Sooners’ 2015 Football Schedule: Breaking Down the Non-Conference Slate
By Sixto Ortiz
Aug 30, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass in the first quarter of the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
October 24: The Red Raiders Invade Norman
Why OU Might Win
Texas Tech limped to a 2-7 Big 12 Conference record in 2014; only Kansas and Iowa State fared worse in the conference. This is certainly not the kind of campaign Red Raider fans are used to and may have warmed up coach Kliff Kingsbury’s seat.
As usual, the contrast between Tech’s offense and defense was stark in 2014: while ranking 10th in the country in total offense, the Red Raiders finished the year ranked 125th in the nation in total defense. In 2015, this tale of two teams will not change much, and the Red Raiders will not be able to contain an Oklahoma offense clicking on all cylinders and showing great balance between run and pass. And, the Sooner defense will take advantage of Tech miscues to add to Oklahoma’s margin of victory.
Why OU Might Lose
First, let’s hope that on game day there are no heavy thunderstorms in the area leading to massive game delays. Last time that scenario occurred, OU was handed a 41-38 loss at home. The main culprit in this loss was a complete defensive breakdown by the Sooners, who gave up 572 yards of offense to the Red Raiders.
A similar scenario – perhaps sans bad weather – could transpire in 2015. If Tech’s offense is humming with Patrick Mahomes or Davis Webb under center and Oklahoma lays another defensive egg and has to win a shoot-out, there’s a real possibility the Red Raiders could leave Norman with a victory.
Interesting Fact
From 2000 – 2006, during Mike Leach’s successful tenure at Tech, only three other teams in the Big 12 had more victories than Tech: Oklahoma, Texas and Nebraska.
In 1917, Texas government officials nearly decided to establish a branch of Texas A&M University in West Texas (in Abilene) to serve the needs of the population there. Ultimately, it was decided that a brand new university would better serve that purpose.
Next: October 31st: The Sooners Visit Lawrence