Sports On Earth On Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech. Sports On Earth’s Matt Brown picks a handful of games for this weekend and here’s what he has to say about the Oklahoma State and Texas Tech game:
The Big 12 schedule is backloaded for all of the contenders, and thus Oklahoma State’s 7-0 record has gone somewhat unnoticed. Before last week’s domination of Kansas, Oklahoma State had won its first three Big 12 games by a total of 12 points, raising legitimate concerns about the sustainability of this record. The good news is that TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma all must visit Stillwater in November. The bad news is that, first, Oklahoma State goes on a tricky road trip to Lubbock to face Texas Tech’s potent offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Red Raiders rank fifth in yards per play, with Mahomes already throwing for 2,851 yards and 21 touchdowns. If Mahomes can avoid mistakes — he’s thrown 10 picks — against a disruptive Oklahoma State defensive front, led by Emmanuel Ogbah, the Red Raiders stand a good chance of pulling off the home upset to end Oklahoma State’s undefeated bid before it gets to the toughest part of its schedule.
Pick: Texas Tech 42, Oklahoma State 38
OSU owns TTU. ESPN’s Max Olson writes (and not literally owns) but the Oklahoma State Cowboys have a six game winning streak over Texas Tech:
Oklahoma State is outscoring Tech by an average margin of 25 points per game over their last six meetings. Texas Tech is averaging less than 22 points per game and under 1.4 points per drive during that six-game streak.
One problematic trend over that six-year run: Texas Tech has a combined 12 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Only three rushing touchdowns, too.
Hocutt’s Value System. The official Big 12 site has a profile on Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt and his value system:
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without those five years in Manhattan,” said Hocutt. “I’m extremely fortunate that I go to play for one of the best college football coaches ever in Bill Snyder. Those lessons that he taught us everyday are applicable today. Those are still lessons that I draw from. From being a husband, to being a father to being an athletic director.”
Snyder said he’s not surprised at all at Hocutt’s success. “Kirby was one of those young guys who was a tremendous teammate,” he said. “He cared about all the young guys who played with him. He was a good leader in our program. He accepted that responsibility. I’ve always been proud of him. It’s certainly not a surprise that he’s achieved the successes that he has. He’s a perfect example of what someone can do when they have the right value systems in place.”
Jarret Doege Set to Visit. By the time I post my recruiting post, this will have already been old news, so I’m posting it here. Red Raider Sports’ Landon Wright reports that 2017 Lubbock Cooper quarterback, Jarret Doege, is set to visit Texas Tech this weekend, along with Ty Thomas, the newly offered safety also from Cooper.
Mailbag. Some guy named Seth and another guy named Spencer hop on Land Grant Gauntlet to ask if Texas Tech has a chance at the upset and how Baylor will do without Seth Russell.
Costume Contest. Per the official site they have the details on Saturday’s costume contest and there are six $4,5000 scholarships available for winners, to be judged by Robert Duncan, Duane Nellis and Candi Whitaker.
Miscellaneous. The ESPN Big 12 Blog Bros pick this week’s games and you might be surprised as to this week’s picks for Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech . . . Football Study Hall’s Bill Connelly has Oklahoma State winning by five over Texas Tech, at least with a 61.7% win probability . . . DMN’s Michael DuPont has his prediction for the game . . .