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Big 12 Football Power Rankings 2017: Week 2 edition

By Phil Poling

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 17 : Head Coach Mike Gundy of the Oklahoma State Cowboys takes the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers September 17, 2016 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State defeated Pitt 45-38. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 17 : Head Coach Mike Gundy of the Oklahoma State Cowboys takes the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers September 17, 2016 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State defeated Pitt 45-38. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
(Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

We all know Kliff Kingsbury team’s easily score points, but stopping people defensively is what’s been a problem in Lubbock. It’s only Week 1, but the Red Raiders held Eastern Washington to only 10 points — not a typo. They didn’t hold an opponent under 17 points in a single game last season.

The offense transitioned seamlessly for Tech from Patrick Mahomes to Nic Shimonek, gaining 626 yards on the day. Now this won’t happen every week, unless Texas Tech moved to the Big Sky Conference without anyone knowing. But 600 yards is a lot regardless who the competition is.

More: ‘Last Chance U’ star Dakota Allen continues to shine

Jah’Shawn Johnson, Jordyn Brooks and Dakota Allen led the Red Raiders’ defense combining for 20 tackles between the three. The defense as a whole only reached the Eastern Washington quarterback once, but recorded seven tackles for loss.

It’s a good thing the Red Raiders defense showed up in Week 1. I couldn’t imagine how hot Kingsbury’s seat would be if he lost to Eastern Washington.

Texas Tech is off this weekend, but will get back on the field next Saturday when they host Arizona State.

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