Entering today's game, Texas Tech had scored a touchdown on 78.1 percent (32-of-41) of its red zone trips in 2011, the best mark in the Big 12 this season.

That percentage is taking a hit. Tech has reached the red zone on two of three drives already, but has settled for field goals on both occasions.

Texas is making them pay with a productive offensive day already, even though the offense is without Jaxon Shipley and freshman back Malcolm Brown is unlikely to play extensively with turf toe.

Texas leads 17-6 in the second quarter after a Fozzy Whittaker touchdown run.

On both third-down situations, Texas Tech went with a conservative play. A third-and-goal from the 9-yard line saw a screen play blown up to end the 15-play opening drive.

Texas Tech settled on a short draw play on third-and-19.

The culprit is penalties more than anything else. The offense has backed up and put itself in a hole, but the Red Raiders made offense look easy on the way to the red zone.

Once they get there, Texas is outperforming them.

That's true on offense, too, and now Texas Tech will have to try to come from behind.