The 2OT: Red Raiders will need a 2008-level performance to beat Oklahoma

The Thought.

Thursday marked ten years since Michael Crabtree’s famous touchdown to defeat the No. 1 ranked Longhorns in the final seconds of the game. The 2008 season was an exciting one for Red Raiders. The chemistry between Harrell and Crabtree was undeniable. The no. 7 Red Raiders had remained undefeated through the first eight games of the season, but so had the Longhorns. The Longhorns needed this win to for a chance to play in the national championship game. Crabtree’s touchdown brought down those national championship dreams and Even took the Big 12 Championship from their grasp. It was a glorious play that will forever live in the hearts of Red Raiders everywhere.

Ten years later, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are hoping to repeat that victory, but this time against OU.

The Take.

A victory against Oklahoma would give Texas Tech the chance to make a statement on the national stage. All eyes are on Oklahoma. Everybody keeps bringing up the 2016 game that had all eyes on Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes, but Saturday’s game is not about them. Saturday's game is about the future of Texas Tech. We say this every year, But this is supposed to be Texas Tech’s rebuilding year and with freshman QB Alan Bowman the future is looking bright.

On the other hand, Oklahoma's offense is virtually unstoppable, and QB Kyler Murray is a force to be reckoned with. Though defense has improved significantly since David Gibbs took over, they are still 79th in defensive S&P+. That is an improvement for the defense. It is their highest since 2013. There are also only giving up an average of 28 points per game, which is their lowest since 2009. They also excel I'm stopping teams on third-down and they they are thrilled by turnovers, but but will that be enough to stop Kyler Murray and Oklahoma's offense?

I want to hear from you too. What are your thoughts?