Formula for OSU upset
In the pages of The Oklahoman today, I went on the record saying Texas Tech will win Saturday.
It’s a big game in Lubbock, as everyone knows. Both Tech and Oklahoma State are going after a conference crown and perhaps even a national title, and frankly, the teams are pretty evenly matched.
Why do I give Tech the edge?
Location, location, location. Playing this game in Lubbock will put the Red Raiders over the top.
But still, I think there’s a way for the Cowboys to win. I even believe there’s a tell-tale stat that could spell victory — Kendall Hunter’s rushing yards.
The Cowboy running back has been spectacular this season. He’s already run for over 1,200 yards, and he averages 6.7 yards per touch. Even more impressive is the fact that he went over 150 yards in OSU’s two biggest games of the season. Hunter had 154 yards at Missouri and 161 yards at Texas.
If Hunter runs for 150 yards or more against Tech, I think OSU will win.
The Red Raiders, after all, have one of the stingiest rush defenses in the country. They’re allowing less than a 100 yards rushing a game. That hurts opponents not only offensively but also defensively. Them not being able to rush the ball much means that Tech’s high-powered offense gets back on the field a lot more.
A big day from Hunter would change that and give the Cowboys a great chance of proving yours truly absolutely wrong.
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Comments
I hope you are proven wrong Jenni. Winning over Tech would be HUGE for OSU! Hopefully, they would get some credit for actually being a good team (although not for the media or the BCS head honchos, I’m sure!!). Of course, as loyal fans, we’ve always been proud of our team — win or lose, but it sure is nice to be winning this year!! 
Tech might have a stingy rush defense but have they played anyone with a rushing game? No one in the Big 12 has a running game but OSU. Look at Texas they were ranked in the top 10 in rushing defense and look what Hunter did to them. If OSU can move the ball on the ground consistently and get the ball to Pettigrew I think OSU WILL win the game.
Your argument for location being the tipping point for two near even teams is very valid. A televised shoot-out will do wonders for the OSU program even if they end up with a loss. BTW, tell your editor you’ve added one regular reader to your blog. This answered the question I posed yesteray in my e-mail to you.
Yes OSU will win the game and then it will come down to OU/OSU which should be one heck of a game. I would have to put my money on OU, but it would not be much and it will be a close, very close game.
A minimum of 35 will be scored by both teams. Therefore, defensive stops become a huge factor. But because either team can score in seconds from anywhere on the field, I think the turnover battle will play the largest role. Also, watch and see if a 3 point kick doesn’t win the game. Edge OSU.
If I was an unbiased reporter, I would favor Tech as well. But, as an optimistic fan, I think if OSU avoids mistakes, they can win. In their road games at Texas and Missouri it appeared they had some good drives negated by an untimely fumble or interception. My prediction is that if OSU has 0 fumbles and no more than 1 interception, they will win.