My pick: No. 17 Oklahoma at Texas Tech
The Red Raiders have been on my upset alert twice already this season, but this week, look out for the Red Raiders to do a little upsetting as a five-point underdog.
You think Texas Tech's resume is light on accomplishments? Uh, take a look at Oklahoma. Granted, the Sooners have played just three games and sat through a pair of bye weeks, but the Sooners' best win of the season is a 17-point struggle on the road at UTEP.
A pair of costly fumbles pushed Oklahoma into its first loss of the season at home against Kansas State, but Texas Tech's win over Iowa State is by far the best win of this matchup, and the Red Raiders did it on the road.
Now, Oklahoma goes on the road again. The Sooners' name carries with it a whole lot of respect, but nobody in the Big 12 outside of Texas has had more success against Oklahoma and coach Bob Stoops. Texas Tech's not afraid, and why would it be?
Tommy Tuberville took his team into Norman a year ago and beat the Sooners, ending a 39-game home winning streak and joining Les Miles as just the second coach to win a Big 12 game over Oklahoma in Norman. That sent the Red Raiders to 4-3 against Oklahoma since 2005. Impressive stuff.
Texas Tech is 4-0 so far this year, but relatively untested. Talk revenge if you want for the Sooners, but Texas Tech is still looking for a big win that has folks across the Big 12 taking it seriously as a Big 12 force. This one would do it. A win would propel Texas Tech perhaps into the top 20 and kick the Sooners out of the top 25 with a weak 2-2 record after six weeks and wins over only UTEP and Florida A&M.
There's plenty to play for on both sides, but Oklahoma's offense has been backsliding this year, and the Red Raiders' defense, currently No. 1 nationally in total defense, will be eager to prove worthy against the toughest challenge it has faced all season.
Add it up? That's a recipe for an upset.
Bonus upset alert: Iowa State over 11-point favorite TCU.
The Cyclones put up a good fight against Texas Tech, but now travel to Fort Worth to face an undefeated TCU team that's looked sloppy and is dealing with major injuries. The Cyclones are in position to spring the upset, but a suddenly open quarterback spot going against a great defense made me give the nod to Texas Tech so far. Still, keep an eye out for this one. Could be a double dose of upsets in the Big 12 this week.
David Ubben | email
College Football- ESPN.com Big 12 blogger
- Joined ESPN.com in 2010
- Wrote for The Oklahoman
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