The Texas Tech Red Raiders ramp up their competition in Week 2 when they take on the Oregon State Beavers on the road on Saturday night. Texas Tech began the season with a 33-10 win over Abilene Christian, while Oregon State fell to No. 23 Houston 33-20.
Texas Tech and Oregon State are meeting for a second-straight season, with the Red Raiders winning last season’s contest 45-14. Prior to that, the only other time these two programs have met was in 1959, when Texas Tech won 15-14. Texas Tech at Oregon State will air on CBS at 6:30 p.m. CT. Here is a full preview, prediction and pick for the Week 2 matchup.
Texas Tech vs. Oregon State Odds
- Spread: Texas Tech -26.5
- Over/Under: 53.5
- Moneyline: Texas Tech -4500/Oregon State +1700
Odds as of Tuesday afternoon. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Can Oregon State Hang with Another Big 12 Contender?
In Week 1, Oregon State was within one score of the Houston Cougars, who did not cover the spread in their 13-point victory at home. Now, the Beavers are back home, under a new head coach, and should have some confidence coming out of the Houston game. Also, give Oregon State credit, as they were down 26-6 and made it a 26-20 game, thanks to long touchdown drives and a key interception. Last year’s Jerry Rice Award winner (given to the nation’s top FCS freshman), Braden Atkinson, is now the signal caller for the Beavers, and he is facing a different level of competition with this Red Raiders defense. Also of note, Oregon State’s defense will need to step up this week, as they gave up 300 passing yards and 200 rushing yards to Houston. That just won’t get it done, and Tech can capitalize more effectively than Houston did, as the Cougars left some points on the board.
Texas Tech vs. Oregon State Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Texas Tech 38, Oregon State 20
I like Texas Tech to take care of business on the road, but I’d lean on a cover for Oregon State, who showed me more than I expected on the road against Houston. Ultimately, the running back trio of Williams-Dickey-Joyner will be too much to handle for the Beavers. The weaknesses and biggest questions for Oregon State are on both the offensive and defensive lines. That plays right into the hands of Texas Tech, who has made it a priority to find and develop great talent and depth on the offensive and defensive lines. That’s where this game will be most noticeable, and especially as it progresses. However, I think Oregon State covers, as the Red Raiders just look to get out of Oregon State with a win, and not show too much ahead of next Friday’s huge match up against Houston.
More Big 12 Week 2 Predictions and Previews
Arizona State vs. Texas A&M Week 2 Prediction and Preview
Utah vs. Arkansas Week 2 Prediction and Preview
Oklahoma State vs. Oregon Week 2 Prediction and Preview
