Big 12 Football: Week 8 Power Rankings
By VF Castro
5. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Record: 3-4)
Some may be wondering how or why I have Texas Tech ranked so high after its 59-66 loss against the No. 16 ranked Oklahoma Sooners, but OFFENSE.
When comparing Texas Tech and Oklahoma, the biggest difference in stats were turnovers, and had Jonathan Giles not fumbled (which set the Sooners up for a touchdown), perhaps overtime would have happened. Perhaps if Patrick Mahomes hadn’t turned the football over in the second quarter, he would have matched Oklahoma Sooners’ quarterback Baker Mayfield’s seven touchdowns on the night. If only…
When you consider the offensive numbers the Sooners and Red Raiders put up, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see a performance like that again–especially not in most of our lifetimes. Mahomes was spectacular with five touchdowns and 734 yards passing, which tied the NCAA record for passing previously set by Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday against California back in 2014.
Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury described the team’s overall performance as “passionate,” as the Red Raiders were playing inspired football following the two turnovers. Defensively, Tech was improved since the West Virginia blowout, as it accounted for two punts, three stops, and a huge 4th and 1 stop. Sacks and turnovers were an issue, and if Tech’s defense was able to get to Mayfield, perhaps Tech could have created or prevented scoring opportunities.
All around, an improved team, but Texas Tech needs to take this momentum into TCU this week and find a way to get a win.
Next Game:
| Sat, Oct 29 | TCU | vs. | Texas Tech | Fort Worth, Texas | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |