Texas Tech Beats Oklahoma State 52-27 to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

In Stillwater, Oklahoma, No. 10 Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma State 52-27 on Sunday. The victory positions the Red Raiders for a return to the Big 12 championship game and the College Football Playoff. Texas Tech started the game with a 21-0 lead, establishing dominance early against the Cowboys.

The Cowboys mounted a 17-0 scoring run before halftime. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker led the effort, throwing for 186 yards in the first half. The surge brought Oklahoma State within eight points at the break, with Texas Tech holding a 28-20 advantage. The game was played in cold and rainy conditions, adding difficulty for both offenses.

The momentum shifted decisively in the second half. Thomas Castellanos, who finished with 263 passing yards and four touchdowns, sat for most of the fourth quarter. He had thrown a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Johnson to extend the lead to 42-20. Texas Tech’s defense, ranked 136th in passing yards allowed entering the weekend, shut out Oklahoma State for the final 30 minutes.

Mestemaker threw for 277 total yards and two interceptions before leaving the game with about eight minutes remaining. He was replaced by freshman Broderick Vehrs, who led a scoring drive in the final minute. The loss effectively ends Oklahoma State’s chances of winning the Big 12 conference title.

Texas Tech improved its record to 9-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play. Oklahoma State fell to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the Big 12. The Red Raiders will travel to Baylor on Saturday, while the Cowboys go to Arizona State on the same day.