The Oklahoma Sooners will entertain the Texas Tech Red Raiders this Saturday in Norman at 11:00 am. The Sooners look to build on an impressive 3-0 start. While the Red Raiders hope to rebound from a 28-14 loss to Arizona in their last contest. Both teams are coming off a bye week. Here is the Oklahoma vs Texas Tech preview.
Oklahoma vs Texas Tech Preview.
Texas Tech
As previously stated, Texas Tech is coming off a bye week. With that being said, the Red Raiders have injury problems at quarterback. Starter Alan Bowman will be on the shelf for an undetermined length of time with a shoulder injury. Reportedly, first year head coach Matt Wells has opted to go with back up fifth year senior Jackson Tyner.
In early season contests it appears the Red Raider defense looks to be improved over past years. The defense has allowed an average of 13.6 points a game so far. That number is a little skewed as they have played UTEP and Montana State. The Tech defense surrendered 28 points in a loss to Arizona.
Texas Tech will undoubtedly suffer some growing pains due to injuries and a new coaching staff, with a new system in place in specific the offensive philosophy.
Oklahoma
After a bye week, Oklahoma looks to pick up where they left off. The Sooners offense is running like a well-oiled machine. Jalen Hurts has performed better than many experts anticipated in guiding Oklahoma to a 3-0 start. Add to that the highly touted freshmen receivers have meshed nicely with the veterans.
Coming in to the season the biggest concern for the offense was the offensive line. The offensive line has improved every week. Obviously, the biggest concern is not talent, but inexperience. Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh has the line performing at a high level, as they get the experience needed. There’s not much doubt that Bedenbaugh is the best offensive line coach in college football.
The defense has been a sore spot for the Sooners in recent years. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has the defense buying in to his aggressive style of play. Oklahoma is no longer playing back on their heels defense, and it seems to be paying dividends. Statistically the defense is leaps and bounds better than last year. But the ultimate indicator is the eye test. By this criterion there’s no comparison to previous defenses.
With that being said, the next real test for the defense will be on October 12th when the Sooners face off against the Texas Longhorns in Dallas.
The Final Word
When Oklahoma faces Texas Tech this Saturday it appears, these are teams heading in different directions. While on one side Red Raiders are adapting to a new head coach, offensive philosophy and key injuries. The Sooners are looking to tweak a machine that is performing at a high level.
Texas Tech is just hoping to improve and weather a Sooner storm. On the other hand Oklahoma is hoping to use the Red Raiders as a stepping stone for the annual Red River Showdown with Texas in Dallas.
Ultimately, Oklahoma should not have much trouble with Texas Tech if they keep their eye on the prize.
Oklahoma 45
Texas Tech 17
