Note: Due to the start of Game 3 of the World Series, the Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma game is now airing on Fox News.
How to watch Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Spo
Anyone who predicted Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma would be a major Big 12 tilt in 2013 was either a great prognosticator or a fan wearing red and black. The Red Raiders have come out of nowhere under first year head coach Kliff Kingsbury, winning their first seven games and taking the conference lead through four Big 12 games. Their offense is averaging roughly four more points per game compared to 2012, but the real change is on defense, where Tech is giving up 13 fewer points per game than it did last year.
Oklahoma is the No. 15 team in the first BCS standings of the year, but the Sooners are still trying to get into a groove. After a stunning loss to a reeling Texas team two weeks ago, they stumbled through a 15-point win over 2-4 Kansas last week. If OU wants to prove it can make a run at the Big 12 title, a win over No. 10 Texas Tech would be a good start.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Texas Tech (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) checks in at No. 10 in the first BCS standings of the year, and Oklahoma is at No. 15. The Sooners hold a 14-6 lead in the all-time series and won last year’s matchup, 41-20.
Vegas: Oklahoma opened as a 7-point favorite, per Odds Shark, and the over-under was set at 58.
Weather: Saturday’s forecast calls for a high of 70 and a 10 percent chance of rain in Norman.
Three names to know
Texas Tech quarterback Davis Webb, a true freshman, has exceeded all expectations so far this year. Filling in for the injured Baker Mayfield three times this year, he's completed 60.8 percent of his passes for 1,427 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions, and he's second in the Big 12 with 237.8 yards per game. Kliff Kingsbury has not made it clear which quarterback will start on Saturday, but both Webb and Mayfield both favor tight end Jace Amaro, who leads the conference with 56 catches. Amaro has scored three touchdowns and averages 106 yards per game, ranking third in the Big 12.
Oklahoma quarterback Blake Bell is the catalyst for the Sooners' offense. He's done a good job since taking over the starting job against Tulsa, throwing eight touchdowns to three interceptions. However, two of those picks came in the loss to Texas, and he didn't throw a touchdown pass against the Longhorns. He'll have to be better against the Red Raiders.
Two things at stake
Texas Tech still has a tough schedule remaining after the game against the Sooners -- vs. Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Baylor, at Texas -- but a win Saturday would keep the Red Raiders in the Big 12 lead and prove they’re a serious contender for the conference title.
With just one loss in conference play, Oklahoma is still in the title race, but the Sooners can’t afford another loss. Three teams ahead in the standings are unbeaten in Big 12 play, and a defeat at the hands of Tech all but eliminates OU from contention.
How to witness
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox
Further reading
For more on the Sooners, check out Crimson and Cream Machine. For all things Red Raiders, visit Viva the Matadors.
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