Big 12 Football: Week 11 Power Rankings

7. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Record: 4-6)

Texas Tech just can’t seem to catch a break; that’s the theme of 2016. Four losses this season have been decided by eight points or less, which is equally frustrating on both offensive and defensive sides of the football. Plagued by injuries, players leaving the program early, and 50 percent of the staff in its rookie season, 2016 has been a petrie dish of experimentation for the Red Raiders.

What’s scary, however, is that even at 4-6 on the season, we saw what a relatively young Texas Tech team is capable of against Oklahoma State. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury literally brought the kitchen sink on a beautiful fake punt by Michael Barden, and a recovered onside kick. Unfortunately, Clayton Hatfield (one of the nation’s best kickers) missed a critical late PAT to tie the game. Whether it was on account of a bobbled hold or not, a lot of fans were upset that Kingsbury didn’t opt to go for two, given Mahomes’ surge of energy. What fans also have to be reminded of is how upset everyone got at Kingsbury early in the season for “going for it,” and leaving points on the field. Sometimes you take a gamble, and it doesn’t, in fact, “favour the bold.”

Oklahoma State narrowly escaped a Texas Tech team that is noticeably better, despite allowing 45 points against the nation’s No. 13 team. If Texas Tech can win out against Iowa State and Baylor, the Red Raiders will be bowl eligible, and this season will be salvaged.

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