Raider Roundup

In advance of the weekend's top 20 matchup, here are a few articles from the Texas Tech (and one from OSU) perspective:

[Viva the Matadors] Iconography | Oklahoma St. Cowboys vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

This is a long, but outstanding post by Seth C. of Viva the Matadors. Read the entire thing - it's both detailed and informed. Of note:

"The defensive line is terrific, or at least the inside is really good and the linebacking corps is solid, especially against the run. OSU is only allowing 122 yards a game, which is good for 19th in the nation. Castleman and Barrett really control the middle, which lets guys like Caleb Lavey and Tyler Johnson make significant plays behind the line of scrimmage."

I also found the matchup chart interesting; the Raiders evidently have quite a bit of confidence in their special teams? Oh, and the hate for Gundy is strong with the Raider fanbase.

Also, don't miss Mark Travis' response to Seth's Q & A: Blogger Q&A with Cowboys Ride For Free

[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal] Red Raiders work to shore up rushing defense

The main concern in Raider-dom with OSU's offense seems to be the "potent" rushing attack:

"We’ve got to get them into a one-dimensional game," Wallerstedt said, "and make sure first and foremost we stop the run game."

Oklahoma loaded up and went at Tech with a power running game, using a pulling guard and 260-pound fullback Trey Millard to lead the Sooners’ cadre of speed backs. They had 208 yards on the ground in the second half, one of the keys to a 38-30 OU victory.

Tech coaches don’t expect to see as much of a power package from Oklahoma State.

"It’s a little different than that," defensive line coach John Scott Jr. said. "Either way, in stopping the run game, it comes down to playing good technique, separating off blocks, holding your gap and making the tackle."

[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal] Red Raider football notebook for Oct. 30

Texas Tech's punter lost his job for a couple of weeks, but was reinstated after his replacement was erratic. I'm guessing the special teams confidence comes from other aspects of the kicking / return game?

Texas Tech senior Ryan Erxleben is back among the Big 12’s top punters, ranking fourth in the league with a 43.1-yard average. He’s rebounded nicely from the jolt of losing his job — he’s a fourth-year starter — for a couple of weeks earlier this season.