Texas Tech hasn’t won in Norman since 1996 but they will bring the conference’s most dangerous offense to town on November 22nd. Stacked with 18 returning starters (10 offense, 8 defense) expectations are as high as they’ve been in Lubbock since Mike Leach took over in 2000.

With 10 returning starters the Red Raiders return literally everyone from an offense that averaged 40.9 points and 529 yards per game last season. The chink in the armor could be Danny Amendola who graduated in `07 after posting 1,245 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. His absence could allow opposing defenses to focus solely on Heisman candidate Michael Crabtree unless Eric Harris or Edward Britton step up and produce similar numbers.

Defensively the Red Raiders appear to be better than 2007, at least on paper. When it comes to Texas Tech and defense I’ll have to believe it when I see it. Mike Leach will never be confused with a defensive minded coach but if there was ever a year in which the Red Raiders would produce a top tier defense it would be 2008. Tech loses their leading tackler from last season but return their leaders in sacks, tackles for loss and interceptions.

The Red Raiders gave up 25.9 points per game last season and allowed opponents 177 yards on the ground and 188 through the air which is an increase in every category over 2006. In their four losses last year Tech gave up 49, 41, 31 and 59 points. Apparently there is a magic formula to beating the Red Raiders which involves playing them at home and having a strong rushing attack. Both of those factors can help overcome Tech’s high powered offense and both are in Oklahoma’s corner in 2008.

We can analyze all we want but facts are facts and the Red Raiders beat Oklahoma by a touchdown last year in Lubbock. We all remember Sam Bradford going out early in the game and Tech hanging on in the second half for the victory. Hopefully Bradford will be healthy this year when they play because Tech will definitely be more experienced.

There has also been a pattern develop in this series since 2004 in which the Sooners lose by a touchdown or less on the road but win by double digits in Norman.