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Oklahoma looks to keep rolling against Texas Tech
Baker Mayfield will recognize some of his former mates as Oklahoma faces Texas Tech Saturday on FOX (8 p.m).
1. Watch Out for Flying Tortillas! Tech is not an easy place to play especially when their team has its backs against the wall and knowing that it can destroy all of Oklahoma's hopes and dreams as is related to winning a Big 12 Title with an upset win at home. Red Raider fans are a cold as an ex-mother in law's hug and Jones AT&T stadium is a wild environment.
2. Baker Mayfield: The Sooner QB will be under an intense microscope when he returns to Lubbock to compete against his ex-team and those who allegedly tried to hamper No. 6 in getting another year of eligibility at OU. Nonetheless, Mayfield must stay unemotional in a highly emotional arena. The Sooner signal caller will have a giant, bull's eye on his chest Saturday night on Fox TV but must not 'press.' Both Mayfield and OU OC Lincoln Riley are both former walk on QB's at Tech.
3. Joe Mixon: Curious as to how OC Riley will utilize Mixon in the absence of Samaje Perine who is going to be out 2-3 weeks with a pulled, leg muscle. The Sooners are dangerously shallow when it comes to backup's at QB & RB. Love to see Mixon get 20 touches in a variety of offensive ways in Lubbock. It's a timely weekend for backup RB Abdul Adams to have a solid game while protecting the football.
4. Mike Stoops' defense: Must continue to improve in all phases and battle through several injuries especially at defensive tackle notwithstanding preparing for an onslaught of passes from Kingsbury's pass happy team. Can the OU pass defense have a productive night? Will the Sooners be able put consistent pressure on Tech's talented thrower and nation's leading passer, QB Patrick Mahomes? Sooners defense is giving up an average of 33 points per game which is "bowling shoe ugly" and it's improbable that any team can win their league with a defense allowing so many points.
5. Tech fan base: They will be loud, many will be obnoxious, a handful will be 'over served' and if OU turns the ball over and allows big plays, the Tech faithful will have exactly what they need and that's "hope." Giving the Red Raider faithful "hope" is what Tech needs as playing on home in a Saturday night, nationally televised game is a ton of motivation for a team looking to arguably earn a season defining victory in a game that Tech isn't supposed to win.
6. Dede Westbook: The Sooner fan base's favorite Westbrook, sorry Russ, has been hotter than JR's Hot BBQ Sauce in recent weeks but can he continue to establish himself as an All American level pass catcher Saturday night? If #11 is contained, then who else steps up to provide a pass catching threat? TE Mark Andrews comes to mind and he's due to have a big game.
7. Special teams: OU's outstanding kicker, Austin Seibert, is a gem who needs to have a productive, Saturday night. OU coming up short on trips to the red zone in Lubbock isn't advisable and the Sooners kick coverage must also be spot on in this crucial, Big 12 Conference road game. Big, special teams plays can be a blessing or a curse.
Texas Tech hasn't beaten a nationally ranked team since 2013 when the Red Raiders defeated No. 16 Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl so are the Red Raiders "due?" Kliff Kingsbury's crew has nothing to lose in this outing and a ton to gain with a victory. The last time the Sooners lost in Lubbock was 2009 which is memorable for yours truly as I was awarded a $200 speeding ticket after the game in lovely Plainview, Texas, from a Barney Fife wannabe for going 74 in a 70. Every game from here on out is akin to an elimination game for OU as it relates to winning the Big 12. Going into hostile territory and winning Saturday night for Stoops Troops is predicted but far from automatic. Sooners looking to improve to a 4-0 start in the Big 12 for the first time since 2004. If you enjoy video game like offense, then this wild west shootout should be a terrific TV game to enjoy.
Prediction: OU 50 Texas Tech 35
Boomer Sooner!
Jim Ross @JRsBBQ
Jim Ross is a New York Times best selling author, a member of three Halls of Fame, host of the weekly, The Ross Report Podcast on iTunes, voice of CBS Sports Network boxing and AXSTV's New Japan Pro Wrestling, and creator, along with wife Jan, of JR's condiments which include JR's BBQ Sauces, Chipotle Ketchup, Jalapeno Honey Mustard aka Main Event Mustard and All Purpose Seasoning/Dry Rub that can be ordered online at www.wweshop.com.
Check in a www.jrsbarbq.com for more info.
