Sports

Texas Tech vs. OU Football Game Preview

Texas Tech quarterback runs from a player on Oklahomas defense in a past football game. Another Texas Tech player rushes to the quarterbacks side to defend the QB from the OU player.
Texas Tech Football

Tech Has a Chance against OU

This matchup game just got a whole lot more interesting. If you had asked me a few weeks ago how I thought this game would go, I would’ve told you that OU would demolish us and salt the fields, so nothing grows there again—but now, seeing Tech finally win a conference game and OU not looking as good as years past. I think that the Red Raiders have a decent chance of winning this game. 

It all starts with the matchup at quarterback—the five-star vs. the graduate transfer. OU quarterback Spencer Rattler was the top QB in his high school class when he committed to the Sooners. After sitting behind Jalen Hurts for a season, he took the reins and has been the definition of inconsistent. One second he’s spinning out of a sack and improvising his way to a significant gain against TCU, then next, he’s getting benched for a few drives against Texas due to turning the ball over.

Henry Colombi Could Save the Game

While on the other side, we have Henry Colombi making his second ever start for Texas Tech. He is the definition of consistent. In the limited amount of time that we have seen him play, he has looked poised and in command of the offense. His ability to run the ball effectively opened up the playbook for coach Matt Wells, and his toughness in and out of the pocket has been very impressive. The thing that defines this matchup is who makes the big mistake? Both offenses will score, and both defenses leak more than a Motel 6 sink. Rattler has had trouble with not only interceptions but fumbles as well. He kept the ball out of the TCU defense’s hands, and that’s why they won the way they did. Colombi wasn’t flashy, but he threw good passes in tight windows. He stayed calm under pressure against the best defensive line in the conference, and when he did get hit, he showed the toughness that I think made the team rally around him.

Fair Game for Both Team’s Offense

Neither offense really has an edge in this game. Both offenses will put up big numbers and lots of points. It will be Big12 football at its finest. Whichever defense forces the other team’s offense into more mistakes will put their team in the best chance to succeed. But the real battle will be in special teams. Texas Tech has been excellent in special teams with multiple blocked kicks and punts, as well as a record-long punt last game against WVU. OU, on the other hand, has done well-receiving kicks but not as well when they punt of kick. Oklahoma ranks last in the Big 12 in punt average. Meaning, that when Tech forces stops, they will likely get the ball with good field position.

Tech vs. OU predictions

I see this game being a shootout with special teams playing a large part. If Tech can steal a possession by blocking a punt or a kick, I think it will be the deciding factor. Tech will not win a straight-up dog fight with OU. OU has too much in terms of weapons on offense and defense. If Tech can force a turnover or two, I think it will turn the game in their favor. If it stays clean, the game will be over before the fourth quarter. So, what will it be? I predict a massive upset with Texas Tech stunning the Sooners with a late score to win the game bringing the Red Raiders to 2-3 in conference play. The final score will be somewhere in the region of 45-42. The game will kick off at 7:00 pm CT and will be on FOX. 

Story by Ryan Scott, Sports Journalist for Campus Live

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