Five Things Oklahoma State Learned From Its Blowout Loss to Texas Tech

A season-defining defeat

The loss left Oklahoma State unable to reach the Big 12 Championship game, even with the slim chance described before the matchup. Texas Tech improved to 9-1 overall and 6-1 in the conference, and appeared positioned to defend its Big 12 title.

The 52-27 result highlighted the distance between the teams. For the Cowboys, the game offered lessons about both individual performance and recurring problems that have not been resolved.

Mestemaker’s passing test

Quarterback Drew Mestemaker showed NFL scouts a notable strength with a back-shoulder fade to running back Ayo Adeyi in the first half. The reporter counted representatives from 12 NFL teams at Boone Pickens Stadium, including teams that may seek a quarterback in April’s draft.

Mestemaker also threw two interceptions on intermediate routes, with underneath defenders in position to make the plays. The first came shortly after a shoulder stinger, but the account notes that the linebacker was beneath the intended receiver regardless of Mestemaker’s physical condition.

Head coach Eric Morris said Mestemaker needed more patience on the interceptions. The concern is a recurring tendency to miss linebackers and safeties underneath, rather than the interceptions alone; the report describes Mestemaker as an above-average but still developing college quarterback.

Kickoff coverage breaks down

Texas Tech’s Malcolm Simmons returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. The play echoed a kickoff return Oklahoma State allowed to Kansas State the previous week, though a penalty brought that return back.

The account says Joseph Kim did not catch all of the kick and was kicking into a stronger wind than the forecast suggested. Simmons moved left, found help from a wall of Red Raiders and reached the edge of the coverage.

Morris said outside-edge coverage had been a problem throughout the season. The report says Arizona State has two weeks of film and could try the same approach in the Cowboys’ next game.