WHAT TO KNOW

What’s at stake

The Cowboys look to remain unbeaten and stay in the chase, along with TCU, Baylor and possibly Oklahoma, for the Big 12 title. A win by the Red Raiders, coming off two less-than-stellar performances against Kansas and Oklahoma, would make them bowl eligible and surpass their Big 12 win total from last season.

Key matchup

Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes against the Cowboys defense. Mahomes ranks sixth in the Big 12 and 36th nationally in pass efficiency (147.2) and is second in the conference and sixth nationally in passing yards (357 yards per game). Oklahoma State’s defense is second nationally in sacks (27) and second in the Big 12 in pass defense (181 yards per game). The Cowboys lead the Big 12 in scoring defense, total defense, rush defense, red zone defense, sacks and tackles for loss.

Players to watch

Oklahoma State: Junior DE Emmanuel Ogbah, a likely first-round pick if he declares for the NFL draft next spring, leads the Big 12 and is fifth nationally with eight sacks (1.14 per game average). He also leads the conference and is 11th nationally in tackles for loss with 11.5 (1.64 per game).

Texas Tech: Senior RB DeAndre Washington ranks fourth in the Big 12 with a 105-yard per game average. He’s 163 yards shy of becoming the first Red Raider since Byron Hanspard in 1995-96 to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.

Facts & figures

The series between Texas Tech and Oklahoma State began in 1935. ... Oklahoma State has won each of the last six overall contests dating back to November 2008 when Texas Tech won 56-20. ... The Cowboys have claimed each of the last three meetings. ... Texas Tech is 9-10 vs. Oklahoma State since the Big 12 Conference was formed in 1995-96. ... During Mike Gundy’s 10-year tenure in Stillwater, Okla., the Cowboys are 8-2 against Texas Tech; before Gundy OSU was 10-19-3.

Betting line

Oklahoma State by 3