Coming into the season, the Texas Tech Red Raiders were certainly not picked to win the Big 12 conference. But an undefeated start has all eyes on Lubbock in the Midwest. The No.10 Red Raiders will get their biggest challenge of the season to date, traveling to Norman to take on the No.15 Oklahoma Sooners Saturday afternoon at 3:30 pm ET on ABC.
- When:
Sat., Oct. 26th, 2013 @ 3:30pm ET
- Where:
Gaylord Family Stadium, Norman, OK
- Who’s Favored?
OKLA by 7 ~ 58 o/u @ BetOnline
- More Info:
A lot will be learned about Texas Tech over the month of November, with the road trip to Oklahoma just the start. There are three ranked opponents over the course of the next four games, with a matchup on the road against an improved Texas team after that.
But those who play the Red Raiders will be in for a big challenge as well. This is one of the most prolific offenses in the entire country. And for the majority of the season its been orchestrated by a walk-on freshman Baker Mayfield. But a knee injury struck Mayfield a couple of weeks ago, though he will not be lost for the year.
What was good news for Texas Tech is that the backup was neck-and-neck with Mayfield during the competition, so there is little drop off. Davis Webb has led the Red Raiders in Mayfield’s absence, preserving that undefeated record. The latest was a 37-27 win in which Webb threw for 462 yards to lead a comeback.
Oklahoma rebounded from the loss against Texas two weeks ago to defeat Kansas. It’s always good to play Kansas if a team wants to build some confidence. But this defense better get ready for the second-ranked passing offense in the country.
The Sooners will get a challenge offensively though as well. Texas Tech ranks 16th in the country in scoring, giving up just 18.7 points per game. The home field advantage will help Oklahoma, but by all accounts the Red Raiders appear to be for real. This will be a big test.