Kickoff: 3 PM CT
Location: Jones AT&T Stadium (Lubbock, Texas)
Television: ESPNU
Radio: Cowboy Radio Network
Twitter: Follow @HeartlandPokes for live tweets during the game
The Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-6 overall; 0-4 in Big 12 play) travel to Lubbock on Saturday to take on the 14th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-1 overall; 3-1 in Big 12 play). These two teams last met last season, a 56-48 decision for the Red Raiders that tied the all-time series at 24-24-3. Today’s outcome is expected to go much differently, however, as the Red Raiders are a monstrous 37.5-point favorite.
The Cowboys have struggled to put up points all season long, so don’t expect this one to be another barn-burner like the matchups from the past. The Red Raiders are fresh off a 26-22 loss at Arizona State last weekend, but they still have their sights set on a Big 12 Championship, so Oklahoma State has to anticipate a renewed energy from Texas Tech, particularly because they will be playing in front of their home crowd.
Even though Oklahoma State is being given virtually no shot at winning this game, it still must be played, and there is plenty to play for. The future of Cowboy football is still being shaped, and each game plays a role in shifting that path one direction or another. In reality, the hope for this game is that the Cowboys can show some fight, make some tough plays, and keep away from another embarrassing blowout like the Oregon game earlier this season.
How the Cowboys Win
If you believe in miracles, now would be the time to ask for one, because that’s what it’s going to take to beat Texas Tech. If the Cowboys somehow won, it would go down as one of the biggest point-spread upsets in college football history. To do that, the offense needs to be efficient, balanced, and secure with the ball. Zane Flores is off the injury report, so he should be back in the saddle. Meanwhile, the defense has to avoid big plays, dig in deep in the trenches, and come up with stops when they are needed. So basically, Oklahoma State needs to play football in a way that they have not been able to do consistently for more than a quarter or so this season.
How the Red Raiders Win
It’s a bit pessimistic of me as a Cowboy fan to say that all Texas Tech needs to do is “show up” to win this game, but it kind of feels like it. They’re the overwhelming favorite for a reason. Sure, OSU is having an awful season, but the Red Raiders are really good. Their offense is one of the top scorers in the country, and the defense is more capable than perhaps they’ve had in any time in recent history. As long as Tech plays the game without anything chaotic or crazy happening, they should win comfortably.
Odds & Predictions
Staff Score Predictions
| Staff | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Caleb | Texas Tech 59 – Oklahoma State 9 |
| Craig | Texas Tech 48 – Oklahoma State 10 |
| Matt | Texas Tech 55 – Oklahoma State 10 |
| Zack | Texas Tech 48 – Oklahoma State 13 |
An Oklahoma State Win Would…
- Mark Doug Meacham’s first career win as a head coach.
- Improve OSU’s all-time record against Texas Tech to 25-24-3.
- Give the Cowboys wins in 13 of their past 16 games against Texas Tech.
- Give the Cowboys wins in seven of their past eight games in Lubbock.
- Improve OSU’s record against Texas Tech in Lubbock to 9-13-2.
- Make the Cowboys 36-27 in the past 63 games overall, dating to 2020.
- Make OSU 6-4 in the past 10 and 12-7 in the past 19 games when playing as an unranked team against an AP Top 25 opponent.
- Make the Cowboys 11-10 in the past 21 and 20-15 in the past 35 games vs. AP-ranked teams.
Notable Streaks and Trends Entering the Game
- Oklahoma State has not turned the ball over in three of its seven games this season.
- Oklahoma State has converted 5 of its past 7 two-point conversion attempts dating to last season.
- OSU is 14-6 in the past 20 games when winning or tying the turnover battle.
- Dating back to 2008, OSU is 83-13 when winning the turnover battle.
- Dating back to 2005, OSU is 50-6 when not committing a turnover.
- OSU has held 35 of its past 56 Big 12 opponents under their season scoring average entering the game.
- OSU has won 87 of its past 88 games when holding its opponent to fewer than 20 points, dating back to Sept. 13, 2003. Including games when opponents have scored 20 points or fewer, OSU has won 95 of its past 96.
- OSU has held its opponent to less than a 50% third-down conversion rate in 57 of its past 70 games.
- OSU is 40-20 in its past 60 games decided by fewer than 10 points.
- OSU is 52-9 in its past 61 games when leading at halftime, dating back to Sept. 17, 2016.
- OSU has won five of its past seven overtime games.