Texas Tech loses to Oklahoma State, 59-21, dropping fourth straight game to Cowboys

"The Battle for the Alamo," many deemed it.

Texas Tech and Oklahoma State knew entering Saturday's game that the winner would have the inside track toward a berth in the San Antonio-based Alamo Bowl, which pairs up teams from the Big 12 and Pac 12 Conferences. Instead, the Red Raiders only found
themselves battling to keep pace with the Cowboys in what unfolded to become a 59-21 drubbing in Stillwater, Okla.

The loss certainly was similar to the 66-6 loss Tech suffered in Lubbock last season to Oklahoma State, the final score being the most obvious indicator.

For Tech graduating seniors, Saturday's loss gives them a combined 0-8 record against Texas and Oklahoma State since joining the program.

Oklahoma State's Clint Chelf, a third-string quarterback to start the season, threw three touchdown passes to wide receiver Isaiah Anderson in the first half alone. Those strikes, however, went for lengths of 60, 33 and 66 yards. By halftime, Tech trailed
35-14 and had surrendered 333 total yards.

On defense, the Red Raiders pinpointed Oklahoma State running back Joseph Randle as the man to stop if they wanted to escape Boone Pickens Stadium with an eighth win. Randle, the Big 12's leading rusher, attracted more defenders in the box, which sprung
open holes for the Cowboys to exploit with their passing game.

Chelf completed 11 of 21 passes for 229 yards and three scores. A more glaring statistic? Chelf was not sacked once. The Red Raiders, now 7-4 (4-4 in Big 12 play), look forward to their game against Baylor at Cowboys Stadium next Saturday.

If Tech is going to get back on the winning track before bowl season begins, it will need to quickly make some fixes on the defensive side of the ball considering the potency of Baylor's offensive attack. The Bears, entering Saturday, owned the nation's
No. 2 total offense — Oklahoma State's was ranked No. 4 nationally.

By Jose Rodriguez — Special to the Star-Telegram