Texas Tech Stresses Defensive Communication Before Oklahoma State
Coach Joey McGuire says the Red Raiders will focus on communication after allowing 582 yards to West Virginia in a 53-48 win.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Football
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said the Red Raiders will emphasize defensive communication before facing Oklahoma State. The focus follows a 53-48 victory over West Virginia in which Texas Tech allowed 582 yards.
Why it matters
Many of Texas Tech's defensive miscues against West Virginia were caused in part by communication lapses, including a busted coverage and a missed motion check that led to a 73-yard touchdown. Oklahoma State's high-powered offense makes those lapses especially costly.
Texas Tech allowed 582 yards and 15 big plays to West Virginia, six of them passing. Oklahoma State ranks second nationally in total offense at 533.6 yards per game and third in passing at 339.1.
The players
Joey McGuire
Texas Tech's head football coach, who emphasized defensive communication ahead of the Oklahoma State game.
Eric Morris
Oklahoma State's head football coach in his first season leading the program.
Drew Mestemaker
Oklahoma State quarterback who leads the nation in passing touchdowns with 29.
Caleb Hawkins
Oklahoma State running back ranked second nationally in all-purpose yards with 1,081 rushing yards this season.
The details
McGuire addressed reporters in Lubbock about the defensive breakdowns that surfaced in the win over West Virginia. Texas Tech now prepares to face Oklahoma State on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in Stillwater, Okla., against an offense led by Drew Mestemaker, who leads the nation with 29 passing touchdowns.
Timeline
Saturday: Texas Tech plays Oklahoma State at 8:30 p.m. in Stillwater, Okla.
Season Trajectory
Texas Tech's 53-48 shootout win over West Virginia exposed a secondary that surrendered 582 yards, a vulnerability that matters far more against Oklahoma State's top-three offense. How the Red Raiders tighten communication this week will shape their ability to contend in a conference where scoring is high.
Mestemaker's 29 passing touchdowns and Hawkins' 167.22 all-purpose yards per game make Oklahoma State a difficult matchup for any secondary. Fantasy managers tracking Red Raiders defenders should watch how Texas Tech's coverage holds up against that passing attack.
The takeaway
Clear communication on the field can close the gaps that turned a win into a 582-yard defensive struggle. Texas Tech's ability to make that adjustment this week will matter as much as any single scheme change.
What happens next
Texas Tech plays at Oklahoma State on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in Stillwater, Okla.
Further reading
Find more Texas Tech coverage in our Football section.
