Texas Tech football: 3 OSU defensive players Tech must contend with

Safety Tre Sterling is a play-maker in the secondary

The safeties in the OSU defense are asked to be huge components of the rush defense.  Jim Knowles likes to bring his safeties to move up towards the line to crowd the box.

That’s where Tre Sterling has been a factor this year.  The sophomore is starting for the first time in 2019 after putting up just two tackles last year.

He already has 30 tackles this year, fourth-most on the team.  That includes a solid game last week against Kansas State with seven tackles and a pass defense.

So far, his head coach has been impressed with his ability to man his position.  That has allowed the Pokes to move Rodriguez to linebacker, which was a position of concern in the offseason.

"“He’s come a long way,” Gundy told Frank Bonner of the Tulsa World. “He’s been a steady player for us. … He made some really good plays, seems to be in the right spot most of the time. I’m excited about the improvement he’s made in just one year.”"

The reason Tech fans need to keep an eye on Sterling (No. 3) is that his style of play could allow Tech to take some shots deep.  If he begins to creep too far towards the line, he could fall prey to a play-action pass deep.

However, last week against OU, Tech rarely pushed the ball past 15 yards downfield.  But one would have to think that the gameplan against the Cowboys will include more of a vertical attack at home.

Duffey has proven at times to be better when throwing the ball deep than when trying to fit it into tight windows in the middle of the field.  Sterling still has yet to record his first interception and has just three pass defenses this season so pass defense may not be his forte.  Look to see if Tech tries to confuse him in pass coverage and take advantage of his inexperience by forcing him to make quick decisions against OC David Yost’s lightning-fast offense.