GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Oklahoma’s run game vs. Texas Tech’s front seven. The Red Raiders’ defense is much improved this season and their run defense is a big reason why. Opponents are averaging 140.4 yards per game on the ground against Texas Tech. On the other side, Oklahoma is averaging 237.3 yards per game and relying more and more on its ground attack as the Sooners’ offensive line has come together and backs Trey Sermon and Kennedy Brooks — as well as quarterback Kyler Murray — have taken off in the ground game.
DRAFT SLANT
–WR Marquise Brown had just two catches for 22 yards against Kansas State — his lowest production since early last season. Brown briefly left the game against TCU the week before with a leg injury and even after he returned was limited physically. Still, Brown has 40 catches for 738 yards and seven touchdowns this season and continues to be projected as a potential first-round pick.
ROSTER REPORT:
–DB Brendan Radley-Hiles was injured on a hit against Kansas State and did not return. Lincoln Riley said he didn’t anticipate Radley-Hiles being out long term, though his status is up in the air for Texas Tech.
–RB Trey Sermon returned against Kansas State after being knocked out of the previous game with a knee injury.
–C Jonathan Alvarez, the backup behind Creed Humphrey, has missed the last three games due to an unspecified injury.
============
