• If it ain’t broke why fix it

Okie State gave up 388 yards passing to Troy last week so for Tech continue to do what they do best…..pass the ball.  If Tech’s line can continue to protect Harrell there is no reason why the Red Raiders can’t put up 35+ points in Stillwater this weekend. 

• Put pressure on theOkie State offense

The Cowboys entered the season with some outstanding offensive talent.  They had a veteran center that had made 24 straight starts in David Washington.  They also had returning starters in quarterback Bobby Reid and senior tailback Dantrell Savage.  The middle of the offense was outstanding.  Well, Washington broke his leg at Troy. Reid has been benched and lost his job, perhaps on a permanent basis. And Savage has been hurt since August with a groin injury. What had been the strength of OSU was straight up the middle. Okie State now has a rookie quarterback, a fumble-prone tailback in Keith Toston, and they’re struggling to find a center.  If Texas Tech can get up early on Okie
State and make the Cowboys play catch-up it will be a long day in Stillwater for the Pokes. 

Why Oklahoma State will win the game? 

The home team has won in this series five straight seasons. Edge Oklahoma State.  Also, there is a sense of urgency with Okie State as they know they need to rebound after last week’s debacle at Troy.  Okie State can win this game if tailback Dantrell Savage is back this weekend (as expected) and if they can get consistent play from their quarterback.  Tech has allowed 337 yards a game so their defense is vulnerable.   

What doesOklahaoma State need to do to win? 

• Big game from the big uglies

The Red Raiders had six sacks in last week’s victory over Rice and have 10 for the season. Okie State is without their best offensive lineman for the season so the rest of this unit must step up this weekend.  Not only must the Cowboy offensive line give their quarterback time but they must open up some holes for their ground game.  This leads to point two…. 

• Establish the running game

It is key that Okie State establishes a running game for two reasons.  First, it puts pressure off the quarterback.  When an offense can establish a running game it opens up the passing game which has been a weak point for the Red Raiders defense.  Second, it allows you to control the clock.  It doesn’t take Tech long to score but if you can minimize their possessions it certainly gives Okie State a better chance of pulling off the upset. 

This weekend is the tale of two cities.  Texas Tech is hot out of the gate with a 3-0 start.  Okie State is walking with their tail between their legs after an embarrassing lost to Troy.  The home team has won this game the last five years but that trend stops this weekend.  Texas Tech has too much offense for a Cowboy defense that has been struggling.  The Cowboys offense has gone from ‘the best show on the universe’ to ‘lost in space’.  I like Texas Tech big in this one….45-20. 

Written by PMHusker