​STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA – NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Drew Mestemaker #17 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys is flushed out of the pocket by defensive lineman A.J. Holmes Jr. #10 and outside linebacker Adam Trick #20 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 14, 2026 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Texas Tech leads 28-20 at the half. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, Okla. — It’s beginning to feel — and look — like the postseason. At least for Texas Tech. On Saturday, in a 52-27 win against Oklahoma State at Boone Pickens Stadium, the Red Raiders (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) further confirmed that they’re one of the conference’s most serious contenders. They continued their stretch of strong offensive play, shut down the Cowboys’ (6-4, 4-3) high-powered attack and are in the driver’s seat for a league championship bid. Here are five thoughts from the win.Tech’s championship dreams are alive and wellThe Red Raiders remain in control of their Big 12 championship destiny. They trail only No. 2 Utah (9-0, 6-0 Big 12) within the league and are guaranteed a trip to Arlington’s AT&T Stadium if they win out. Their College Football Playoff ranking (currently No. 12) could potentially climb at least one spot after No. 11 Kentucky’s loss to Florida on Saturday evening.On top of that, after one night as slight underdogs against Oklahoma State, they should be favored to win their last two. They play Baylor (which already fired its head coach) and TCU (whose fanbase has called for its head coach to face a similar fate) to finish the regular season. The moment Tech won the gameWould you believe that it happened early in the third quarter? That’s what seismic momentum swings do.The Cowboys, down by eight points, went for it on fourth-and-1 at midfield on their first drive of the third quarter. But Tech’s defensive front, led by linebacker Austin Romaine, stuffed backup running back Ay Adeyi for a 1-yard loss and forced a turnover on downs. The Red Raiders took a two-score lead on the very next play when quarterback Thomas Castellanos connected with wide receiver Malcolm Simmons for a 45-yard touchdown and a 35-20 lead. Simmons’ touchdown kick-started a 14-0 run that closed out the game. Castellanos found wide receiver Kenny Johnson down the sideline for a 30-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter to give Tech a definitive 42-20 lead. Tech’s hot startThe Red Raiders touched the football three times in the game’s first two and a half minutes. That’s nearly as many scores as they led by after those touches. Simmons returned the game’s opening kickoff for a 97-yard touchdown and an immediate lead. On their next possession, after they forced an Oklahoma State three-and-out and punt, the Red Raiders scored again on only two plays. The first was a 36-yard pass from Castellanos to Johnson. The second was a 34-yard touchdown run from running ba