OU vs. Texas Tech a Scoring Fest?

NORMAN, Okla. -- When Texas Tech gets together with any opponent, it tends to be a scoring fest. But the last few years, it's been Oklahoma that's put up gaudy point totals in the games against the Red Raiders.

In their past two meetings, the Sooners have outscored Texas Tech 116-40. There could be more of the same Saturday as the teams enter the game among the nation's leaders in scoring average.

Oklahoma co-offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said he didn't expect to be playing keep-away to help stop the Red Raiders' high-powered offense.

Sooner Gameday Central: Texas Tech

``It's nice to hang onto the ball, but we need to get some points,'' Wilson said. ``Whether we score in a quick fashion or score in a slow fashion, the more we score the more difficult we are to defend.''

Unlike the Red Raiders (3-1, 1-0 Big 12), Oklahoma (3-0, 0-0) is coming off a bye week and has had extra time to prepare for the game. Stoops said the Sooners spent a day and a half last week specifically preparing for Texas Tech and the rest of the time preparing generally for their next few opponents, including Texas and Kansas State.

Despite the week off, Oklahoma is still waiting to determine whether running back Kejuan Jones will be able to start or play at all against Texas Tech after twisting his ankle against Oregon.

Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Jones had been able to practice a little and was ``coming around.''

``We'll see where it goes as the week goes on,'' Stoops said. ``He feels as though it's improving. We'll just see.''

With Jones on the sidelines against Oregon, freshman Adrian Peterson rushed for 183 yards and two touchdowns and junior Donta Hickson also scored on a 25-yard run. Stoops said Hickson would be ``doubtful'' against Texas Tech and Peterson, freshman D.J. Wolfe and redshirt freshman Tashard Choice were getting most of the carries in practice.

Stoops said the injury to Jones -- who ran for four touchdowns and caught a scoring pass in last year's game -- wouldn't affect how the Sooners prepare for Saturday.

``We'll do everything the same,'' Stoops said.

Stoops, who has beaten former assistant Mike Leach's Red Raiders each of the past four years, said stopping Leach's unique offensive philosophy would take a complete effort from Oklahoma's defense.

``It isn't just the secondary,'' Stoops said. ``They make your (linebackers) and all your underneath cover work hard as well. As much as they throw it and their precision in the way that they throw it, they do make you work.

``You have to be very disciplined in where your drops and where your coverage is and being aggressive to step in and make some plays. You've got to be able to make your fair share of plays.''

The Sooners used five interceptions to help beat Tech last season, but Oklahoma defenders have gone without a pick so far this season.

``We're still winning,'' defensive back Brandon Shelby said. ``I don't care much about stats. Our guys have done a great job and they're continuing to work hard. Hopefully, as the season continues to progress, we'll continue to get better and better.''

Shelby said the Sooners' offensive success against the Red Raiders in the past wouldn't be a factor in the defense's preparation.

``We don't want to concentrate on the offense,'' Shelby said. ``We want to go out there and do our best to dominate.''

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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