Preview: Oklahoma State @ Texas Tech

Later tonight, the Cowboys will try to bounce back from a 44-31 loss in Boone Pickens Stadium last Saturday. However, it won’t be easy as they go into the hostile environment of Jones AT&T Stadium for a night game - especially in front of sold-out crowd. This will be a test to see how this team overcomes adversity and responds to a humbling loss.

Meanwhile, Kliff Kingsbury and his Red Raiders come off a win over University of Houston to get to 3-0. However this is Tech’s first Big 12 game. Can this Tech team hold it’s own in the Big 12?

Game Info:

When: Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:00 p.m. CST.

Where: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

Watch: FOX

Stream: FoxSportsGo

Listen: Cowboy Radio Network

Line: OKST -10.5 — O/U 84

Get to know the Texas Tech Red Raiders:

The Raiders have been off to a good start, but could face their first test this season against the Cowboys. With wins against Eastern Washington, Arizona State and University of Houston, the Raiders haven’t faced an offense that’s as tough as Oklahoma State. They got close wins in two of their games so far beating ASU by seven points and Houston by three.

Tech on Offense:

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Tech has gotten behind quarterback Nic Shimonek to fill the shoes left by Patrick Mahomes. Shimonek has 73.6 completion percentage as well as a 85.9 quarterback rating so far this season. WR Keke Coutee is the Raiders’ leading receiver with 28 receptions for 446 yards and four touchdowns. Look for Coutee to try to expose this Oklahoma State defense. The run game for Tech is lead by RB Justin Stockton. Stockton has 30 carries for 196 yards and is averaging 6.5 yards a carry. He’s also got two touchdowns. Tre King is another solid back for the Raiders with 14 carries for 114 yards and 8.5 yards per carry (!!!) and a touchdown.

It seems that, as is the norm, this Tech offense is still a force to be reckoned with. This will likely be an offensive shootout, as we’ve become accustomed to.

Check out Dustin Ragusa’s article for a more in depth look at the Raiders’ offense here.

Tech on Defense:

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after researching and reading about Tech this week, it’s that the Red Raiders struggle to defend the pass. This should have OC Mike Yurcich drooling like a St. Bernard. Rudolph can throw the ball and, as we all know, he has a ton of weapons to throw to. So far, the defense has given up 863 passing yards total. The unit has especially struggled against the Cowboys in the past.

Dakota Allen is the star of the Tech defense. Allen has 27 total tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception. Jordyn Brooks is another big contributor on defense with 25 tackles and an interception.

This Tech defense has given up a lot of points this season. Arizona State put up 45 on them and Houston had 24 points on the Raider defense. While that’s certainly an improvement, you have to wonder how an Oklahoma State team that’s scoring 48.5 points per game can do against them.

Prediction:

I think the Cowboys can pass the test of the night game in Lubbock. They have done well on the road so far this season and I just don’t see this loss to TCU lingering. However, I see this game being a shootout. Both offenses teams could come out firing on all cylinders and it’ll be a high scoring game. But I think the Oklahoma State defense will be able to hold the Tech offense off just enough and the Cowboys get the win.

42-35 Cowboys