Vitals: Oklahoma State Cowboys at Texas Tech

Originally Published: Oct 15, 2010 8:7 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-0) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-2)
2:30 p.m. CST
Jones AT&T Stadium, Louisiana

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Injury Report:

Texas Tech: DE Scott Smith (suspension, out); DE Aundrey Barr (knee, doubtful); OL Beau Carpenter (appendectomy, questionable); DL Bobbie Agoucha (concussion, questionable); LB Sam Fehoko (knee, probable); S Franklin Mitchem (knee, probable); DB Will Ford (hamstring, probable).

Oklahoma State: S Victor Johnson (knee, out); WR Michael Harrison (finger, doubtful); WR Hubert Anyiam (ankle, doubtful); WR Josh Cooper (concussion, questionable); DL Shane Jarka (knee, questionable); LB Justin Gent (concussion, probable).

Where to Find It:

On TV: Fox Sports Plus
On Radio: Cowboy Radio Network

What You Need to Know?.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a hard team to figure out this season. They squeaked one out against SMU to start the season, dominated New Mexico, lost to Texas at home, gave up 52 points to Iowa State and then held off Baylor. One thing that is certain about the Red Raiders, the offensive numbers haven’t taken a dip after the loss of Mike Leach. Texas Tech is averaging 436 yards per game through five games – 333.2 coming through the air.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys have been a daunting offensive challenge for opposing teams, averaging nearly 53 points per game and 526.2 yards per contest. The running game has been a big part of the success this season. The Cowboys’ 164.2 rushing yards and nearly five yards per carry keep defenses from keying on either the run or the pass.

Who You Need to Watch?

Taylor Potts has been outstanding for the Red Raiders this season and is coming off being named AT&T ESPN Player of the Week for his 462-yard, four touchdown performance against the Baylor Bears. Baron Batch continues to be a consistent threat on the ground for Tech, rushing 17 times for 97 yards without a single rush going for negative yardage.

As chemistry between quarterback Brandon Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon increases, so does the number of passes in the direction of the sophomore receiver. Against Louisiana-Lafayette, Blackmon set two career highs with 13 receptions and 190 yards, not to mention his two touchdown grabs. Rarely a kicker is a player to watch, but Dan Bailey’s big leg has been a difference maker so far this season. Against the Ragin’ Cajuns, Bailey booted four field goals, including two 52-yarders that tied his career high.