One of the Big 12’s most explosive offenses will face off against perhaps the conference’s worst defense Thursday night, when No. 24 Oklahoma State hosts Texas Tech.
How to watch Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech: Game guide, TV/streaming, spread and more
Can the Red Raiders get back on the right track Thursday night?
Tom Pennington
The Cowboys opened the season with an impressive 37-31 loss to Florida State at a neutral site, and followed that up with blowout victories over FCS Missouri State and UTSA. The transition from injured starting quarterback J.W. Walsh to Arizona transfer Daxx Garman has gone smoothly so far for Mike Gundy's squad, and the defense the Cowboys face this week should even be a tad easier than the experienced group UTSA threw out there.
After a seven-point win over FCS Central Arkansas opened Texas Tech’s season, the Red Raiders eked out a four-point win against UTEP. Their biggest test of the year followed -- a home game against Arkansas -- and it was one Kliff Kingsbury’s team failed pretty badly. Texas Tech lost 49-28, allowing 438 rushing yards to the Razorbacks and seven rushing touchdowns.
The home team, Texas Tech, is also honoring a handful of former greats.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: Oklahoma State is ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll, but is not ranked in the Coaches Poll. The Cowboys are 2-1. Texas Tech, also 2-1, is not ranked in either poll. This is the Big 12 opener for both teams. Texas Tech holds a 21-17-3 lead in the all-time series, but Oklahoma State has won the last five contests between the two schools, and quite convincingly.
Vegas: Oklahoma State opened as a 14-point favorite. The line has since moved to 13.
Weather forecast: 77 degrees and partly cloudy.
Two things at stake
Oklahoma State nearly pulled off the opening upset against Florida State, and has only continued to impress since. A blowout victory here would help solidify its standing as a Big 12 challenger.
Texas Tech’s season is falling away quickly. With tough games against Kansas State and West Virginia around the corner, the Red Raiders could be looking at 2-4 with a very difficult November slate still on their plate.
One big matchup
Tyreek Hill vs. Texas Tech rushing defense. An All-American track selection in high school, Hill transferred to Oklahoma State from Garden City Community College and quickly made a name for himself with the Cowboys' track and field program. The junior won the Big 12 indoor title in the 200 meters, helping lead Oklahoma State to its first-ever Big 12 championship. That speed has translated to the football field as well: he's rushed 23 times for 135 yards, and is averaging 144 all-purpose yards per game.
The Red Raiders have not played well defensively this season, giving up 35 points to FCS Central Arkansas in their opener and 49 points to Arkansas in Week 3 (they’re allowing 36.7 points per game in total). They have the Big 12’s worst rushing defense so far, allowing a whopping 295.7 yards per game on the ground with just nine tackles for a loss. Next worst is Iowa State, at 221 and 14, respectively.
Further reading
For more on Oklahoma State, head over to Cowboys Ride For Free. For coverage of Texas Tech, check out Viva the Matadors.
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