Oklahoma State
vs.
Texas Tech
College Football
Pick
11/2/13
The Big 12 is cut in half right now. There are five teams that have a shot at winning the conference, and another five that have no chance of getting to the top. These two teams are right in the mix with just one loss apiece. A loss here would likely put that team out of contention in the Big 12. In a series that Oklahoma State has dominated in recent years, Texas Tech is slight -2.5 point favorites at 5 dimes sportsbook.
The Cowboys won the last two Games between these teams by a combined 128-27 score. That was even with Seth Doege at quarterback for the Red Raiders, which makes it even more confusing. Now with Davis Webb leading the way, Texas Tech is the favorite.
The interesting thing about both of these teams is that neither of them is proven. Even with one-loss records, neither has really beaten a formidable opponent. Both of them have small home wins over TCU, but the Horned Frogs boast a 3-5 record. It’s hard to put much trust in either team, but it’s looking like the Red Raiders gained some support after barely losing 38-30 to Oklahoma last weekend.
OK State won by way of a balanced attack last year, totaling 229 yards by air and 256 yards on the ground. After last week’s performance, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cowboys go with the same Game plan. Desmond Roland rushed for 219 yards and Four touchdowns last week as they trounced Iowa State. Roland now leads the team with only 366 yards total on the year. Clint Chelf started the Game at quarterback and looked much better running the ball. In the past two Games, Chelf is completing under 40 percent of his passes for one TD and two INTs. Considering they got the win, the Cowboys will likely roll with Chelf over J.W. Walsh once again in this matchup. Chelf was the winning QB last year against Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders have had trouble moving the ball the past two years even with Doege at quarterback in this matchup, but maybe Webb can change that. He has now thrown for at least 385 yards in three straight Games to go with seven TDs and three INTs. Because he throws the ball so much, interceptions do arise. They don’t have much of a run Game, which has been a problem in losses. Leading RBs DeAndre Washington (294 yards, Four TDs) and Kenny Williams (280 yards, seven TDs) combined for just 80 yards on the ground in the loss to the Sooners. Receivers Jace Amaro and Eric Ward lead the way for the Raiders in the receiving Game.
Which one of these teams deserves their current ranking? That’s what it’s going to come down to. The Cowboys have had the advantage lately, but this squad doesn’t look as potent as the ones we’ve seen in years past. The spread on this Game is small for a reason, it’s been hard to read these teams.
The Cowboys are 2-7 ATS in their last nine road Games and the Red Raiders are 2-6 ATS in their last eight home Games. The Cowboys have covered in Four straight Games between these two teams.
A whopping 82% of the action at 5dimes.com has come in on Texas Tech as of Wednesday. Much more lopsided than we would think for a Game that appears to be fairly even.