Following their first loss of the season to a tough Arizona State team, Texas Tech is heading into this week’s matchup against Oklahoma State with a renewed sense of urgency. Head coach Joey McGuire has made it clear that there’s no room for looking back only forward. The Red Raiders are locked in, focused, and ready to unleash their best effort from the very first snap.
McGuire addressed the media earlier this week and expressed how much he learned from last week’s loss. Despite the result, he was proud of the way his team fought. It was a game filled with adversity — missed opportunities, turnovers that didn’t go their way, and injuries piling up on both sides of the ball — yet the Red Raiders nearly mounted a full comeback. According to McGuire, that fight, even in the face of setbacks, showed the true character of his team.
McGuire Proud of the Fight, But Focused on the Response
Reflecting on the Arizona State game, McGuire emphasized that nothing seemed to bounce in their favor. The team forced three fumbles but couldn’t recover a single one. A dropped interception led to points for the opponent. Still, what stood out to him wasn’t the mistakes, but the mindset. There was no panic on the sideline. No finger-pointing. Just a team still pushing, still believing.
He praised his coaching staff for taking accountability immediately after the game going on to say:
"“I was really proud of our coaches,” McGuire said. “They were already saying, ‘Hey, I wish I would have done this. I wish I had done that.’ So they took ownership. I took ownership right off the bat.” "Texas Tech HC Joey McGuire
That tone has carried over into the week, with a strong internal push to sharpen the focus and prepare for a dominant response against Oklahoma State.
A “Get Right” Game Ahead
This weekend’s game is being viewed as a “get right” opportunity for Texas Tech and a chance to get back on track in a big way. The Red Raiders come in as heavy favorites, and the expectation is that they’ll play with urgency, aggression, and a desire to leave no doubt. If McGuire’s words are any indication, they won’t be taking their foot off the gas.
“We're going to find out a lot about ourselves and how we're going to bounce back,” McGuire said. “I was extremely proud of our guys.” That bounce-back starts now, and Oklahoma State, whose season hasn’t lived up to expectations, finds itself in the path of a Texas Tech team that can’t afford another stumble.
Dealing with Injuries and Staying the Course
One of the major storylines heading into this week is the status of starting quarterback Behren Morton, who has been battling injury since the Arizona State game. McGuire mentioned that Morton is progressing, participating in running exercises in the pool and being evaluated day-to-day. His availability could be a key factor, but no matter who’s under center, the expectation remains the same: play fast, play hard, and don’t let up.
Injuries have taken a toll across the roster, but McGuire isn’t making excuses. Instead, he’s leaning on his players to step up, as several already have. The depth of this team will be tested, and McGuire’s emphasis on accountability and preparation will be critical in how they respond.
Oklahoma State Will Get Texas Tech’s Best
Oklahoma State shouldn’t expect a team licking its wounds. They should expect Texas Tech’s best. A team that knows one more loss could derail their season, that understands what’s at stake, and that is now fueled by adversity rather than shaken by it. McGuire is pushing his team to take things one week at a time, to focus on the task in front of them, and to make sure no one takes this game lightly.
This Saturday will be about more than just a win. It will be a chance for the Red Raiders to reestablish who they are and make a statement in the process. If last week was about lessons learned, this week is about showing they’ve taken those lessons to heart. Expect a locked-in, fired-up Texas Tech team to come out swinging.