Thanksgiving and Texas Tech Edition of Key Match-Ups and Big 12 Predictions
STILLWATER -- I'm not sure what to expect at the turnstiles on Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium. The statue ceremony before the game isn't likely to bring a ton of people out. I would like to think Senior Day would bring out the "loyal and true" but after the loss to Oklahoma there has been much disappointment and frustration coming out from the "loyal and true".
Practices this week were surprisingly lively and the players held a meeting before the practice on Tuesday and re-committed themselves to the season and the goals. Truth be told, the Cowboys are beat up some and there may need to be some back-ups pitch in, stand up, and make some things happen.
Oklahoma State wide receiver #2-Tylan Wallace vs. Texas Tech cornerback #8-Zach McPhearson
Wallace is healthy and ready to explode. Tech will be challenged to cover him and the Red Raiders have shown more man coverage lately. They may again in Stillwater in order to juice up more pass rush. Wallace can be a great weapon in getting the Cowboys offensive mojo back.
Oklahoma State defensive end #89-Tyler Lacy vs. Texas Tech right tackle #50 Josh Burger
Lacy had a good game in Norman and he's had a series of good games. Honestly, he deserves more mention for what he has done. Burger is the lightest Texas Tech offensive lineman and Lacy is a big defensive end. This could be a game where Lacy has to be noticed.
Oklahoma State kicker #59-Brady Pohl vs. Texas Tech kicker #46-Jonathan Garibay
Interesting situation as Texas Tech brings in Garibay to replace Trey Wolff, who has really struggled. He goes four-of-four on field goals including a game winner as time expires. Brady Pohl finds out in warm-ups that Alex Hale is hurt and he has the duties for Bedlam and goes two-for-two. The battle of the best back-up kickers in college football.
Pokes Prediction
Texas Tech 17
@#21-Oklahoma State 27
11 a.m. on FOX
This could be closer than expected and closer than Cowboys fans think. No hangover from Oklahoma, at least not mentally as the team practiced well this week. The problems could be physically and with Illingworth testing positive for COVID and out that makes quarterback a precarious situation. The offensive line must buck up and protect Sanders. Defense will come back in a resounding fashion.
Big 12 Predictions
Season: Record vs. Spread - 24-17; Record Straight Up - 29-12
Last Week: Record vs. Spread - 1-1; Record Straight Up - 1-1
This Week - Nov. 27, 2020
#15-Iowa State (+1) 37
@#20-Texas 14
11 a.m. on ABC Television - Iowa State is on a roll and right now the defense is taking no prisoners. The Texas offense is exactly what the Cyclones are used to seeing. No problems here and Texas will struggle tackling Bryce Hall.
Nov. 28, 2020
Kansas State 14
@Baylor (-5) 10
6 p.m. on ESPN2 - Two teams that are worn down and word down at the quarterback position. Defense wins because offense is hurting.
TCU (-24) 35
@Kansas 10
7 p.m. on FS1 - Prime time? Choices had to be slim. TCU has too much for Kansas.
Oklahoma at West Virginia was cancelled due to COVID issues at Oklahoma.
Last Week - Nov. 21, 2020
Kansas State (+11) 13
@#17-Iowa State 36
Actual Score: 45-0 Iowa State
#14-Oklahoma State 31
@#18-Oklahoma (-7) 28
Actual Score: 41-13 Oklahoma