This past Saturday Oklahoma played Texas Tech in the opening conference game for both schools. The Sooners cruised to a 55-16 victory over the Red Raiders. Here is our Oklahoma vs Texas Tech review.
Oklahoma vs Texas Tech Review
Texas Tech
Texas Tech struggled on both sides of the ball Saturday. Clearly, the Red Raiders need help at the quarterback position. With starter Alan Bowman out with a shoulder injury, the Red Raiders relied on backups, Jackson Tyner and Jett Duffey. Both quarterbacks had problems moving the offense. One of the few bright spots for the offense was the running game. Texas Tech had success moving the ball on the ground at times although not consistently. That being said the Red Raiders will struggle to be competitive offensively until they get consistent play at the quarterback position.
On the other hand, Texas Tech is clearly improved on the defensive side. The offense needs to keep the defense off the field a little more.
Clearly this year will be a rebuilding year for Texas Tech. They have a totally new system and philosophy under first-year head coach Matt Wells. Growing pains are inevitable with a new coaching staff.
Oklahoma
In stark contrast, Oklahoma had very little issue with the Red Raiders. The Sooners’ offense had little trouble moving the ball from the first possession. Oklahoma, who entered the game leading the nation in total offense, gained 642 yards. They have totaled at least 600 yards in each game this season.
Jalen Hurts had another Heisman like performance. Hurts threw for a career high 415 yards through the air, as well as another 70 yards on the ground while playing only three quarters. Hurts was responsible for four touchdowns. Junior receiver CeeDee Lamb had career days in receiving yards (185), and touchdowns (3).
The offensive line seems to be improving each week. As well as moving the ball through the air with 443 yards, the Sooners also rushed for 201 yards on the ground.
On the defensive side of the ball, the unit took another positive step forward. The defense continues to apply pressure and turn the ball over. Neville Gallimore had arguably his best game of the season. Gallimore was constantly a source of disruption in the Red Raider back field. The Sooners seem to be improving in the area of tackling and flying to the ball. In contrast, the defense still needs to improve at getting off of blocks and gap responsibility.
The kicking game was aptly handled by Gabe Brkic in the absence of Calum Sutherland. Brkic was two for two on field goals and hit all seven PATs.
On the negative side, the Sooners need to cut down on penalties. Oklahoma was flagged nine times for 114 yards.
The Final Thought
In conclusion, the Red Raiders were outmanned, and Oklahoma’s dominance was so thorough that Bowman likely would have made little difference.
The Sooners were dominant both offensively and defensively on Saturday in Norman. The Red Raiders were just another stepping stone working toward the October 12th battle with Texas in Dallas and eventually one of the four post-season college football playoff spots.
