Oklahoma looks to stay in title picture vs. Texas Tech
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 14: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners high fives fans after the 29-24 win over the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl on October 14, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Richard W. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Texas Tech (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) at No. 10 Oklahoma (6-1, 3-1), Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN2).
Line: Oklahoma by 20.
Series record: Oklahoma leads 18-6.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Oklahoma is trying to work its way back into the College Football Playoff conversation. The Sooners want to make an impression after close calls in wins over Texas and Kansas State the past two weeks. A loss could end Oklahoma's chances of reaching the playoff or put them in big trouble in the Big 12. Texas Tech has improved significantly this season, but need a win to avoid a three-game losing streak.
KEY MATCHUP
Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield vs. Texas Tech defense. Mayfield is a first-team AP midseason All-American and leads the nation in pass efficiency after setting the FBS record last season. The former Texas Tech quarterback passed for 545 yards and seven touchdown passes in last season's 66-59 win over the Red Raiders in Lubbock. Tech's defense has improved this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Texas Tech: QB Nic Shimonek. The latest in the long line of Red Raider passers to put up massive numbers, he averages 334 yards per game and has thrown 18 touchdown passes this season.
Oklahoma: RB Rodney Anderson. The redshirt sophomore is blossoming now that he is healthy. He ran for 147 yards last week against Kansas State, including a game-winning 22-yard run. He also caught four passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley has called Anderson the team's most complete back.
FACTS & FIGURES
Last season, Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes set an FBS record with 819 yards of total offense and tied the record for passing yards with 734 against the Sooners. ... Both teams finished with 854 yards in last season's game. ... Freshman RB Trey Sermon leads Oklahoma in rushing with 487 yards. ... Oklahoma has won five straight against Tech and is 10-2 in Norman. ... Riley and Kingsbury both were quarterbacks at Texas Tech.
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More AP college football: http://collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 .