Recap: OU wrecks Texas Tech, 52-21

October 30, 2021
NCAA Football: Texas Tech at Oklahoma
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Crimson & Cream put together a complete performance against the Red Raiders to remain unbeaten.

On a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, the No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners throttled the Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-4, 2-4) en route to a 52-21 victory. With its 17th straight win, OU improves to 9-0 on the season and 6-0 in Big 12 play.

Caleb Williams looked like Superman once again inside the Palace on the Prairie as he masterfully picked apart Tech’s hapless defense. On the day, the freshman phenom amassed 402 passing yards and six touchdowns (OU freshman record) on 23 of 30 completions. Marvin Mims, his favorite target, hauled in a pair of TDs for 135 receiving yards on four receptions.

After both teams traded punts to open the contest, Oklahoma asserted its dominance on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the Sooners stifled Sonny Cumbie’s offense, and offensively, Lincoln Riley’s group had its way with the Red Raiders’ D. Big plays from Mims, Mario Williams and Drake Stoops helped lift OU to a commanding first half lead.

Alex Grinch’s defense had been under fire after an abysmal showing against Kansas (and in several other games this season). The recent lack of pressure up front, along with an inability to consistently get off the field on third/fourth down has put the Sooners in some closer-than-anticipated positions. Fortunately on Saturday, ‘Speed D’ responded in a big way, giving up just seven points to a team that came into this weekend averaging more than 34 points per contest.

Interceptions haven’t been easy to come by for Oklahoma this season, but against Tech, OU recorded a pair of them in plus territory. Both takeaways also led directly to Sooner scores.

The second half was more of the same as the first. OU’s defense continued to shut down Texas Tech, while Williams continued to lead the offense down the field. After Isaiah Thomas forced and recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter, Spencer Rattler connected with Brian Darby for a 49-yard bomb in the end zone. It was the former Heisman Trophy favorite’s first action since the Red River Showdown on Oct. 9.

Now, Oklahoma finally enters a bye after enduring a grueling stretch of playing through nine consecutive weeks to start the season. Up next on the schedule is a trip to Waco, where the No. 16 Baylor Bears (7-1, 4-1) await what is expected to be a matchup with Big 12 championship game implications. The contest is set for Saturday, Nov. 13. Kick-off time and broadcast details are still to be determined.

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