Texas Tech (10-0), for the fourth straight week, is widely considered the underdog in this week's match against Oklahoma (9-1). But is the nation worried that the Sooner defense will prove to be too much for the Red Raider offense? Doubtful.
The real culprit for the higher-ranked team being dubbed the underdog—again—is actually the match-up of Tech's defense against the potent Okie offense. But this match-up should not be a concern for the Red Raiders, as they have proven throughout the season they are up to any task.
HistoryTexas Tech's defense has always had its ups and downs. Despite their undefeated mark so far this season, the Red Raiders have had their issues stopping opponents. Against Nevada (6-4) early in the season, Tech allowed 488 total yards and 19 points.
Against Eastern Washington (5-5), Tech allowed 341 passing yards and 24 points. Yes, I said Eastern Washington. Why, you ask, am I telling you Tech's defense will help them win, when they have struggled against such questionable offenses?
These two examples, both Nevada and Eastern Washington, were Tech's first two games of the season, and TTU seems to have improved steadily on defense since then. After the first two shaky games, Tech has only had one real defensive letdown, a high yardage allowance (471 total yards) to Nebraska (7-4), which led to an overtime win in Lubbock.
Texas Tech gave UT (9-1) its only loss this season in a thriller, and only allowed the Longhorns 374 total offensive yards. Oklahoma State (9-2) only racked up 368 yards and Kansas (6-5) 315 yards.
Current Variables
comments (12) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Great article. Really enjoyed reading it, especially since I'm a Red Raider fan!
about 1 month ago
Thanks Jeff. I appreciate you for reading it. You will see more TTU articles and the like the longer I am here...
about 1 month ago
OU's offense should be of no concern to TT? That's silly. I agree with your point that TTU has improved since facing Eastern Whosie Whatsit U. and Nevada but so has OU since their lone loss to the horns. And one shouldn't forget that OU is 59-2 at home under Stoops. 59-2 for a .968 winning percentage! Almost makes you wonder why they even play the games.
Like the article my friend and it should be a fantastic game.
OU - 46
TT - 32
And Stoops improves to 60-2 at home.
from about 1 month ago
Wow. Did you really just take my score prediction and flip it? Ha ha. OU has not seen this current genration of the Mad Scientist's offense, and the emotional hype for OU in this game will be a big in the beginning of this game. But after the high wears off and the battle has been underway, I think OU will be emotionally drained, while TTU keeps it close during the first half. The second half will be all Red Raiders, as the Sooners will not be able to find their second wind (until after the game when it is time to make excuses to the media).
from about 1 month ago
Oklahoma has beat two Top 10 teams at home during that 59-2 run.
Texas Tech has beat two Top 10 teams at home this season...
from about 1 month ago
Look, the fact that OU has 59-2 home record under Stoops doesn't mean as much as you portray it to mean. OU never has to play Texas in Gaylord Stadium. If they did I guarantee you they would not have anything close to a 59-2 record. Sure it is still impressive, but since you don't play Texas at home ever, that record doesn't have too much meat behind it. Come Saturday night the new record under Stoops will be 59-3.
about 1 month ago
Very nice article, Nathan. Loved it.
@Colin
This is what I like about you, man. One quick answer to shut people up.
from about 1 month ago
I am pretty sure Stoops owns a favorable record against the horns AT a neutral site, so I don't really understand what Kyle's point is. I have the utmost respect for Leach and TT and understand that this is far and away his best team to date. And just as OU hasn't seen this generation of "the Mad scientist's" always impressive and more fun to watch than anyone else in the country's offense, neither has TT seen THIS generation of Sooner offense. I can't wait for the game fellas. It is always a great game. And Kyle, what is Leach's record at home? Should we compare OOC opponents? 59-2 is crazy awesome no matter how you look at it. Colin...until last year's HUGE upset against OU, at home no less, TT was 1-9 against top 15 teams under Leach. You seriously don't want to start down this road do you?
Best of luck TT fans.
from about 1 month ago
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=rivals-255932&prov=rivals&type=lgns
from about 1 month ago
I am pretty sure Stoops owns a favorable record against the horns AT a neutral site, so I don't really understand what Kyle's point is. I have the utmost respect for Leach and TT and understand that this is far and away his best team to date. And just as OU hasn't seen this generation of "the Mad scientist's" always impressive and more fun to watch than anyone else in the country's offense, neither has TT seen THIS generation of Sooner offense. I can't wait for the game fellas. It is always a great game. And Kyle, what is Leach's record at home? Should we compare OOC opponents? 59-2 is crazy awesome no matter how you look at it. Colin...until last year's HUGE upset against OU, at home no less, TT was 1-9 against top 15 teams under Leach. You seriously don't want to start down this road do you?
Best of luck TT fans.
about 1 month ago
"http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=rivals-255932&prov=rivals&type=lgns"
Is that supposed to be an objective article by Joe Yeager of RedRaiderSports.com? I think I will rest my case with the results on the field. I had no idea OU had a rematch with Tenn Chattanooga tonight. I said it was going to be a good game...I never believed that TT would make me into such a liar. Have fun in the Holiday bowl boys.
about 1 month ago
Tough times for Tech, huh? The game made me very sad.
write a new comment