By Wendell Barnhouse
Big12Sports.com Correspondent
Two teams that went 2-1 in nonconference play and each made significant in-season changes face off to open Big 12 Conference play.
Texas Tech will have a new defensive coordinator when it takes on Oklahoma State Thursday night (6:30 p.m., ESPN) in Stillwater. The Cowboys have had to change quarterbacks because of an injury.
After the Red Raiders were gashed for 438 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on Sept. 13, defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt announced he was resigning for what was termed as “personal reasons.” He has been replaced by 33-year-old Mike Smith, who becomes Texas Tech’s sixth defensive coordinator in the last six seasons.
“He brings a lot of energy,” Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “He’s very positive, good with the players. Things won’t change a lot schematically, or personnel. But every guy is going to have their different way of doing things.
Of 125 teams in the FBS, Tech ranks 92nd in total defense and 123rd against the run. The Red Raiders are allowing 298 yards per game rushing and last season in Lubbock gave up 281 yards on the ground to the Cowboys.
“I mean, he’s been making a few changes, just by the way we line up,” linebacker Sam Eguavoen told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. “It’s really just us as players. We’ve got to tackle. We’ve got to fit gaps. With a new defensive coordinator, I hope the players don’t feel like it wasn’t our fault for any of these losses. It was a hundred percent our fault, but we’re going to change that.”
Oklahoma State junior quarterback Daxx Garman will be making the second start of his career. He played for the first time since 2009.
“I think (Garman) gets a better feel for our offense every day being out there with the first team,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said.
Garman has a stronger arm than J.W. Walsh, who was sidelined with an injury in the second game. Garman has completed 14 passes longer than 15 yards in his two games.
"We see a few more deep balls. Daxx has a really good arm," Peterson said. "He really makes plays downfield to guys like Jhajuan Seales, Marcell Ateman and guys like that. He can make more of those throws and that really helps our offense. We've been a run and gun type of offense."
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
Need to know: 6:30 p.m., Boone Pickens Stadium, ESPN.
Records: Texas Tech 2-1, Oklahoma State 2-1.
Scouting Texas Tech: The Red Raiders are coming off a 21-point loss at home to Arkansas and their defense needs to show vast improvement. Texas Tech cut down on mistakes in their last game but have still lost the turnover battle in their last 11 games. Sophomore quarterback Davis Webb has been inconsistent and his four interceptions are the most for a Big 12 QB.
Scouting Oklahoma State: The Cowboys’ offense has yet to fire on all cylinders. The running game in particular has not been what Oklahoma State fans are accustomed to seeing. The defense has been solid, particularly when limiting opponents on third down chances (24.4 percent). Oklahoma State’s Tyreek Hill is the only player in the Big 12 listed in the top 10 for kickoff and punt returns.
This and that: Texas Tech’s last victory in Stillwater was in 2001. The Red Raiders’ quarterback in that game? Kliff Kingsbury, who threw for four TDs in a 49-30 victory. … Oklahoma State has won the last five games in the series and has averaged 59 points in the last three meetings. … Through three games, 10 Cowboys receivers have at least one catch of 15 yards or longer.