Texas Tech is #1 nationally in 3rd down conversion percentage at 54.5%. The Cowboys rank 23rd at 45.2%. (Side note: Central Michigan ranks 25th at 45%.) Basically, Texas Tech is really only the second offense OSU has faced that has been strong on third down throughout its schedule, even in games lost. This could be a partial contributor to the Cowboys ranking #26 in terms of 3rd down defense at 31.9% or the Cowboys defense could be dragging down opponent numbers. In either case, something will give in this area. (Side note: Central Michigan is 28th at 32.7%).
Texas Tech's 62.9% completion rate is surprisingly lower than expected for a highly productive Air Raid offense, and it doesn't seem to mesh with their success on 3rd downs. For a reference point, OSU has a 64.9% completion rate this season. Additionally, the Red Raiders have attempted and completed roughly 50% more passes than OSU.
Texas Tech ranks 126th of 127 teams defensively in terms of number of first downs surrendered. Granted, they have played TCU, Baylor, OU, and Arkansas who all rank well offensively. They rank 120th in points allowed (40/game). They rank 124th in rushing defense in terms of yards per game and teams average 6 yards per carry against them. They are inefficient at defending the pass, ranking 103rd (144.5) and rank 114th in passing yards allowed, giving up 7.8 yards per attempt. They struggle to stop the run,
The Cowboys are 20th in total defense right now (316 yards per game), but the best offensive teams on the schedule are just ahead. That number will change, but the production should still be there. Oklahoma State ranks 18th in pass efficiency defense (106.9) and 19th in terms of passing yards allowed (181.1) while holding teams to 1.13 yards per attempt. The Cowboys lead the nation in sacks (4 per game) and rank #2 in tackles for loss. <Note: Texas Tech is one of the best teams nationally at avoiding negative yardage plays at 4 per game.> Teams are not having great success on the ground versus OSU, averaging only 135 yards per game (3.26 yards per carry).
Bottom line is that the numbers say that the match-up of the OSU defense against the Texas Tech offense should be fun.
Texas Tech's 62.9% completion rate is surprisingly lower than expected for a highly productive Air Raid offense, and it doesn't seem to mesh with their success on 3rd downs. For a reference point, OSU has a 64.9% completion rate this season. Additionally, the Red Raiders have attempted and completed roughly 50% more passes than OSU.
Texas Tech ranks 126th of 127 teams defensively in terms of number of first downs surrendered. Granted, they have played TCU, Baylor, OU, and Arkansas who all rank well offensively. They rank 120th in points allowed (40/game). They rank 124th in rushing defense in terms of yards per game and teams average 6 yards per carry against them. They are inefficient at defending the pass, ranking 103rd (144.5) and rank 114th in passing yards allowed, giving up 7.8 yards per attempt. They struggle to stop the run,
The Cowboys are 20th in total defense right now (316 yards per game), but the best offensive teams on the schedule are just ahead. That number will change, but the production should still be there. Oklahoma State ranks 18th in pass efficiency defense (106.9) and 19th in terms of passing yards allowed (181.1) while holding teams to 1.13 yards per attempt. The Cowboys lead the nation in sacks (4 per game) and rank #2 in tackles for loss. <Note: Texas Tech is one of the best teams nationally at avoiding negative yardage plays at 4 per game.> Teams are not having great success on the ground versus OSU, averaging only 135 yards per game (3.26 yards per carry).
Bottom line is that the numbers say that the match-up of the OSU defense against the Texas Tech offense should be fun.
