Texas Tech Defensive Preview: Get Those Legs Moving

The Texas Tech Red Raiders come to Stillwater for a Thursday night showdown, and Oklahoma State's offense should be primed and ready. But Tech offers a larger test for the Cowboys than initially perceived.

The Raiders defense, after a lackadaisical showing against Arkansas, will be looking to find its groove against the Pokes. Tech will be lead by Keenon Ward, Sam Equavoen and Pete Robertson. The trio have combined for 63 tackles, four broken passes and a fumble recovery.

The Tech D as a whole only allows an average of 5.2 yards per play. It also has the threat of turnovers, scoring 14 points off turnovers so far this season. They have also held opponents to an average of 135 passing yards per game and only one touchdown. Daxx Garman will need to be on point with his passes if he wants to perform the Air Raid offense.

However, a bright light exists for the Poke offense. The Raiders allow 297.7 rushing yards per game. Tyreek Hill and Desmond Roland should be foaming at the mouth to get at the rush defense, as Tech has given up 13 touchdowns to the run already, and has allowed a total of 937 rushing yards to opponents this season.

The Raiders also have a weak spot in the red zone, as opponents have a 94 percent scoring success rate, with 71 percent of those scores being touchdowns.

OSU offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich will need to realize the advantage he has with his offensive weapons.  As much fun as the deep passing game is, the Pokes' best bet will be to go with the running game. The Raider defense will defend the pass well, but if the Cowboys run like the Hogs did, they should have no problem notching another Thursday night win.