Oklahoma 44, Texas Tech 27
Oklahoma is still searching for its first performance of the season where the Sooners can say it was a complete one on both sides of the football. On paper, last week against Kansas appeared the perfect spot for OU to hum on all cylinders.
That didn’t happen and it’s left the Sooners in a position to field questions about when or if that’s ever going to happen. Defensive reinforcements could help that process along.
Head coach Lincoln Riley expects defensive lineman Jalen Redmond to play against Texas Tech. That will be a big boost up front if he’s good to go. How many starters will Oklahoma have back in the secondary, though, or will they return after OU’s bye week?
That’s been the biggest problem area for the Sooners defensively. At this point, forecasting Oklahoma to suddenly put it all together on the back end of the defense versus anybody isn’t a ledge I’m comfortable walking out on.
Texas Tech quarterback Henry Colombi has thrown for just 124 and 148 passing yards in the Red Raiders’ past two games against Kansas and Kansas State. He’s also been intercepted in each of Tech’s last three games, so there’s plays to be made defensively. Still, it’s need to see to believe it time right now for this OU secondary.
Texas Tech ranks 100th nationally in scoring defense, so Oklahoma freshman quarterback Caleb Williams and the Sooners’ offense should be able to move the football and roll up points on the scoreboard. OU wins fairly comfortably because their offense with Williams running the show will give Tech’s defense fits, but the complete performance is at least a bye week away.
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