In Stillwater, Texas Tech Sinks During 4th Quarter

STILLWATER, OK — The Texas Tech Red Raiders played its 3rd new quarterback of the season in a game where the Red Raiders traded leads with the No. 7 Oklahoma State Cowboys throughout the first three-quarters of the match-up. Despite leading for most of the contest, an inability to move the ball in the 4th quarter ultimately doomed Texas Tech, and the Red Raiders dropped their third game of the season, 41-31.

Texas Tech got off to a hot start, scoring the first touchdown of the game when (Redshirt) Freshman QB Behren Morton connected with WR Jerand Bradley on a 27-yard touchdown pass. Head coach Jerry McGuire rolled the dice when he went for an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff. Oklahoma State recovered the ball in Texas Tech’s territory, and it only took the Cowboys two plays to cover the remaining 34 yards to even the score, 7-7.

Both teams continued to trade scores throughout the first half, and the Red Raiders held a 24-20 advantage heading into the locker room at halftime. Texas Tech managed to maintain their lead heading into the 4th quarter after adding a touchdown. Morton drove the Red Raiders 65 yards down the field in seven plays to Oklahoma State’s 2-yard line. RB Sarodorick Thompson scored from two yards out and led the Cowboys 31-24 with 8:42 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

This was the final time the Raider offense was effective, however. Texas Tech’s offense stalled after this 3rd quarter touchdown and never scored again. Oklahoma State took the lead entering the 4th quarter, and the Red Raiders fell apart on offense. Coach McGuire continued his aggressive approach to 4th down conversions and, although initially successful, the tactic turned the ball over on downs on three straight drives to end the game. Texas Tech fell 41-31, losing its third game in a row.

Analysis

Texas Tech — Behren Morton played well throughout his debut and finished the day throwing 39/62 for 379 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His performance today showed he can play at a high level moving forward. If Joey McGuire continues to be aggressive on 4th down, the Red Raiders must execute at a high level, or they will continue to lose these close games.

Oklahoma State — Spencer Sanders converted less than 50% of his passes in today’s contest. He went 22/45 for 297 yards and a touchdown. Even though his efficiency looked shoddy at best, his talented receivers made the most of the catches they made. Explosive plays are the Cowboys' bread and butter this season. Oklahoma State is talented on both sides of the ball and is easily the favorite to win the BIG 12 this year.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-3)(1-2) take a break from action next week and return to BIG 12 play on Oct. 22 when they host the West Virginia Mountaineers (2-3)(0-2) at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock. Kickoff time is still TBD.

The No. 7 Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-0)(2-0) travel to Fort Worth next week, Oct. 15, to take on the No.17 TCU Horned Frogs (5-0)(2-0) at Amon G. Carter Stadium at 2:30 p.m.