Oklahoma State Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Texas Tech in Week 5

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver James Washington #28 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys is unable to catch a pass as defensive back Justis Nelson #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders applies pressure during the first half of a NCAA football game November 12, 2016 at Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 23: Nic Shimonek /

2. Nic Shimonek struggles for the first time

Texas Tech senior quarterback Nic Shimonek has helped Raider fans forget about departed star quarterback Patrick Mahomes through the first three games. Shimonek threw for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns with only one interception.

The Houston game looked like a big step forward for Shimonek and the Red Raiders. It was their first victory of the season when they entered the game as underdogs. Houston’s defense is nothing to mess around with, especially All-American defensive tackle Ed Oliver.

Even against a solid Houston defense, Shimonek still totaled five touchdowns, three of which came on the ground. Shimonek’s versatility has shown through in the last two games against Houston and the Arizona State Sun Devils with four rushing touchdowns.

Keeping up with the high-powered and newly motivated Oklahoma State offense is going to be a different type of challenge for Shimonek. He has not been in this type of spotlight yet in his career like he is in Texas Tech’s Big 12 opener.

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