has rallied together and noted that the players will have the victims in mind for the rest of the season. Not only is he the leader and emotional tone-setter at times, but he’s the closer. Last week the Red Raiders gave up 405 yards on the ground, seven rushing touchdowns and 24 first downs rushing at Oklahoma. It’ll be a whole bunch of fun with lots of offense, plenty of big plays, and well over 1,000 yards. Juniors Chris Carson (339 rushing yards) and Rennie Childs (232) may get more carries due to Texas Tech’s leaky run defense while senior receiver David Glidden leads the Cowboys with 34 receptions for 548 yards.
