Predictions: Red Raiders' skid continues against Sooners

Texas Tech's offense looked pedestrian last week against West Virginia. Part of that, to be sure, was due to Pat Mahomes' off day. But I also think the absence of Dylan Cantrell and Derrick Willies played a huge factor as well. Without either of those two players in the lineup, Texas Tech's offense is made up of an all-star quarterback, an up-and-down offensive line, several really good slot receivers, unreliable options on the outside and a completely ineffective running game.

This team as presently constructed probably needs to score in the 40s to win against most Big 12 teams, and I don't know if the offense is up to that task today without Willies or Cantrell.

The Sooners are going to be down tailback Samaje Perine and defensive end Charles Walker, undoubtedly two of the best players on both sides of the ball for Oklahoma.

However, OU won't be lacking talent in the backfield or on the defensive line as a result.

While I feel that Pat Mahomes and the offense will have a bounce back day against the Sooners, I just don't think this Red Raider defense can slow down the OU run game or downfield passing game enough to hold Mayfield and the offense in check.

I think the team plays better overall against the Sooners on Saturday night, but the offense stalls again and the run game is not effective. The defense will keep things close and force two turnovers at home. In the end, Joe Mixon does a little bit of everything and the Red Raiders cannot stop the rushing attack from Oklahoma.

There are two scenarios for Baker Mayfield coming to town this weekend. He will either feed off the emotion of the crowd, the boos, and the hostile environment and put in a big performance, or he will revert back to the fumble-prone signal caller that we saw during his one season in Lubbock.

I think it will be the latter as Tech will force three turnovers from Mayfield on Saturday. After their best practice ever this week, the team will be focused and ready to prove the doubters wrong.

Tech wins a wild one.