Texas Tech football: 3 players with the most to gain vs. Oklahoma

One of the backup QBs

Of course, the players with the most to gain today are backup QBs, Jackson Tyner and Jett Duffey.  That’s because if the Red Raiders were to stun the world in Norman, it’s probably going to be because one of these players will have taken his game to a new level.

Thus far, each is 1-2 as a starter with Duffey owning the more impressive win.  Last year, he was the starter when Tech went to Ft. Worth and knocked off TCU 17-14.  While he was far from stellar (13 of 24 passing for 190 yards, a TD, and a pick), his 38-yard 4th-quarter TD run was the game’s defining play showing just how much of a weapon his legs can be.

As for Tyner, his win came in 2016 when he led Rice to a victory over UTEP.  That day, he threw for 196 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on 18 of 25 passing.

Of course, neither has the type of signature win on their resume that a victory in Norman would be.  If they can lead Tech to one of the biggest upset wins in program history, they will instantly carve their name in Red Raider folklore.

But there is more at stake than just legacy because this game will be serving as a type of QB competition with the chance for one of these players to distinguish themselves as the man until Bowman returns in four or five weeks at the earliest.  And this could be the last shot for both to lead a college offense.

Being a senior, Tyner is facing his last ride as a football player as it would seem like his chances of playing professionally are rather slim.  Having started only three career games, he could experience life as a starter in the Big 12 for a significant stretch (something any QB would cherish) if he proves to be worthy of the job today.

Meanwhile, Duffey has yet another shot at living up to the billing that accompanied him out of high school.  Last year, he performed adequately in three starts but he did nothing to threaten Bowman’s hold on the job.

Pushing a healthy Bowman for playing time seems unlikely regardless of how well Duffey plays over the next month.  However, he could be able to change the way Texas Tech fans remember him.

If Duffey can lead his team to a handful of wins before turning the keys back over to Bowman, he will be a hero in Lubbock, especially if Tech is able to have a solid season overall.  And should he somehow pull out an improbable win in Norman, he will go from being considered a bust to being known as the author of one of the most stunning wins in Tech history.