Texas Tech‘s physicality has clearly caught the attention of Oregon State head coach Jamarcus Shepard ahead of this week’s matchup.
While discussing the Red Raiders, Shepard offered one of the more memorable quotes of the young college football season.
“They understand their scheme really well and that to me is what really truly stands out and they’re violent players. I’ve seen on film those guys hit people more violently than I’ve seen in a while. It’s reminiscent of how I feel like our players should play when they get a chance to hit someone violently.”
That’s high praise from an opposing coach, especially considering Shepard wasn’t simply complimenting Texas Tech’s talent. Instead, he pointed to the combination of discipline and physicality that has shown up on film.
The first thing that stood out to Shepard was Texas Tech’s understanding of its schemes. Coaches often stress that execution matters as much as talent, and the Red Raiders have apparently impressed in that area. According to Shepard, players consistently know where they’re supposed to be and play with confidence within the system.
But it was the physical style of play that really grabbed his attention.
The word “violent” isn’t one coaches casually throw around. Shepard used it multiple times when describing Texas Tech, making it clear he believes the Red Raiders are one of the most aggressive and physical teams his staff has studied recently.
In fact, Shepard took the compliment a step further by saying Texas Tech plays the game the way he wants his own team to play. That’s about as strong an endorsement as an opponent can receive.
Oregon State played a tough game on Saturday against Houston, keeping it a one-score game until later in the fourth quarter. But it seems like they’re in for a tougher test this weekend against Texas Tech. However, at least the game is home for the Beavers, who are trying to right the ship in Year 1 under Shepard after going 2-10 in 2025.
Tech’s defense was one of the best in college football last season, and while the 2026 unit only has one game under its belt, they held Abilene Christian to 2.6 yards per carry and 119 total yards on Saturday night in Lubbock.
Texas Tech at Oregon State kicks off at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday night.
