This Saturday the (3-2) Texas Tech Red Raiders and the (4-0) Oklahoma State Cowboys will match up in the sixth week of the 2o22 college football season. Kickoff will be at 3:30 PM EST inside Boone Pickens Stadium. We have two great offenses going head-to-head in this Big-12 battle, as I am expecting a show in this one!
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are coming into this one after falling to Kansas State, 37-28. Texas Tech struggled on the defensive side of the field, as they allowed the Wildcats to consistently move the ball up and down the field. They have to better against the pass if they want any hope of taking down the Cowboys on the road.
Oklahoma State is entering this one after defeating the Baylor Bears, 36-25. The Cowboy's offense was humming, as they continued to drive the ball down the field. They finished with 379 total yards, as they will be looking for another great performance in this one.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders have started this season (3-2), as they have fallen to Kansas State and NC State. Both of those teams are now ranked inside the top 25 teams in the country. On offense, the Red Raiders are scoring 35 points per game and they are averaging 476 total yards. This is the 40th most points scored per game and the 24th most yards. They have shown that they can consistently move the ball, but they have struggled on third down. They are only converting 33.78% of their third down opportunities. They also have a -6 turnovers ratio. Texas Tech has shown that they can throw the ball, though. They are throwing for 362.4 yards per game, which is the fourth most in the country. I expect Donovan Smith to be starting at quarterback, as he has already thrown for 1,475 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He has also thrown seven interceptions. Texas Tech has also shown that they can move the ball on the ground, as they are averaging 113.6 yards per game. This is the 110th most rushing yards per game, as the Red Raiders have leaned on the pass just a little bit more. I would also watch for Myles Price, as he has been the leading receiver for the Red Raiders this season. He has already recorded 21 receptions for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns.
On defense, the Red Raiders have shown that they aren't unbeatable, as the Texas and Kansas State offenses moved the ball effortlessly against them. They allowed the Longhorns to score 34 points two weeks ago and the Kansas State Wildcats put up 37 points last week. They are currently allowing 27.6 points per game and 354 yards. This is the 83rd most points allowed per game and the 49th most yards surrendered. Texas Tech's secondary has held their own this season, though. They are only allowing 205.2 passing yards per game, which is the 46th least in the country. I would recommend watching for Tyree Wilson, as the senior LB has been all over the field this season. He has already recorded 33 tackles, 5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Now, Texas Tech is also allowing 148.8 rushing yards per game, which is the 77th most in the country. Last week, the Wildcats ran for 343 yards against the Red Raiders.