Oklahoma Sooners Football | Three Key Offensive Players Against The Texas Tech Red Raiders

Baker Mayfield

The Oklahoma Sooners hope to get out to a quick start on offense and once again, the play remains dependent upon Baker Mayfield. As it currently sits, the junior quarterback has amassed 23 touchdowns (19 passing, 4 rushing) to three interceptions. Completing 67.4% of his attempted passes, the decision making of Mayfield continues to improve on the field.

On the other side of the equation, the Texas Tech Red Raider defense allows opposing signal callers to complete 65.2% of their passes for an average of 289.7 yards per game. In a league full of high octane offenses, a defense must rely on the ability to create turnovers. Collecting roughly one interception per game, the odds fall against the Red Raiders. Look for Mayfield to have a career type day in front of a home crowd making plays with his legs as well as his arm.

Joe Mixon

Many fans have made the conscious decision to sleep on the Sooners' rushing attack. But, last Saturday may be an indication of things to come. With the questionable defense of Texas Tech up next, expect Oklahoma to build upon the most recent performance. Although he sits behind Samaje Perine on the depth chart, Joe Mixon remains the most versatile back on the roster. With the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield or lower a shoulder toward a would be tackler, the redshirt freshman can do it all. Against a Red Raider defense surrendering 263.83 yards on the ground per game, the running backs should find success.

The Offensive Line

The last time Oklahoma trotted out the offensive line in an emotionally tense game, inexperience proved fatal. Finding themselves in yet another emotionally charged match-up (due to the Baker Mayfield and Kliff Kingsbury feud), the offensive line must provide pass protection along with displaying the ability to open up running lanes. A unit that relies on a cohesiveness, Orlando Brown Jr. and the rest have enough playing time at this point of the year to make a difference. Victory will be determined by the performance in the trenches.