By Andrew Miller, From LastWordOnCollegeFootball.com
The Oklahoma State Cowboys have their final home game in week 11 against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Oklahoma State and Texas Tech put together one of the highest scoring games of 2015, which ended as a 70-53 Cowboys victory. The Cowboys come into this game with a 7-2 (5-1 Big 12) record, compared to the Red Raiders with a 4-5 (2-4 Big 12) record. This is a key game for both teams as Texas Tech needs a victory to move toward bowl eligibility and the Cowboys need to win out before their game against Oklahoma to win the Big 12. Now let’s take a look at Oklahoma State’s week 11 keys to victory.
Oklahoma State’s Week 11 Keys to Victory
Win the Turnover Battle
The Red Raiders have one of the top offenses in the country. They’re averaging 590 total yards per game, and 46.2 points per game. While it might not be very possible to completely shut down the Red Raider offense, a bend but not break mentality could help. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been vulnerable to turnovers, at times, this season. He has thrown twice the amount of interceptions as Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph. The Cowboys have forced 20 turnovers this season, and 10 in the last four games, according to the Associated Press. Their total number of turnovers are good for ninth in the nation this season. Furthermore, two weeks ago the Cowboys got 17 points off of turnovers against West Virginia. If Oklahoma State can have the same effectiveness with turnovers, and converting them into points, it will go a long way toward getting a big victory over Tech.
Take Advantage of Texas Tech’s Defense
Rudolph was great for the Cowboys last week against Kansas State. He threw for more than 450 yards and had a career record five passing touchdowns. Rudolph and the Cowboys offense will need to keep up with the high-powered Red Raiders offense. This game could very easily be a shootout. The Red Raiders defense has allowed an average of 534 total yards per game and 42 points per game. Cowboys receivers James Washington and Jalen McCleskey have a big opportunity to continue their hot streak against a weak Texas Tech secondary. Also, true freshman running back Justice Hill could run wild. Last week, Texas Longhorns running back D’Onta Foreman rushed for 341 yards and three touchdowns. While another 70 point game might not be in the cards for the Cowboys offense, 50-plus points is definitely possible.
Home Field Advantage
The Cowboys have been great at home this season. Their only loss, which came to Central Michigan, was not even a real loss. Oklahoma State is also on a five game winning streak and are flying under the radar nationally. Rudolph has thrown for 16 touchdowns against only one interception at home this season. This Saturday is also Senior Night for the Cowboys, as this is their last home game of the season. If anything that should provide some extra motivation.
Prediction
Oklahoma State currently has a seven game winning streak against Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have not been victorious against the Cowboys since 2008. This game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. CT at Boone Pickens Stadium. Expect this game to turn into a shootout, but the Cowboys will control the game pretty much the entire way. Hill will run for 150 yards and two touchdowns and Rudolph will add another five total touchdowns. Mahomes will have double the amount of touchdowns than turnovers, but it will not be enough.
Oklahoma State 52, Texas Tech 38
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