Texas Tech enters this week with something to prove. After suffering a surprising 26–22 loss to Arizona State, the Red Raiders are shifting their focus toward Oklahoma State and they’re not coming in lightly. A team that’s carried itself like a Big 12 powerhouse all year now finds itself angry, motivated, and looking to take that frustration out on its next opponent. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, is limping into this matchup at 1–6, searching for answers on both sides of the ball while trying to avoid being run off the field.
Will Hammond Leading the Charge in Morton’s Absence
Even without starting quarterback Behren Morton, who remains questionable with a knee injury, Texas Tech hasn’t missed a beat. Freshman quarterback Will Hammond stepped in last week and nearly led a dramatic comeback in the final minutes against Arizona State. His poise, athleticism, and confidence under pressure have given Red Raider fans plenty of reason to believe he can steer the ship just fine while Morton recovers. Whether or not Morton is ready for this Saturday, Hammond has shown he’s more than capable of delivering results. The system works, the talent is there, and Oklahoma State’s defense will have their hands full regardless of who lines up behind center.
Oklahoma State Faces an Uphill Climb
For Oklahoma State, the odds couldn’t be more stacked. The Cowboys are fresh off a crushing 49–17 homecoming loss to Cincinnati, and their season has been defined more by fan antics in the stands than by anything happening on the field. The program is clearly in a rebuilding phase, and facing a fired-up Texas Tech squad on the road is hardly the recipe for a turnaround. The Cowboys have struggled to find consistency at quarterback, their offensive line has been shaky, and the defense hasn’t proven capable of stopping explosive attacks. All signs point toward another difficult afternoon in what has already been a painful season.
Massive Spread Reflects the Mismatch
Oddsmakers have Texas Tech favored by a staggering 38.5 points heading into the weekend. That kind of number is rare in a Power Five conference matchup, but it reflects the gap between these two teams as they currently stand. Oklahoma State’s record and recent performances suggest they’re outmatched at nearly every position. On the flip side, Texas Tech, still very much in the Big 12 title conversation, can’t afford another slip-up, especially against a team sitting at the bottom of the standings. After last week’s loss, the Red Raiders aren’t likely to take their foot off the gas.
A Statement Game in the Making
This week isn’t just about getting back in the win column for Texas Tech. It’s about sending a message. With or without Behren Morton under center, the Red Raiders have the firepower, depth, and motivation to put together a dominant showing in front of their home crowd. Oklahoma State will need to play nearly perfect football just to keep this game competitive, and even then, they’ll have to hope Texas Tech makes mistakes. But with the Red Raiders coming off a frustrating loss and eager to reassert themselves, this has all the makings of a statement game and the Cowboys just happen to be next in line.
Possible Painful Afternoon for the Pokes
Unless Oklahoma State finds a spark that has been missing all season, this one could get out of hand early. Texas Tech has every reason to play with urgency, and they have the tools to break the game open in the first half. Whether they coast or continue to pile on late will depend on their mindset after last week's stumble. But one thing is certain — the Red Raiders are coming to make noise, and Oklahoma State could be walking straight into a storm.