Texas Tech @ Oklahoma State
The first losing streak of the McGuire era will arrive as the season hits the midway point. That’s because Oklahoma State is another program that knows its identity and has built a roster ready to play to it.
Now, the Cowboys will be facing some challenges in 2022. A year after having arguably the best defense in the nation, OSU has to replace 2021 defensive coordinator Jim Knowles who is now running the Ohio State defense.
What’s more, six of their top eight tacklers from last fall have departed. But sophomore Collin Oliver is back after leading the Big 12 with 11.5 sacks as a freshman.
On offense, the Cowboys will go as far as QB Spencer Sanders takes them. He’s a polarizing figure as he’s never thrown for more than 3,000 yards in a season but he’s also one of the winningest QBs in recent Big 12 history. As a senior, will he have his best year thus far and be the focal point of the OSU offense?
In the end, playing in Stillwater is never easy. Tech has won there only once since 2001 after all.
But recent years have seen the Red Raiders play the Pokes tough in their own backyard. Two years ago it was a 50-44 shootout and in 2018, Tech actually came out on top 41-17. What’s more, in 2016, the Red Raiders fell just 45-44.
However, this Tech team is going to have to prove it can win tough road games before I’m going to pick them to do so. OSU won’t have their way with the Red Raiders like they did last year in Lubbock but they will defend their home turf and send McGuire’s team to a 3-3 record at the turn.