Instant Reaction: Turnovers Prove Costly in Loss to Texas Tech

The Cowboy struggled from start to finish in the loss to Texas Tech

For the first time since 2008, Oklahoma State has lost in Lubbock, 45-35 and the Pokes struggled in just about every aspect of the game. This was also the first time Texas Tech has won a game at home against a ranked opponent since 2013.

Turnovers: Turnovers were an absolute killer for Oklahoma State. Quarterback Spencer Sanders finished the game with two fumbles and three interceptions. All but two of the Texas Tech drives following the turnovers resulted in scores, the second coming with just over a minute to go in the game as Tech would go on to just run the clock out.

But something that went hand in hand in both fumbles was offensive line play for the Pokes. Texas Tech had 14 tackles for a loss with seven sacks. They also had four quarterback hurries.

Rushing game: Oklahoma State entered this game averaging 291.00 yards, but Texas Tech held the Pokes to just over 200-yards, 219 to be exact. I'll admit, that's a decent amount of yards, but with how the Pokes have been running the ball all season long, they had many opportunities to put up much more.

The Tech defense played quite well today, but the offensive line struggled at times trying to create holes for Hubbard. A majority of the Tech tackles for loss and sacks came from Tech easily shedding blocks.

The Defense: A week after recording what was one of the best defensive performance against Kansas State, the Cowboy defense had a tough time containing a Jett Duffey led offense.

Tech combined for 586 yards of total offense, 424 through the air and 162 on the ground. Tech entered the game averaging 460 yards a game. Back up quarterback Jett Duffey had himself a career day as he went 26 of 44 for 424 yards and four touchdowns.

It also seemed like the Poke defense was more concerned with trying to strip the ball throughout the game instead of completing tackles. I certainly understand trying to create turnovers; They make up for the earlier offensive turnovers and turn the tide in favor of the Pokes.

One great moment, however, came with true freshman Trace Ford blasted through the offensive line, ignored the fake handoff to pick up a turnover on downs sack on Duffey.

Penalties: Penalties were also an issue for the Pokes. No, they didn't have a ton of penalties, but the five penalties for 56 yards came at really inopportune moments that hurt the Pokes.

Spencer Sanders: Yes, Spencer Sanders had a bad game. In fact, I'm not sure that he's ever had a game he was turned the ball over five times. While it's not ideal, something to remember is that he's a redshirt freshman in only his sixth game as a college quarterback.

He has two weeks to learn from his mistakes, apply that to him game and get onto Baylor.

There were some good things that occurred though. Chuba Hubbard recorded 156 yards and three scores on 34 carries and while the 34 carries is not ideal, the Pokes are entering an open week.

After he struggled with his first two punts, one for 24-yards and one for 18-yards, Tom Hutton really started to shine. He had seven punts for 248 yards, a long of 55-yards and he averaged 35.4 yards per punt.

Another great moment was redshirt senior Jordan McCray recorded his first touchdown in the orange and black. It came early in the third quarter on a 73-yard pass from Spencer Sanders, but McCray had some fancy footwork to fool two defenders, the same one twice to get into the end zone.

As I mentioned above, Oklahoma State will be on a bye this week and it couldn't have come at a better time. This will give the coaching staff a few weeks to work out the kinks, give the guys a much needed break and hopefully allow them to prepare for an undefeated, unranked Baylor team on Oct. 19.