Texas Tech had nothing to lose when traveling to Norman this week. Well, Texas Tech lost to Oklahoma 52-21 in a game that went about as anticipated from what we knew about both teams. There were a few bright spots for the Red Raiders even in a one-sided game.
Ezukanma Is Electric
Going into this one, Texas Tech needed to play loose and free if they were going to pull an upset. Part of the game plan was to get the ball to the most explosive playmaker the Red Raiders had. Early in the game, Erik Ezukanma had a tremendous touchdown catch over two Sooner defenders which made the game 14-7 in the first quarter. Ezukanma would finish the day with eight receptions for 153 yards and the lone touchdown. Almost every reception resulted in him making the first defender miss on the tackle. The amount of involvement he had in the game plan today needs to be the standard if Texas Tech is going to have a chance in any of its three remaining games.
Texas Tech Lost Badly, But Defense Flashed Phsyciallity
Early in the game, the defensive front was showing the ability to get pressure on Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams. They even were able to sack the quarterback on the opening drive and forced Oklahoma to punt on its opening drive. They also held the Sooners only to 72 yards rushing on 20 rushing attempts. Unfortunately, those types of moments were simply flashes. Texas Tech did not force a single turnover all game.
Williams would finish the game 23-30 for 402 yards and six touchdowns. Williams demonstrated his elusiveness all game, but the greatest example of his talent came in the first quarter. After Texas Tech pinned Oklahoma on its own five-yard line, defensive coordinator Keith Patterson dialed up the perfect blitz. Riko Jeffers ran unblocked off of the left edge of the offensive line on William’s blind side with what appeared to be a sure sack and safety. Williams felt Jeffers at the last moment and spun away from Jeffers as he tackled air. Surrendering 50+ points for the third time this season was another ugly look in the end. However, this defense never showed any quit even when the game got out of hand.
QB3 Is Now QB1
Interim head coach Sonny Cumbie opted to stick with Henry Colombi to start this one. The offense still did not show much explosiveness, but midway through the second quarter, Colombi got hurt on a scramble out of bounds and forced Donovan Smith to lead the offense for the rest of the game. Smith would finish the game with seven rushes for 22 yards and 17-22 passing for 192 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Smith had a few moments where his athleticism extended plays in ways the team hadn’t seen from Colombi. It will be interesting to see what Cumbie will do as Texas Tech has a bye week before Iowa State comes to Lubbock. Smith has played well enough to be the QB1 for the rest of the season/if Shough returns before the season end.
Texas Tech Lost Again, Can They Get To That Elusive Sixth Win?
Iowa State is going to have to take on the Longhorns while Texas Tech has an opportunity to get healthy for their November stretch of the season. With Iowa State losing to West Virginia, the Cyclone team is looking vulnerable. It is clear that Cumbie has this team playing hard. The Red Raiders were clearly overmatched today against the Sooners. Most of the Big 12 is overmatched with the Sooners the moment they take the field. So while Texas Tech lost yet again, dropping their last three of four, this team has what appears to be its best chance to secure a bowl bid against Iowa State in two weeks.
