No. 13 Texas Tech is heading into a major road test against a hungry Oregon State squad in Corvallis this Saturday, and if you think it’s gonna be a cruise like Week 1, you’re not paying attention. The Red Raiders blew past Abilene Christian 33-10, with quarterback Will Hammond putting up 298 yards. That’s a nice start, but Oregon State just flashed some serious firepower under new coach JaMarcus Shepherd, and they are bringing it.
Atkinson and Legree Are a Problem for Tech
Oregon State’s transfer quarterback Braden Atkinson looks like a star in the making. This sophomore absolutely went off in his Beavers debut, throwing for 376 yards and a touchdown against a “strong Houston defense.” Remember, he was averaging 327 passing yards per game for Mercer last season, which even got his old coach Mike Jacobs the Toledo job. Now he’s ready to take Corvallis by storm, and Tech’s defense needs to be ready. He found freshman Jesse Legree for five catches, 136 yards, and a touchdown. That’s a combo that can hurt you, especially if you’re sleeping on them. The Beavers might have fallen short, 33-20, against Houston, but that game was tight, within a score late into the fourth quarter. They are legit.
Hammond’s Big Test and Tech’s Defensive Woes
Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond is facing his first road test as the full-time starter, and this isn’t ACU. He looked good in Week 1, completing his first 14 passes and throwing for 298 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown to Malcolm Simmons. The Red Raiders say his growth is on track, especially considering he’s still working back from a torn ACL. But here’s the kicker: that “highly-touted” Texas Tech defense? Yeah, they didn’t exactly have a stellar showing in the opener. Abilene Christian runs an Air Raid offense, but only edge rusher Jamond Mathis managed a full sack. Worse, they let ACU running back Alex Broome rip them for 5.2 yards per carry. That’s a massive red flag. There’s a ton to clean up before they face Atkinson and the Beavers.
When these two teams played last year, Texas Tech annihilated Oregon State 45-14. Coy Eakin, J’Koby Williams, and Terrance Carter Jr. all had 100-yard, touchdown performances, and they’re all back. So the Red Raiders have offensive weapons ready to go. But this is a different Oregon State, and that defense needs to step up big time.
This game kicks off Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Reser Stadium in Corvallis. Texas Tech definitely needed that tune-up game to get ready, but they better come out motivated on the road. That defensive line has to cause issues for Braden Atkinson, or this could be a long night for the Red Raiders.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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